Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL AND CENTER FOR HEALTH– Lakeport , California
Healthy Kids Are Contagious Program

What is it?
As schools around the country begin to learn about the growing and worrisome problem of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus), an antibiotic resistant strain of staph that is now commonly found in our communities, schools in Lake County are lucky to have a cutting-edge program to educate students and families. The Healthy Kids Are Contagious program at Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Center for Health encompasses school programs that directly address MRSA education and prevention. 

Who is it for?
Students in grades 7-12 participate in “Playing It Safe,” and early elementary students participate in a related hygiene program called “Flu Crew to the Rescue.”

Why do they do it?
Lake County has had a significant increase in MRSA cases over the past few years. The infection control coordinator at the hospital reports a 1000 percent increase since 2004 in patients arriving at hospital outpatient areas with community-acquired MRSA. This increase is not unique to Lake County but is part of a recent national trend. The Healthy Kids Are Contagious program targets schools because the close contact of students puts them at greater risk. Children are also notorious for not washing their hands regularly – the most important factor in curtailing the spread of MRSA.

Impact: Since its inception, the “Playing it Safe” program has educated approximately 1,500 middle and high school students, and the “Flu Crew to the Rescue” has educated approximately 1,000 students in grades K-2. Teachers, administrators, and other school staff have also participated in the MRSA presentations. The response from school staff, students, and parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers report an increase in student hand-washing and general awareness of the importance of hygiene.     

Contact: Carrie McClure, Program Supervisor
Healthy Kids Are Contagious
Phone: 707-262-5039, ext. 1
Email:  healthykids@sutterhealth.org