November 2021: C. Difficile Awareness Month

WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately half a million C. difficile infections occur per year, which often require hospital treatment or affect those already hospitalized; and,

 

WHEREAS, approximately 13,000 patients die due to C. difficile; and,

 

WHEREAS, studies indicate that C. difficile has become the most common microbial cause of health care-associated infections in U.S. hospitals and costs up to $1 billion each year in excess health care costs for acute care facilities alone; and,

 

WHEREAS, 1 out of every 6 patients with a health care-associated C. difficile infection experiences a recurrence of the infection, and 1 out of every 11 patients aged 65 or older with a health care-associated C. difficile infection die within 30 days of diagnosis; and,

 

WHEREAS, health care facilities employ dedicated professionals who advocate for improving health and promoting patient and staff safety in order to minimize and prevent C. difficile; and,

 

WHEREAS, improved health practices, such as thorough hand hygiene and environmental cleaning can significantly reduce the risk and spread of C. difficile infections; and,

 

WHEREAS, ensuring the education of health care workers on proper infection prevention techniques is proven to reduce all types of health care-associated infections; and,

 

WHEREAS, the health and safety of all Michigan residents is important to the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of our families and communities; and,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2021 as C. difficile Awareness Month in Michigan.