Observing Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 9-15
March 11, 2025Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 9-15 and a reminder of the critical role patient safety plays in health care and the continuous efforts needed to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care. This week, our staff are reflecting on the importance of safe practices, celebrating progress and highlighting areas still in need of improvement.
Patient safety matters
Patient safety is at the core of every interaction at the Alaska Native Medical Center including travel, outpatient care, diagnosis, facility upkeep, environment, supportive services, treatment and follow-up care. Ensuring safety not only helps prevent adverse outcomes but also fosters trust, enhances patient experiences, and helps us achieve our vision that Alaska Native people are the healthiest people in the world. Each effort to reduce harm makes a significant difference in patient care.
Importance of Patient Safety Awareness Week
Patient Safety Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness, spark conversations, and strengthen a collective commitment to the safety of those we care for. It’s a time to reflect on the progress made and recognize the need for ongoing education, collaboration, and innovation in safety practices. This week is a call to action for everyone involved in health care—from clinicians to administrators, support staff, patients, and their families—to be proactive in identifying safety concerns and implementing solutions.
This Year’s Theme: “Moving the Needle”
The Center for Patient Safety (CPS) set this year’s theme, “Moving the Needle.” This emphasizes the ongoing progress required to make substantial improvements in patient safety. “Moving the Needle” calls on ANTHC staff to not just talk about safety but actively work to shift the needle in meaningful ways—whether through refining processes, adopting new technologies, or prioritizing continuous learning and improvement. It’s a reminder that every small change counts in advancing toward a safer health care system.