End Hospital Secrecy and Save Lives

Dear Governor,

I was shocked to find out that more Americans die each year from hospital-acquired infections than from auto accidents and homicides combined. The CDC estimates 90,000 infection-related deaths each year.

A few states have taken the lead against this deadly health care problem by giving consumers information about how well their local hospitals do at preventing infections. But in most states, ours included, hospital infection rates are secret.

I am asking you to request a bill that would require hospitals to report their hospital infection rates to the public. Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Florida have new laws that will give consumers this important information about the quality of their hospital's care.

You can join the momentum and save lives by shining the light on hospital-acquired infections. No one should get sicker because of an infection they get while hospitalized for some other problem. To access Consumers Union's model Hospital Infections Disclosure Act that you can use to draft a new state law, go to http://cu.convio.net/model_infection_bill

I urge you to do something in our state to end this deadly and mostly preventable health care problem.

Sincerely,

[Your name]