Sep 9 2009
MRSA Survivors Network, the Chicago-based nonprofit and official organization for World MRSA Day, along with fellow MRSA activists will lift the veil of secrecy surrounding MRSA. The history making inaugural kick-off event will be held at Loyola University Chicago on October 1st. The 2009 theme is "You Can Not Change What You Do Not Acknowledge."
Founder Jeanine Thomas states, "We want to reveal the truth and show the true magnitude of the human loss and suffering from the MRSA epidemic to the public as international health care organizations and governmentsh continue to fail to act to protect the public around the globe from MRSA and antimicrobial resistance."
The international press conference will start at 10:00am at Loyola University Chicago (closed to the public) with world-renowned MRSA expert and infectious disease specialist Dr. William Jarvis (formerly of the CDC) along with Jeanine Thomas, founder of MRSA Survivors Network and will be taking questions from the press.
The inaugural World MRSA Day kick-off event starts at 11:00am with a Remembrance Ceremony with Reverend Henry Soles presiding and music from the Chicago Highlanders. It will be the first time in the U.S. that MRSA victims will be remembered and the loss of their lives acknowledged.
During the main event, MRSA survivors and family members will share their stories and MRSA activists and concerned healthcare professionals are traveling from around the U.S. in a united effort to raise awareness. Dr. William Jarvis will be presenting stunning statistics in supporting the call for immediate action.
Dr. Barry Farr, professor emeritus at University of Virginia is the recipient of the MRSA Survivors Network first annual "Lifetime Achievement Award" in recognition for his pioneer work in raising awareness and screening for MRSA.
Chicago Blues legend Fernando Jones will be performing and also the King of Glory Tabernacle Choir.