Whereas, Antibiotics are an important weapon against infectious bacterial diseases that harm children, senior citizens and people of all ages and walks of life; and,

Whereas, Antibiotic overuse and misuse has led to antibiotic resistance that is destroying antibiotic effectiveness and these bacteria represent a significant threat to the health of individuals whom they infect; and,

Whereas, Infections with resistant bacteria increase the cost and complexity of treating infections which previously were easily treated; and,

Whereas, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Annals of Internal Medicine have published recommendations for health care professionals regarding best practices for the judicious use of antibiotics; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Coalition is a partnership of physician organizations, consumer groups, health plans, state and local public health organizations, and pharmaceutical companies whose purpose is to educate health professionals and consumers about the appropriate use of antibiotics; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, do hereby proclaim the week of October 4, 2004, as Antibiotics Resistance Awareness Week in Michigan and I encourage health care professionals in Michigan to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the best use of antibiotics in their practice and formularies and the people of Michigan to talk with their health care practitioners about wise antibiotic use.