Skin infections like MRSA, which spread through skin to skin contact as well as contact with equipment and shared items, are the cause of 56 percent of all outbreaks of infectious diseases in competitive sports in the U.S.^1,2 But, by following a few simple steps, you can help prevent the spread of MRSA.

The Stop MRSA Now Coalition, in partnership with The Clorox Company and SwapMeSports.com, has teamed up with Grant Hill to launch Equip them Well, a program to help teach families and sports teams about practical MRSA prevention steps, such as washing hands and disinfecting equipment with a bleach solution.

• Check out a few practical steps on how to clean or disinfect sports equipment to help prevent the spread of MRSA.

In addition to educating parents about MRSA prevention, the Equip Them Well program is committed to providing the resources necessary for kids from all communities to take part in youth sports.

You can collect, disinfect, and donate used sports equipment to communities in need by following these simple steps:

• Disinfect or launder all items to be donated with a bleach solution.
• Visit SwapMeSports.com to complete a donation form and obtain the mailing address.
• Pack and ship disinfected sports equipment to SwapMeSports.com. You will be notified once your donation is received.

¹Turbeville, S.D., Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Competitive Sports. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2006: 34(11):1860-5.
² Zinder, S.Z., National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Skin Diseases. Journal of Athletic Training. 2010;45(4):411-428.