On Monday, April 28, Atlantic General Hospital is hosting a forum to educate
community members about what precautions they and their family members
can take to prevent and reduce their risk of infection from Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus (MRSA), a virulent strain of bacteria commonly found on
the skin that has been making headlines in Maryland and throughout the nation.
Atlantic General Hospital is joining other Maryland hospitals in a statewide
initiative coordinated by the Maryland Hospital Association, which is
designed to not only provide communities with information about reducing
their risks, but to review the differences between health care-associated
MRSA and community-associated MRSA and share the strategies hospitals
are using to prevent and reduce MRSA and other infections.
“Recent news reports have been prompted not only by deaths due to
MRSA but by new evidence that infections from the bacteria are increasing
faster than experts previously realized,” said Cal Pierson, president
of the Maryland Hospital Association. “Because MRSA is resistant
to most antibiotics, it is important that we all work together –
hospitals and health care providers, schools and community members –
to prevent the spread of this and other infections. Learning about what
each of us can do to combat these infections is an important first step.”
The Atlantic General Hospital forum is being held from 6:30 – 7:30
p.m. on April 28 at the Ocean Pines Library. Space is limited. Those interested
in attending should RSVP by calling 410.641.9358.