“I’m thankful that Dr. Gerberding has taken such an interest in the health and well-being of Nevadans,” said Reid.  “This PSA is another step in our ongoing partnership.  I’m doing everything I can to get the CDC the resources it needs to help Nevadans affected by these disgraceful medical practices and to prevent a situation like this from ever happening again. As part of this effort, Dr. Gerberding has proposed a number of questions that I would encourage patients to ask before receiving medical care.”

“Thousands of patients and their families may be frightened and concerned by this recent incidence and our heart felt concern is with them,” said Dr. Gerberding.  “CDC and state health officials are making progress to try to make sure something like this never happens again.  In the meantime, we want to empower people to play an active role in their healthcare, and we believe the messages in this announcement can do just that.”   

The CDC encourages people to ask their doctors the following simple, but potentially life-saving questions before receiving medical treatment:

• Did you wash your hands?
• Is that a new needle?
• Is that a fresh syringe?
• Are you drawing from a single-use vial?  If so, has it been used before?

For more information on questions to ask before receiving care, Nevadans are urged to visit reid.senate.gov or call 702-759-INFO.

The text of the PSA follows:

REID:   Hello, I’m Senator Reid.  Senator Ensign and I are working with the director of the CDC, Dr. Julie Gerberding, to make sure the health care crisis we’re seeing in Nevada never happens again. 

GERBERDING:   Healthcare is still safe, so don’t let this Hepatitis situation scare you from getting the care you need or from following your doctor’s advice. 

 REID: We’re taking steps to ensure your protection, and you can help. 

GERBERDING: If you have any concerns ask your doctor. 

REID: For questions, visit reid.senate.gov