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    Bolivar Medical Center Recognized on 2025 MSDH Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll

    Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll
     

    Bolivar Medical Center is proud to announce its inclusion on the 2025 Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll, a prestigious recognition of the hospital’s outstanding commitment to responsible antibiotic use and patient safety.

    This honor reflects Bolivar Medical Center’s leadership in promoting antibiotic stewardship—an essential effort to ensure antibiotics are prescribed appropriately and used effectively. By aligning with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship, the hospital has demonstrated excellence in improving patient outcomes, reducing antibiotic resistance, and setting a high standard for healthcare facilities across Mississippi.

    “Being named to the MSDH Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll is a testament to the dedication of our entire clinical team,” said Ann Katelyn Franklin, Director of Pharmacy at Bolivar Medical Center. “We are committed to using evidence-based practices to ensure antibiotics are used only when necessary and in the most effective way possible. This recognition reinforces our mission to protect our patients and our community from the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.”

    Antibiotic stewardship programs are critical in today’s healthcare landscape. They help clinicians make informed prescribing decisions, reduce the risk of adverse drug events, and combat the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. Bolivar Medical Center’s program integrates national guidelines and best practices from leading healthcare organizations, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and The Joint Commission.

    “As pharmacists, we recognize that antibiotics are life-saving medications, but they must be used thoughtfully and appropriately,” said Justin Ales, Pharmacist and Antibiotic Stewardship Chairman at Bolivar Medical Center. “Our stewardship program is designed to ensure each patient receives the right antibiotic, at the right time, and for the right duration, improving outcomes and reducing resistance.”

    The CDC emphasizes that there is no “one size fits all” approach to stewardship. Bolivar Medical Center’s success lies in its ability to tailor its program to meet the unique needs of its patients and community, while maintaining the highest standards of care.

    “Infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship go hand in hand,” said Brittany McCreary, RN, Infection Control at Bolivar Medical Center. “By implementing best practices for responsible antibiotic use, we are not only improving patient care but also reducing the risk of infections that are harder to treat. This recognition highlights the impact of our collaborative efforts in safeguarding public health.