New York State Department of Health Announces State Monuments to be Lit in Light Blue in Recognition of U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week

Joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Be Antibiotics Aware" Campaign

Antibiotic Awareness Week is Observed November 18-24 to Promote Wise Antibiotic Use by Health Care Providers and Patients

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 18, 2022) – The New York State Department of Health will mark the start of U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week tonight by lighting state monuments in light blue. The observance is part of a nationwide campaign led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and meant to serve as a reminder to New Yorkers that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

"Antibiotic misuse and overuse have unintentional but dire consequences, as exposed bacteria can evolve to develop resistance to antibiotics," New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "Yet, too often, individuals suffering from viral symptoms will request antibiotic treatment, and too many health providers prescribe them."

According to the CDC, there are more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections in the United States each year, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths. To address this growing challenge, the Department is reminding individuals battling a virus to not pressure their health care providers into prescribing antibiotics, and to trust the advice of providers for the appropriate treatment.

The landmarks to be lit in recognition of Antibiotic Awareness Week include:

  • One World Trade Center
  • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
  • Kosciuszko Bridge
  • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  • State Education Building
  • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  • Empire State Plaza
  • State Fairgrounds - Main Gate and Expo Center
  • Niagara Falls
  • The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
  • Albany International Airport Gateway
  • MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
  • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
  • Moynihan Train Hall

As part of the state's observance of U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, free posters are being offered, featuring the artwork of one New York child, depicting the story of Andy-Biotic, the Superbug Superhero, whose mission is to promote appropriate use of antibiotics.

For more information, please click here.

For tips on how you can get involved during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week please see the CDC "Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit".