Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Earns IRIS Healthcare Air Quality Seal of Recognition March 3, 2026 Keeping patients safe from contagions has long been a priority for Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center’s infection prevention and operating room staff. One method has been installing air purification units in several operating rooms to support that goal. Those efforts have not gone unnoticed. Good Sam recently became the first hospital in Oregon to earn the IRIS Healthcare Air Quality Seal of Recognition from the nonprofit International Respiratory Infection Society. A key reason for the award is a sharp drop in infection rates, thanks in part to a device no larger than a U.S. Postal Service collection box. The machine runs around the clock, scrubbing the air of bacteria, spores, viruses and other contaminants. “We brought on these units in order to take a multimodal approach to mitigating our infections and potential infections related to surgery,” said Michelle Mitchell, director of Perioperative Services. “We wanted to not only look at the human factors and the antimicrobial and pharmaceutical factors but also the environmental factors. Illuvia was the only one that allowed us to take a deep dive on our potential environmental contributing factors.” This ability to analyze airborne particles was a major reason Good Sam selected this particular system. The unit identifies the particles it removes and provides detailed reports to the management team. Based on those findings, the hospital has made changes to improve safety in its surgical suites. “By keeping entries and exits to a minimum, we’ve been able to maintain steadier temperature and humidity levels in the room. That has made the operating environment healthier and safer for the patient,” Mitchell said. “We review reports each month to ensure the best possible environment for our patients, staff and all the health care providers who work in close proximity to air pathogens.” Since adopting the technology, the operating rooms have seen a significant reduction in four of seven surgical site infection categories, underscoring the impact of improved air quality on patient outcomes. From left: Good Sam’s Jamie Ocean, Erik Jacobsen, Michelle Mitchell, Heather Bowles and Sheri Phillips, show one of the hospital’s air purification units. “This Seal of Recognition is a testament to the commitment of our entire surgical team, ”Mitchell said. “From adopting new best practices to integrating 24/7 Illuvia air purification, everyone has played a role in elevating the safety and quality of our operating rooms.” The International Respiratory Infection Society is a global network of clinicians, researchers and thought leaders focused on advancing education, prevention and collaboration around respiratory and infectious diseases. Founded by infectious disease and pulmonary specialists, IRIS expanded its mission during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the broader role of air quality in health care safety. The IRIS Healthcare Air Quality Seal of Recognition program helps hospitals improve air quality through education, evidence-based evaluation and measurable performance standards. Facilities complete a two-step process that includes an online pre-assessment and an on-site audit by credentialed professionals. Hospitals must renew the recognition annually. “The IRIS Seal of Recognition is meaningful to me because it affirms our team’s commitment to maintaining exceptional air quality in our operating rooms, going beyond established national standards to protect both our patients and our staff,” said Sheri Phillips, Infection Prevention program manager. “Our use of Illuvia technology has shown documented reductions in airborne particulate levels, strengthening both surgical safety and environmental quality.”
