PDI, Inc. Partners With White House And CDC To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

ORANGEBURG, N.Y., June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- PDI, a leader in infection prevention products and solutions, today announced a series of corporate commitments designed to educate internal associates and customers about strategies to reduce the threat of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms as part of its ongoing partnership with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in support of The White House's National Strategy to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.

Along with other key partners and industry leaders, PDI's efforts were recognized yesterday at President Obama's Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship, which brought together key human and animal health constituencies involved in the development, promotion, and implementation of activities to ensure the responsible use of antibiotics.  More than 150 food companies, retailers, and human and animal health discussed specific initiatives designed implement changes over the next five years to slow the emergence of resistant bacteria and prevent the spread of resistant infections.  PDI was represented at the White House Forum by its vice president of clinical affairs, Dr. Hudson Garrett.

"PDI plays an important role in helping to advance the discussion around antimicrobial resistance because our business is centered on eliminating antimicrobial-resistant bacteria before it enters the human body and becomes problematic," said Dr. Garrett.  "Unlike many others that are combatting issues around antibiotic resistance in the body, we are trying to 'prevent' the problem at an earlier stage."

According to CDC estimates, antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance is responsible for as many as 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths annually.  Through its ongoing work with the CDC and new partnership with the White House, PDI is focused on addressing the negative impact of deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria often called "superbugs" with awareness initiatives across multiple facets of its business.  This includes specific commitments that will:

• Incorporate antimicrobial-resistance messaging into sales and marketing materials
• Provide training and resources on core principles of antimicrobial resistance to PDI sales professionals, customer-facing associates, and quality management associates
• Facilitate regulatory and research development that prevents superbug development
• Build clinical education resources for our customers

"PDI looks forward to continuing initiatives and expanding efforts to reduce the threat of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms in partnership with the CDC and in support of the White House," said Dr. Garrett.

To learn more about the organizations that participated in the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship and their commitments, a fact sheet is available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/06/02/fact-sheet-over-150-animal-and-health-stakeholders-join-white-house-effo

About PDI
PDI (www.PDIHC.com) helps reduce preventable infections, control healthcare costs and, ultimately, save lives by delivering a broad range of evidence-based, market leading environmental hygiene and patient care solutions in the community and healthcare environments.

Media Contact:
Jason Morley, Kwittken
JMorley@Kwittken.com
(646) 747-7173

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SOURCE PDI Healthcare