About MARA

Mission of the Montana Antibiotic Resistance Awareness (MARA) program

The objectives for MARA are as follows:

• Conduct annual, statewide surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns and utilize that data as the scientific foundation for targeted education and resource allocation.
  
  
• Educate the public, health care providers, and community resources about the importance of appropriate use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance.
  
  
• Act as a repository and resource for educational materials, research, and surveillance that pertain to antimicrobial resistance in Montana, appropriate antibiotic prescribing practices, and appropriate antibiotic use/demand by the public.
  
  
• Evaluate surveillance activities, educational programs, and public perceptions to further refine those efforts and improve upon the direction of MARA.
  
  
• Advocate for the judicious use of antibiotics on the state level by collaborating with stakeholders who are concerned with the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics.