Posted: Saturday, July 30, 2011 --- 2:18p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin state health officials say a voluntary program has reduced the number of infections in hospitals.

The state Department of Health Services says those participating in the program saw a 26 percent drop in central line-associated bloodstream infections in 2010.

A central line is a tube placed in a large vein of a patient's neck or chest to provide medical treatments. If not inserted correctly or kept clean, sometimes deadly bloodstream infections can occur.

State Health Officer Dr. Henry Anderson says the results are encouraging and means patients are safer.

The project began in September 2009 and now 60 hospitals are involved.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)