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Contact: Jenny DesVaux Oakes
(702) 242-7155

Nevada’s antibiotic awareness campaign hosts legislative reception

Las Vegas, February 6, 2003 --- Nevadans for Antibiotic Awareness (NAA) is hosting a reception for legislators and selected guests on Monday, Feb.10, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City. The purpose of the reception is to inform lawmakers and guests of the goals and progress of NAA since its official kick-off on Oct. 29, 2001. NAA is a statewide public/private sector task force committed to addressing the major public health problem of increasing antibiotic resistance.

The reception is being sponsored by Sierra Health Services, Inc., one of NAA’s founding members. The reception will include informative presentations from NAA executive committee members and state leaders. In recognition of the potential impact of this public health issue and the successful efforts of NAA, Governor Kenny Guinn has declared February 10 –16, as “Antibiotic Awareness Week.”

Inappropriate antibiotic use has resulted in the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs.” Facts indicate that 70 percent of bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are already resistant to at least one of the antibiotic drugs commonly used to treat infections. “Government estimates indicate that half of the 100 million antibiotic prescriptions written in physician offices each year are unnecessary” said Sierra’s Chief Medical Officer, Christine Petersen, M.D., chairman of NAA’s public awareness committee.

NAA, in partnership with the CDC, joins approximately 31 other states in developing programs to increase awareness of this public health issue that is growing in scope both nationally and internationally. The Centers for Disease Control has commended NAA for taking such an aggressive approach to educating providers and the public to the problem.

To accomplish its goals, NAA has developed a comprehensive statewide public awareness campaign, widespread education programs for medical professionals and numerous education outreach activities to hospitals, child care facilities, medical clinics and urgent care facilities and a curriculum in selected high schools in Clark County.

To date, NAA has been funded entirely through in-kind and financial contributions from member companies and agencies. NAA has applied to the CDC for grant funding to assist in its ongoing educational outreach activities, expand its efforts in infection control and surveillance, and continue to monitor and report outcomes.

“Our ultimate goal is to make our citizens aware that these potentially life-saving drugs must be protected; that if used when unnecessary, they may not help us when we need them the most,” added Petersen.