Learning Event Support: AWAARE - Arming Wisconsin Against Antibiotic ResistancE

Project Description Narrative:

Wisconsin is currently experiencing a widespread outbreak of a new organism highly resistant to almost all commercially available antibiotics. Control mechanisms in healthcare facilities are essential to preventing further spread. However, Wisconsin facilities have reported a lack of familiarity with this organism and therefore are not aware of how best to prevent and address the outbreak.

Through Learning Event Support funding, the learning event will educate Wisconsin facilities on how to detect infection and control its spread across patients. The AWAARE - Arming Wisconsin Against Antibiotic ResistancE - Conference will support participants to understand the clinical relevance of the organism, learn the best methods of identification, gain an understanding of how it spreads, and learn best practices to prevent spread by developing a network of facilities to collaboratively work against this regional outbreak. Following the event, all facilitaties will remain engaged and receive support to screen, detect, address, and prevent against this organism and the resulting health consequences.

Key Collaborators: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health