SHELTON, WA – Mason Health has been recognized by the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) with the 2025 Top Performer Award for outstanding achievements in reducing the risk of blood‑borne pathogen exposure across the organization. This prestigious statewide honor reflects Mason Health’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of both patients and staff through evidence‑based practices, rigorous prevention strategies, and a culture of continual improvement.

The award specifically highlights Mason Health’s system‑wide efforts to decrease staff exposure to infectious materials through enhanced safety protocols, targeted education, and ongoing data monitoring. Leading this work is Melissa McClaran, Program Manager of Infection Prevention, Employee Health & Safety, whose cross‑departmental collaboration has helped drive significant, measurable improvements.

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the dedication of every staff member who takes safety seriously,” McClaran said. “Working at a hospital, our employees are more at risk of a blood-borne pathogen exposure than the average person. Not everyone has the same risk — our nurses, lab workers and EVS workforce are particularly at risk. We want to protect them as much as possible.”

Under McClaran’s leadership, Mason Health implemented a comprehensive set of initiatives that contributed to the award recognition, including:

• Strengthening compliance with device safety and sharps‑handling protocols
• Expanding hands‑on training sessions for clinical and non‑clinical staff
• Increasing real‑time reporting and follow‑up of exposure risks
• Conducting frequent environmental safety rounds
• Establishing and building awareness around Mason Health’s bloodborne pathogen policy, exposure controls and exposure control plan.

These efforts collectively help lower staff exposure rates and reinforce a culture that prioritizes safety and accountability.

“I wanted our workforce members to know what to do immediately if they experience a needle-stick injury,” McClaran reflected. “Going through a 30-page policy after an injury can be stressful. We have simplified the reporting process and also streamlined the consent process for patients. This will all lead to improved safety outcomes.”

Mason Health CEO Eric Moll praised the Infection Prevention and Employee Health & Safety team for their ongoing leadership and dedication.

“This award honors the work that happens every day, often behind the scenes,” Moll said. “Melissa exemplifies our mission by ensuring that safety remains at the center of everything we do. We are proud of this achievement and grateful for the committed professionals who made it possible.”

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Lori Brady, Secretary, and Pamela Schlauderaff, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award and the 2025 Emerald Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.

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