- “Healthy Schools, Healthy People” Program Provides Free Resources to Help Keep the School Community Healthy and Safe
- Toolkit Available Online at Cleaninginstitute.org/SchoolHealth
As school systems across the country assess reopening plans, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) unveiled a new toolkit of concise information on proper hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting protocols to help keep the school community healthy and safe.
The online materials are available through the Healthy Schools, Healthy People program, a collaboration of ACI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dedicated to supporting school systems nationwide with tools to help reinforce hand hygiene and cleaning practices in an effort to prevent the spread of infectious disease and reduce related absenteeism.
Seventy-eight percent of respondents said they washed their hands with soap and water more frequently, while 46 percent were using hand sanitizers more often.
“In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, it’s an important time to re-emphasize proper handwashing habits, including washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” said Melissa Hockstad, ACI President & CEO.
The toolkit is available at cleaninginstitute.org/SchoolHealth.
“For education to continue to thrive, everyone, including faculty, parents, and students need to feel supported and confident in the health and safety of their school community,” said Melissa Hockstad, President & CEO of the American Cleaning Institute. “In particular, we want to assist school nurses in their daily efforts to share important information on hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting practices that are a critical part of ensuring health and safety.”
The ACI toolkit includes resources such as a faculty classroom cleaning checklist; a school poster on proper handwashing habits; and a handout for parents/guardians for a safe after-school routine – all aimed to provide guidance on proper protocols in shared spaces and reinforcement of the school’s dedication to cleanliness and health.
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.