Antibiotic Awareness Week
November 18th to 24th, 2025
Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a growing threat in the United States (U.S.). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosts the United States Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) annually to raise awareness about the threat of AR and the importance of responsible antimicrobial use. The theme for USAAW 2025 is “Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us.”
Go Purple for USAAW 2025!
Join Texas DSHS and the Healthcare Safety Unit in USAAW by wearing purple or lighting buildings and landmarks purple. Email photos to AntibioticStewardship@dshs.texas.gov to be featured on the DSHS website, during the USAAW 2025 webinar on Wednesday, November 19th, and in our newsletter.
Learn more ways to participate by visiting the CDC’s USAAW Toolkit.
Events and Webinars
USAAW 2025 Webinar
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 11:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Register here: USAAW 2025 Webinar Registration
DSHS’ Healthcare Safety Unit is also collaborating with the Houston Health Department on a webinar to promote USAAW 2025. Join to learn about the threat of AR, the importance of USAAW, and strategies used in public health and healthcare facilities to contain the spread of AR organisms.
Continuing Education credits for multiple disciplines will be provided.
Daily Themes
November 18: Fighting AR takes all of us
Everyone has a role in stopping AR through proper prescribing and use. Learn more: Antimicrobial Resistance: Causes and How It Spreads.
November 19: Human health and AR
Antibiotics and antifungals are important for treating infections, but improper use can contribute to AR. Learn how appropriate use of these drugs can help fight AR: Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts.
November 20: Animal health and AR
Animals, including our pets and livestock, carry AR germs. Learn steps to protect yourself and your animals: Controlling the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance.
November 21: AR in agriculture and the environment
Antibiotics and antifungals used as pesticides in agriculture can lead to the spread of AR. Learn more: Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment and the Food Supply: Causes and How It Spreads.
November 22: One Health approach to AR
The One Health approach to improving antibiotic and antifungal drug prescribing practices requires everyone across human, animal, and environmental health to collaborate and slow AR spread. Learn how to fight AR together: Controlling the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance.
November 23: Safe travel and AR
When traveling, it is important to learn how to reduce the risk of infections to help slow the spread of AR. Learn more: Controlling the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance.
November 24: Continuing the fight against AR
USAAW is coming to an end, but the commitment to combat the spread of AR continues. Stay updated: Antimicrobial Resistance.