|
|
|
StaphAseptic™ News
World MRSA Day Marked by Hope and Mourning
September 23, 2009
CHICAGO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The theme for the first World MRSA Day kick-off event held Oct. 1st at Loyola University Chicago is "You can not change what you do not acknowledge," states founder Jeanine Thomas of the Chicago-based nonprofit organization MRSA Survivors Network.
World MRSA Day, October 2nd and World MRSA Awareness Month, October was declared and launched by MRSA Survivors Network in January of 2009. The object of the campaign is to substantially raise global awareness and also it is an opportunity for the community and the healthcare industry to come together to demand an immediate response to the MRSA epidemic and pandemic.
To achieve this goal, comprehensive prevention and awareness programs with leadership and action are vital. An immediate response from such organizations as the World Health Organization, the U.S. department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control, government health departments and state health departments is needed. The MRSA epidemic/pandemic can no longer be ignored and every single person is at risk.
The companies who have stepped up to help in this cause and became the 2009 official sponsors of World MRSA Day are: 3M, StaphAseptic, Cepheid, Pfizer, Clorox, Abbott Molecular and bioMerdieux.
The Inaugural World MRSA Day kick-off event on Oct. 1st will be the first time that MRSA survivors and family members of MRSA victims will share their stories. The event will commence with a Remembrance Ceremony conducted by Reverend Henry Soles, senior chaplain of the Chicago Bulls basketball team. Rob Stafford, anchor for NBC5 Chicago and contributing correspondent to NBC Dateline will be the master of ceremonies. Chicago blues legend Fernando Jones will be performing and the King of Glory Tabernacle Choir.
Dr. William Jarvis, formerly of the CDC and Dr. Jorge Parada of Loyola University Medical Center will speak and Dr. Barry Farr, emeritus professor of UVA will be presented with the "Lifetime Achievement Award."
Founder Jeanine Thomas states, "World MRSA Day is about raising awareness, hope for change and mourning those whose life was cut short by this disease. Advocates are traveling from around the country to be at this historic event."
Co-chairs of the event are Illinois state rep. Patti Bellock, Pat Merryweather -SVP of Illinois Hospital Association and Jeanine Thomas.
Downloadable posters can be found at www.worldmrsaday.org and for more in formation contact MRSA Survivors Network at 630 325-4354.
www.prnewswire.com
|
|
|
