JOHN DAY A public forum, MRSA 101, will be offered at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in the Grant Union Junior-Senior High School library.

The purpose of the free event is to increase public awareness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA.

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as staph, is a type of bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections.

MRSA refers to types of staph that are resistant to an antibiotic called methicillin.

In some parts of the United States, MRSA is the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infections seen in emergency departments. Emergency Room staff at Blue Mountain Hospital report seeing an increased number of MRSA infections over recent years.

Blue Mountain Hospitals Infection Prevention and Control Committee hopes to decrease the number of MRSA infections in Grant County by raising public awareness and providing community education.

Such groups as parents, students who participate in school athletics, coaches and school staff, day care providers, as well as others, may find the forum informative.

The event is sponsored by the Committee and the Grant County Health Department.