29 Massachusetts hospitals take antibiotic-free pledge

A total of 29 hospitals in the state have signed the Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) Antibiotic Stewardship Commitment that commits them to purchase and serve at least one meat item that is raised without routine antibiotics.

The pledge, a collaboration with the Health Care Without Harm movement, accords with the Centers for Disease Control’s assertion that rising rates of antibiotic resistance are the "most pressing public health concern of our time.” Government statistics indicate that 80 percent of all antibiotics sold in the United States are used in animal agriculture, which has been linked with the emergence of antibiotic resistant infections in humans.

The move by the hospitals is seen as significant because of the considerable purchasing power they collectively represent. The signatories include Baystate Medical Center, Berkshire Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Brigham & Women's, North Shore Medical Center and UMass Memorial Medical Center.

"Hospitals have always collaborated with the communities they serve to promote a healthier future for their patients, staff, and residents," said MHA President/CEO Lynn Nicholas in a statement announcing the signings. “In particular, Massachusetts hospitals have focused many of their community benefits programs and other initiatives to prioritize health prevention education. This effort will serve as a strong platform to develop specific statewide goals that appropriately tie our clinical expertise with community health prevention goals."

The MHA Antibiotic Stewardship Commitment has also generated some movement among vendors and contractors serving the healthcare industry in the state, including Unidine, Compass Group, Sysco Boston and US Foods, all of which have offered statements outlining their support and progress in prioritizing meat raised without routine antibiotics.

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]