Celebrate and Educate with Minnesota Department of Health and our Stewardship Partners
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is observed annually during November 18–24 to bring attention to the critical role antibiotics play in human health, environmental health, animal health, and beyond. Antibiotic resistance represents one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 2.8 million antibiotic resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 of those lead to death. We ALL share responsibility for doing our part to ensure that antibiotics remain useful for future generations. That means prescribing antibiotics appropriately, educating patients on their treatment course and how to dispose of unused medications, and asking questions of our physicians and veterinarians when we or our animals are prescribed antibiotics.
Throughout the week, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will share stories of individuals who, through their daily lives or their work, have been impacted by antibiotic use and resistance. If you have a story to share, please let us know at Health.Stewardship@state.mn.us.
Remember to spread the word by sharing #USAAW22 resources and content within your organization, with external partners through email, and on social media. Follow MDH on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn!
MDH news release
Mirroring a trend seen nationally, Minnesota’s progress toward reducing antibiotic resistance lost ground in recent years, but MDH is aiming to work with health care partners to renew and accelerate the push to preserve antibiotic effectiveness.
“The last few years presented many challenges,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “We know that our health care system has been strained and this has contributed to the growth of antibiotic resistance. However, preventing antibiotic resistance is extremely important. We must regain and accelerate the progress we had been making before the pandemic hit. People’s lives may depend on it.”
Read more: Health officials call for renewed progress to combat antibiotic resistance
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week webinar
Swish and Swallow - Antibiotic Stewardship in Dentistry
- Wednesday, November 23, 2022, 12–1 p.m. CT
- Presenter: Katie J. Suda, PharmD, MS, FCCP; Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy & Therapeutics and Associate Director of Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy
Please visit MDH: U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week for additional information on webinars. They will be recorded and posted on this page once available.
Spread the word!
CDC: Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit
Messages for patients, the public, and health care professionals.
MDH: Antibiotics Only When Needed (O.W.N.)
Graphic elements to increase awareness of appropriate antibiotic use. Please these resources to improve antibiotic use in your community.
MDH: One Health Antibiotic Stewardship Resources and Print Materials
Fact sheets, flyers, posters, brochures, and other materials that you can print and use. Take a break and check out the crossword and coloring sheet.
MDH: Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Basics
General information about antibiotic resistance and its effect on humans, animals, and the environment.
MDA: Drug Residue Prevention Resources
Resources from Minnesota Department of Agriculture on preventing drug residues in meat and milk products.
MPCA: Don't Flush Medicines Down the Drain
Information from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on proper medication disposal and the impact of pharmaceutical contaminants on waterways.
BAH: Biosecurity
Guidance from Minnesota Board of Animal Health on protecting farms and livestock from infectious diseases.
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