Antibiotic Resistance Awareness educational materials free of charge today!

3 November 2008

You may have noticed one of the "We Wash, Do You?" Get Smart About Antibiotics Virginia billboards located in Richmond, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Newport News during the month of October. These billboards helped mark Antibiotic Awareness month and promote the message that antibiotics need to be used appropriately and judiciously.

As cold and flu season approaches, physicians will begin to receive requests for antibiotics from their patients. Again this year, the MSV Foundation will provide Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Tool Kits to physicians who want to educate their patients on the proper use of antibiotics. The tool kits are available free of charge to physicians upon request. The materials, which can be viewed on the Foundation's website, include an eye-catching and easy-to-understand brochure designed to help educate patients about the importance of using antibiotics properly. A coordinating "prescription pad" is also available. It provides a list of options patients have to treat the symptoms of colds and viruses. Physicians can check off the options that may apply and provide it to the patient in lieu of the unnecessary antibiotic prescription that the patient may be requesting. In addition to waiting room posters, laminated "Wash Your Hands" posters to be placed by sinks are also available.

This antibiotic resistance campaign will continue over the course of the next year and physician involvement is critical. Physicians who would like to order these resources can complete the order form or contact Kelly Nagy at 804 | 377-1027 for assistance.