Alicia Cole

Alicia Cole, a survivor of severe hospital-acquired infections, has channeled her experiences into advocacy for patient safety. Her journey in patient advocacy began in 2006 when a black dot above her surgical incision — noticed by her mother following a routine fibroid removal surgery — signaled the onset of necrotizing fasciitis. This marked the beginning of a grueling two-month battle to survive hospital-acquired MRSA, VRE, sepsis, and pseudomonas, which included a month-long stay in the ICU, six additional surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. In 2008, Cole and her parents co-founded the Alliance for Safety Awareness for Patients (ASAP), an organization dedicated to education and awareness. Her advocacy efforts culminated in the passing of California Senate Bill 158, which mandated hospitals to maintain sanitary environments and publicly report infection rates.

Cole's contributions extend to national platforms, including collaborations with the Consumers Union Safe Patient Project, lobbying on Capitol Hill, and presenting at the CMS QualityNet Conference. She was part of the inaugural class of patient advocates at the IHI National Quality Forum. Additionally, she has served on various state and national advisory groups, including the state HAI Advisory Committee, the Education and Public Reporting Subcommittee, the State of Wyoming HAI Advisory Group, and as Chair of the Engagement Committee.

Her continuous educational pursuits include a graduate certificate in Healthcare Management & Leadership from UCLA, where she played a pivotal role in developing the institution's Patient Advocate Program. Cole's efforts in the field of patient safety have been recognized by President Barack Obama, and she served as a Voting Member on the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) from 2015 until February 2020. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation and the Environmental Services Optimization Playbook Project (ESOP) Advisory Council. Cole is a member of the Patient Safety Action Network (PSAN) and the Society for Participatory Medicine, and she was listed among the “Nation’s Best-Practices in Patient and Family Engagement” by the Caregiver Action Network. Her story and advocacy work have garnered national attention, with features on ABC’s "20/20," "The Doctors," "The Dr. Nandi Show," and in publications such as USA Today, HEALTH Magazine, and Consumer Reports.