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MRSA Survivors Network to Roll Out International MRSA Testing Week Awareness CampaignDec 02, 2011 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- MRSA Survivors Network, a patient and consumer advocate organization is launching its new global awareness campaign International MRSA Testing Week, April 1-7, an annual designated observance to raise awareness for active detection (screening) for MRSA to surgical and high risk patients before admission to a healthcare facility. The global awareness week also draws attention for the urgent need for healthcare and community facilities to test frequently touched surfaces for MRSA and other pathogens and to effectively clean and decontaminate the environment, according to the group. MRSA can live on surfaces for weeks, is spread by contact and a simple nasal swab can save lives. "MRSA, healthcare-acquired infections (HAI's) and antimicrobial resistance must become a top political priority worldwide," states Jeanine Thomas. "In the United States many MRSA victims are becoming permanently disabled, bankrupt and homeless; it is so tragic because it is preventable." More than 200 studies support the need for active detection and isolation (ADI) to control MRSA along with decolonizing MRSA positive patients. Why does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still not strongly recommend this approach in their HICPAC CDC guidelines in controlling multi drug-resistant organisms (MDRO's) while another U.S. federal agency the VA Health Systems screens all of their patients since 2008? The CDC came out recently with a press release stating that MRSA infection rates have dropped by 18 percent, but no data was included to substantiate their claim. Why the lack of transparency? "Too many lives are lost from preventable MRSA infections worldwide," states Jeanine Thomas, founder of MRSA Survivors Network. "Antimicrobial resistance will continue to increase if we do not work hard to prevent MRSA and other infections such as C. difficile and VRE." To assist healthcare facilities and community organizations to raise awareness during International MRSA Testing Week, April 1-7th, MRSA Survivors Network said it is creating downloadable posters, web banners, a brochure and e-card which will be available on the MRSA Survivors Network website. A 15 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) with Rob Stafford, anchor for NBC Chicago evening news and contributing correspondent with Dateline NBC has been produced and can be seen on the MRSA Survivors Network website and YouTube channel - youtu.be/qA6OFlzsCwI . More information: MRSAsurvivors.org ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |