Clostridium Difficile Infection Awareness Month

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately half a million Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections occur per year that require hospital treatment or affect those already hospitalized; and
WHEREAS, approximately 29,000 patients die within thirty days of their initial diagnosis of C. diff of which about 15,000 deaths were estimated to be directly attributable to C. diff infection; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that C. diff has become the most common microbial cause of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals 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 with a healthcare-associated C. diff infection experiences a recurrence of the infection and one out of every nine patients aged 65 or older with a healthcare-associated C. diff infection died within 30 days of diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, health care facilities employ dedicated professionals who advocate for improving healthcare and promoting patient and staff safety in order to minimize and prevent C. diff; and
WHEREAS, improved healthcare practices, such as thorough hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning can significantly reduce the risk and spread of C. diff infections; and
WHEREAS, ensuring the education of healthcare workers on proper infection prevention techniques is proven to reduce all types of healthcare associated infections:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim November 2017, as
Clostridium Difficile Infection Awareness Month
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of September 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor