From Awareness to Action: A Dialogue about Health Equity in Practice

Session Description: In this interactive, dialogue-driven session, presenters and participants will collaborate to build a shared understanding of health equity within the context of infection prevention and control. Together, they will examine how social determinants of health shape infection risk, outcomes, and prevention strategies, using real-world examples and evidence-based frameworks. Participants will engage in live discussion to identify the information, data, and tools infection preventionists need to effectively integrate these factors into practice.

Krystal Robinson

Associate Vice President, Health Equity and Infection Prevention, HonorHealth

I currently have over 15 years of experience in infection prevention and control. She currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Infection Prevention and Health Equity at HonorHealth, where she leads initiatives to promote patient safety and address health disparities. My early career was focused on health disparities and public health. I have led prevention and control programs in a multitude of capacities: Acute care, long-term acute care, adult and child care centers, and in the television production industry. Throughout her career, Krystal has been deeply committed to public health, with experience spanning health disparities research, healthcare organizations, and support for public education systems. She co-chairs the Health Equity Committee for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Additionally, she serves on the board of Elaine SDOH Transportation, an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) through transportation services.

Nicole Henry

Infection Preventionist, NYC H+H - Bellevue

Miss Henry is a dedicated Infection Preventionist with NYC Health + Hospitals, bringing extensive experience in public health and infectious disease prevention. She previously served as a Public Health Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contributing to COVID-19 response efforts and other infectious disease initiatives. As a published author and dynamic speaker, she has presented at both national and international infection prevention conferences, sharing expertise on innovative strategies to reduce healthcare-associated infections and improve patient safety. As an active member of the APIC Greater New York Chapter and the National APIC Health Equity Committee, Miss Henry is passionate about advancing equitable infection prevention practices and positively contributing to the infection prevention community. When not immersed in the world of epidemiology and healthcare quality improvement, she enjoys exploring diverse cuisines and traveling to experience global cultures. Miss Henry strives to make infection prevention both impactful and engaging.

Lerenza Howard

Manager of Infection Prevention and Quality Improvement, La Rabida Children’s Hospital

Dr. Lerenza L. Howard, DHSc, MHA, CIC, LSSGB, is the Manager of Infection Prevention and Quality Improvement at La Rabida Children's Hospital, where she also oversees Employee Health. A Board-Certified Infection Control professional with 10+ years of healthcare experience, her work sits at the intersection of clinical expertise, systems thinking, and data-driven strategy. Formerly System Infection Control Manager at Sinai Chicago, she has driven measurable outcomes across complex, multi-site environments. Notable achievements include founding a World Hand Hygiene Day initiative that educated 600+ healthcare workers and community members, driving environmental compliance to >90% at Advocate Christ Medical Center, and earning the prestigious 2023 APIC Emerging Leader Award. Dr. Howard obtained a Doctorate in Health Science at the University of Indianapolis, she brings Lean Six Sigma, FMEA, and continuous improvement principles to every challenge. She also volunteers with Girl Scouts, mentoring the next generation of science and healthcare leaders.