Get Smart Week

To bring attention to the growing global problem of antibiotic resistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will observe its Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, November 12-18, 2012. The national campaign highlights the coordinated efforts of CDC, state and local health departments, and non-profit and for-profit partners to educate people about the importance of appropriate antibiotic use in both community and healthcare settings. CDC's Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work and Get Smart for Healthcare programs are specifically designed to educate consumers and healthcare providers about appropriate use of antibiotics.
Get Smart Week 2012 will emphasize the following:

• Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health threats.
• Antibiotics are the most important tool we have to combat life-threatening bacterial diseases, but antibiotics can have side effects.
• Antibiotic overuse increases the development of drug-resistant germs.
• Patients, healthcare providers, hospital administrators and policy makers must work together to employ effective strategies for improving appropriate antibiotic use – ultimately improving medical care and saving lives.

To learn more about the Get Smart programs, visit CDC's Get Smart website.

Resources

Joint Statement on Antibiotic Resistance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 25 National Health Organizations

Other GetSmart Week Resources

• Safe Healthcare Blog