WARN Mission and Goals

The Wisconsin Antibiotic Resistance Network (WARN) is a coalition of Wisconsin health care providers, professional organizations, and public health agencies who are concerned about antibiotic resistance and inappropriate antibiotic use.

Coalition Mission

The mission of the Coalition is to seek to improve the health of Wisconsin residents by promoting appropriate antibiotic use. The mission will be accomplished in collaboration with public and private stakeholders who are interested in the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics.

Goals:

1. Raise public awareness about appropriate antibiotic use and the dangers of overusing antibiotics.
2. Reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing by helping to shape policies within health care systems.
3. Improve appropriate use of antibiotics and infection control procedures in hospitals and long term care facilities.

Target Audiences:

• Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists
• Managed care organizations and other health care systems
• Clinicians and staff working in long-term care facilities
• General public

Food and Drug Administration Final Rule to Require Labeling about Antibiotic Resistance
On February 5, 2003, the Food and Drug Administration published its Final Rule to Require Labeling About Antibiotic Resistance. The article says, "This final rule is aimed at reducing the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics to children and adults for common ailments such as ear infections and chronic coughs."