South Carolina's CAUse (Careful Antibiotic Use) and the CDC's "Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work" campaign is an important effort to address a significant and growing health problem. For the second year, SC DHEC has partnered with the South Carolina State Library and public libraries across the state to raise awareness about the overuse of antibiotic medicines in our communities.

SC DHEC, as the lead agency in the SC CAUse campaign, provided "The Little Elephant with the Big Earache" books by Dr. Charlotte Cowan to libraries across the state. The book also contains a parent guide in the back pocket entitled "Ear Infections Made Easy: Answers to Common Questions" that outlines appropriate palliative measures to comfort a sick child, discourages demanding antibiotics when the child’s healthcare provider deems them unnecessary, and gives practical guidelines on when to call the physician. Libraries also received a supply of posters and a reproducible "Fast Facts" sheet promoting the Get Smart about Antibiotics and some held storytime and informational programs as part of this community outreach initiative.

For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the SC State Library or visit the SC CAUse page on DHEC's web site.