November 2025: C-Diff Awareness Month

WHEREAS, clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that causes an infection of the colon, the longest part of the large intestine; and,

WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that approximately 500,000 C. difficile infections nationwide per year require hospital treatment or affect those who are already hospitalized; and.

WHEREAS, studies indicate that C. difficile has become the most common microbial cause of health care associated infections in hospitals in the United States and costs up to $4.8 billion each year in excess health care costs for acute care facilities alone; and,

WHEREAS, one out of every five patients in the U.S. with a health care-associated C. difficile infection experience a recurrence of the infection, and one out of every nine patients in the U.S. 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 to minimize and prevent C. difficile; and,

WHEREAS, improved health practices, including careful use of antibiotics and proper hand washing, can significantly reduce the risk of C. difficile infections. Additionally, greater public awareness of C. difficile and further research is necessary to expand treatment options and provide affected individuals with an improved quality of life;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2025 as C-Diff Awareness Month in Michigan.