For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Adam Liegeot, 860-524-7313
November 20, 2007
adam.liegeot@ct.gov
To answer public questions surrounding Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that informational sessions will be conducted in Manchester, North Haven, Norwalk, Waterbury, Waterford and Winsted .
The hour-long symposiums will feature presentations from Department of Public Health (DPH) staff members and members of the local health community to provide an overview of MRSA, as well as steps to reduce infection in community settings.
“The cases of MRSA have raised understandable concerns among school officials, students, teachers and parents,” Governor M. Jodi Rell said. “Because awareness and education are the keys to preventing MRSA, I have directed the state health department to convene a number of forums of health experts that school and university officials, athletic directors, parents and other interested groups can attend to discuss and receive information about MRSA.”
The symposiums will take place at the following sites:
Northwestern Connecticut Community College (Winsted, CT)
Founder’s Hall Auditorium
Monday, November 26, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(860) 738-6300
www.nwcc.commnet.edu
Clark Lane Middle School Cafetorium (Waterford, CT)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(860) 443-2837
www.waterfordschools.org/schools/clms/clms.htm
Manchester Community College (Manchester, CT)
AST Auditorium
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(860) 512-3000
www.mcc.commnet.edu
Gateway Community College Auditorium (North Haven, CT)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(203) 285-2000
www.gwctc.commnet.edu
Naugatuck Valley Community College (Waterbury, CT)
Fine Arts Center, Mainstage Theater
Friday, November 30, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(203) 575-8040
www.nvcc.commnet.edu
Norwalk Community College (Norwalk, CT)
PepsiCo Theater (East Campus)
Monday, December 3, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1-888-528-7776
www.nctc.commnet.edu
To attend one of the symposiums, those who are interested should send an email to mrsa.forums.dph@ct.gov or call (860) 509-7270 to confirm their attendance.
Please be sure to indicate your name, contact phone number, and date that you will be attending. For directions, please contact the site of the symposium directly or visit the site’s website.
For information on MRSA, please visit the DPH website at www.ct.gov/dph .
Last month, Governor Rell wrote to all school superintendents in the state of Connecticut and urged school districts to consult with local health departments and their school medical advisors about steps to control and prevent MRSA, regardless of whether an infection has been reported within a school. The Governor noted in the letter that should a MRSA infection be identified in a school setting, division officials should immediately contact local health district directors for further guidance.