We would like to extend a very special "Thank You!" to Hunter family friend, State Rep. Mike McDonald for sponsoring this bill and making it a reality.
Rep. Mike McDonald Reports News from Capitol Hill in Nashville
Remembering Kristen
Last week was a special week for me and my fellow members of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Last week we passed the "Kristen K. Hunter Infection Control Act" to help schools combat the potentially deadly infection known as Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.Our community came to know too well the dangers of the MRSA staph infection. While many of us never knew Kristen, her story is one we all came to know not long ago. Kristen Hunter was only 11 years old and a fifth grader at North Sumner Elementary School when she contracted the antibiotic-resistant strain of staph infection. It was just ten days later that she lost her battle to the bacteria.
MRSA infections are common among people who have weak immune systems and are generally found to occur in hospitals, nursing homes, and other heath care centers. Healthy people often carry staph without being infected by it. In fact, it is estimated that over 25% of Americans live with staph bacteria somewhere on them, usually in our noses. That only becomes a problem if the bacteria finds a way inside, generally through a cut or scrape. Once inside, a staph infection can turn deadly, especially with cases of the MRSA strain. One problem that can lead to a MRSA infection is a lack of knowledge. Knowing what steps to take and how to spot someone who may have a staph infection are key. Most people around Tennessee have never heard of the
bacteria, much less know how to prevent it.
House Bill 3814 will help schools across Tennessee know what to do and how to take precautions in preventing children from contracting MRSA. This new legislation now requires the Tennessee Department of Health to issue an annual advisory to the Tennessee Department of Education explaining the risks of community associated MRSA infections and providing guidance on the most current methods on recognizing and preventing such infections. In addition, the departments will be required to post links to the information contained in the advisory and the advisory will be distributed to primary and secondary schools and
early childhood programs.
Until we are able to better treat and stop MRSA infections, we must take steps to protect ourselves and our children from being exposed to such bacteria. We have plenty of work to do, but this legislation is a step in the right direction.
Having passed both chambers unanimously, the bill now moves on to Governor Bredesen for signing. While I would prefer that Kristen be with her family and friends, this legislation will hopefully continue Kristen's legacy and help prevent other children from contracting MRSA in the future.
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