A Reflection on the Development of a Community Education Program for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the United States has increased dramatically, in part, because of the emergence of community-associated MRSA. Recognizing that MRSA is an emerging health concern in the community, in August 2007, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services released guidelines that addressed the control and prevention of MRSA skin and soft tissue infections in non-healthcare settings. The Unified Health Command of Yellowstone County established a subcommittee to institute a mechanism for distributing the recommendations to the community. Educational toolkits and presentations were created for the schools of Yellowstone County based on these guidelines. This paper will look at the use of community collaboration to develop and disseminate educational materials. In addition, a reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the process and the lessons learned will be included.Master of Public Healt