BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates over two million illnesses and 23,000 deaths occur annually due to antimicrobial resistance (AR). Surveillance of AR on a state level is thought to be limited and not well coordinated across disciplines. State public health department leadership is critical in understanding AR threats and leading efforts to prevent development and stem the spread of AR.
METHODS: We describe the establishment of a multidisciplinary statewide New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)-led AR task force and strategic approach. The mission of the AR task force is to improve coordination, communication, and collaboration across public health programs, other agencies, and organizations. By aligning efforts of stakeholders, the aim of the task force is to improve our understanding of and combat AR threats statewide. An inventory of existing activities related to AR at the NYSDOH was compiled. A survey was developed to assess priorities as determined by task force members. The results of the survey will be utilized during the first in-person meeting early 2016 to help draft a statewide AR strategic approach.
RESULTS: NYSDOH AR task force members have met monthly, and four committees were created: 1) Healthcare facility prevention and control, 2) Community based prevention and control, 3) One Health, and 4) Laboratory and diagnostics. The AR task force and each of the committees consist of NYSDOH representatives across programs including sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, healthcare associated infections, communicable diseases, public health laboratory, health systems management, quality and patient safety, environmental health, immunizations, foodborne investigations, public affairs, legal, and executive leadership. Partners in other NYS agencies include Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Environmental Conservation, and Education. External partners include New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, local health department representation, hospital and nursing home associations, provider professional organizations, academic partners, subject matter experts, and federal representation. A letter of invitation to the task force from the Commissioner of Health to external stakeholders will be sent early 2016. Thereafter the statewide task force will meet twice yearly, with committee and DOH meetings monthly.
CONCLUSIONS: It is essential that state health departments lead efforts to combat the growing threat of AR to the health of our communities. The creation of a statewide DOH-led AR task force is a model that may successfully create working partnerships, improve collaboration and coordination of AR related activities, and develop a statewide strategic approach for AR prevention and control.