As part of the White House's National Strategy to Combat Antibiotic-Resistance initiative, Kingsport, Tenn.-based Wellmont Health System and the Mountain States Health Alliance are joining forces with other regional organizations to educate providers and the public about antibiotic misuse and overuse.
The partnership is part of the CDC's Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, which runs Nov. 17-23.
"A lot of people don't realize some illnesses should not be treated with antibiotics," Jamie Swift, corporate director for infection prevention at Mountain States, said in a statement. "Patients might go to the doctor expecting to leave with a prescription for antibiotics, but that isn't always the best option for them."
The partnership will provide education on patient and physician responsibilities when it comes to proper antibiotic stewardship, including hand hygiene for infection prevention, adhering to prescription medication protocol and considering alternative treatments.