Since the pandemic, health care providers have been searching and finding more ways to protect their residents and staff. Recently, the Elms in Macomb, used a portion of their ARPA funds to purchase 12 in-room, air filtration systems. Since HEPA filtration can have limited ability in stopping the smallest of viral pathogens, the Elms has decided to turn to the added efficacy of UV-C germ-killing technology. Scientific Air Management goes way beyond HEPA filtration alone, the powerful patented UV-C technology disinfects large volumes of fast-moving air by killing these microscopic germs with as much as a verified 99.9995% efficacy rating. These portable units can be placed in a contagious or infected patient's room to scrub the room's air and by doing so, eliminate the spread of airborne pathogens to staff or other patients. These units are just one more layer of protection the Elms is providing. In addition, they are purchasing 12 to 15 PAPR Units. PAPR units are enclosed helmets with face shields that staff wear when treating anyone with a contagious disease. These PAPR units are replacing the original ones that incase the entire head, making it hard to hear and also required users to wear a battery pack on their backs. The new units are cut around the ear and have batteries built into the helmets. The Elms also participates in the Vaccination Program. Jessica Burton, RN, is the Elm's Infection Preventionist . She is responsible for every patient's vaccination. She keeps track of what vaccinations each patient has received and which they need if they choose. Nursing management tests patients and staff when indicated. Currently, staff and patients are being tested twice per week due to recent COVID cases from staff members. All this protection plus the ability to quarantine an entire wing, if needed, which the Elms building is well designed to do.   " When COVID first happened, public health's life safety standards were waived and allowed us to build barriers, we had two barriers and a door blocking off the hallway where we housed the infected patients, which has since been lifted so we needed to find new ways to protect everyone. Negative pressure rooms were an option, but extremely costly and didn't blend itself to work in our environment very well." stated Tim Bledsoe , Elms Administrator. "The Elms is using the ARPA funds made available by the federal government for the two purposes it was designed, to keep everyone safe, by adding the necessary staff and personal protection equipment.".