In March 2009, APIC conducted an online poll of members to determine the effects of the economic decline on infection prevention departments. The APIC survey showed that many hospitals have experienced layoffs, hiring freezes and budget cuts for education, training, technology and new products. These cuts have impaired their infection prevention programs. Apic concludes that without adequate funding for appropriately trained and staffed infection prevention departments, progress in eliminating healthcare-associated infections could stall. APIC plans to use the survey results to drive awareness of the need for resources for infection prevention programs.