U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is November 18-24

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 11/18/2020 07:00 AM CST

Minnesota One Health Antibiotic Stewardship Collaborative banner

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week Stewardship Resources

Celebrate U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week
with these Resources from
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Partners!

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is November 18-24. Below are some resources that you can use during this special week and every day. And, keep an eye on your inbox during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week for emails featuring stories from people who are impacted by antibiotic resistance and a look into how COVID-19 might be influencing antibiotic resistance and stewardship.

For Everyone:

Updated! CDC, Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit. Find Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) materials and messaging about U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week activities.
Updated! HHS, 2020-2025 National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (pdf). This document builds on the first National Action Plan (2015) by expanding evidence-based activities shown to reduce antibiotic resistance.
CDC, Biggest Threats and Data: 2019 AR Threats Report. This is an update of the 2013 Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States Report, which has guided much of our national commitment to combat antibiotic resistance.
Just released! AVMA, Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens Affecting Animal Health in the United States (pdf). This report from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) describes how animals of all kinds are impacted by resistant infections.
MDH, Antibiotics Only When Needed (O.W.N.). This campaign provides an actionable message about antibiotic use. Download the graphics elements for use on your own resources. With graphics for health care, veterinary medicine, and non-medical partners, the public will receive a consistent "only when needed" message.
MDH, Clinic Commitment Materials for Partners. Show your facility’s commitment to antibiotic stewardship and improving prescribing practices through customizable commitment posters.

MDH, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Antimicrobial Use and Resistance. Find answers to common questions and misconceptions about antibiotic use, resistance, and stewardship in human, animal, and environmental health.

For Health Care:

MDH, Minnesota Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Toolkit for Outpatient Clinics. Decrease unnecessary antibiotic prescribing during cold and flu season with cough and cold care kit guides, viral prescription pads, and bronchitis/sinusitis fact sheets.
- Waiting/Exam Room Materials. Prevent boredom and raise antibiotic awareness at the same time! Use fun, educational resources, like a coloring sheet, word search, or video, in your exam and waiting rooms.
- Provider Talking Points on Antibiotic Use. This document provides clinician tips and talking points on how to prescribe fewer unnecessary antibiotics.
MDH, Acute Care Stewardship Program Resource List (pdf). This resource list includes toolkits, checklists, templates, and publications for acute care stewardship programs.

MDH, Antibiotic Stewardship Program Toolkit for Long-term Care. Developed with long-term care partners, this toolkit offers concrete tools to assess capacity and implement processes that work for stewardship.
- Appendix L: Infection and Antibiotic Use Tracking Tool (Excel). Guide practice changes through tracking antibiotic use and infection rates.

For Veterinary Medicine:

UMN, Handbook of Antibiotic Stewardship in Companion Animal Veterinary Settings. This resource will help companion animal hospitals implement the AVMA core principles of antibiotic stewardship.
UMN, Pocket Guide: Antimicrobial Prescribing for Common Small Animal Diseases (PDF). This pocket-sized sheet includes peer-reviewed antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for common canine and feline conditions as well as stewardship tips. Your day just got a bit easier.
UMN, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Initiative. Access resources and tools for veterinarians and clients. The collection is growing, so check back often!