A Nod to Nurses on Sterile Packaging Day

Since its inaugural event in 2021, the Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council (SPMC) has marked industry’s ongoing commitment to patient safety with a sterile packaging day celebration. This year’s event takes place on February 7 at IME West in Anaheim, CA, as well as online via LinkedIn.

The celebration, titled “Opening Possibilities,” shines a light on the nurses and clinicians who work tirelessly to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients with illnesses. These end-users of sterile pouches and packages containing medical devices and equipment ensure that the items remain sterile until point-of-contact, protecting patients and saving lives.

Alison Tyler, adjunct faculty, advisory board member, Rochester Institute of Technology, shared what this year’s theme means to her:

“As a 20-year educator in medical device packaging, I believe opening possibilities perfectly describes the magic that happens when students learn about medical devices and the incredible importance packaging has in keeping patients safe. Every year I watch students light up with excitement when they have hands-on experiences with sterile packaging and know that the package is literally one of the most critical parts of the device.”

While this year’s theme honors frontline workers, last year’s event singled out those who work behind the scenes — medical packaging engineers — with a celebration titled “Designed to Protect.” And in 2022, SPMC paid tribute to all stakeholders that work together to ensure the sterility of drugs and medical devices during its celebratory event themed “Better Together.”

Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council (SPMC)

SPMC teams up with Red Cross.

Sterile Packaging Day 2024 will center on the Informa + SPMC Blood Drive at the Anaheim Convention Center. SPMC’s goal is to fill all available donation slots on February 7.

“We’re honored to once again team up with the American Red Cross for the blood drive,” says Kathleen Daly Mascolo, marketing committee chairman, SPMC. “Sterile packaging allows us to safely donate the gift of life, and the Red Cross makes it possible to collect and distribute this gift to those who need it most.”

SPMC has launched a toolkit web page with Sterile Packaging Day 2024 details and tips on how to celebrate. Everyone is encouraged to use the free downloadable graphics and resources to recognize the industry’s commitment to patient safety, peace of mind, and supply chain strength.