Columbus, OH (43215) - While COVID-19 has presented new challenges for medical professionals, Ohio’s leading health care organizations are assuring Ohioans it is safe to see their doctor or visit a hospital to seek medical care and attention.

Health Care is Safe in Ohio is a new public awareness campaign launched today by the Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio Hospital Association, and Ohio Children’s Hospital Association. The campaign, which features public service announcements and social media efforts, was initiated to address a distressing decline in non-COVID-19 doctor’s appointments and hospital visits, and encourage patients to get the care they need. 

“There is tremendous concern for people who urgently need medical attention for conditions unrelated to COVID-19 and are choosing not to get the care they need. We’ve seen activity at some doctors’ offices decrease by more than 50-percent due to patients cancelling scheduled appointments or not showing up for visits,” said Anthony Armstrong, MD, president of the Ohio State Medical Association. “The message has to be clear: your health is your personal responsibility and it is safe to seek the care you need from your doctor.” 

Ohio banned most elective surgeries and medical procedures for about six weeks as the state made additional preparations for addressing COVID-19. That order was lifted on May 1. Hospitals and medical offices used that time to implement new safety protocols and ensure the safety of patients and medical personnel.

“Ohio hospitals and health systems are a vital source of health care and wellness services for our communities,” said Mike Abrams, president and CEO, Ohio Hospital Association. “Every day hospitals are committing resources and preparing their facilities to ensure patient safety and health care quality. Delaying or avoiding care can lead to serious complications or long-term health problems, and we encourage Ohioans to get the care they need today.”

With Health Care is Safe in Ohio, hospitals and medical providers are touting new advents in health care, such as, the increased use of telemedicine, but still urging patients that an in-person visit at a hospital or with a doctor is often a priority for preventative care.

“Children’s hospitals have always taken precautions to prevent the spread of illness in our facilities, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, as we are accustomed to treating ill and well patients simultaneously and safely,” said Nick Lashutka, President & CEO, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association. “We recognize the importance of revamping procedures for children and have created several protocols to continue to keep patients, families and staff safe as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

To learn more about the campaign or to view the PSAs, click here.

About the OSMA:
Our Mission Statement/ Who We Are: "The Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) is dedicated to empowering physicians, residents and medical students to advocate on behalf of their patients and profession." The OSMA is the largest and oldest statewide physician-led association in Ohio. We are affiliated nationally with the American Medical Association and locally with county medical societies. Visit us at www.osma.org.

About OHA: 
Established in 1915, OHA represents 236 hospitals and 14 health systems throughout Ohio that employ 260,000 Ohioans and contribute $31.4 billion to Ohio’s economy along with $6.4 billion in net community benefit. Patients had 33.7 million encounters at Ohio hospitals in 2018. OHA is the nation’s first state hospital association and is recognized nationally for patient safety and health care quality initiatives and environmental sustainability programs. Guided by a mission to collaborate with member hospitals and health systems to ensure a healthy Ohio, the work of OHA centers on three strategic initiatives: advocacy, economic sustainability and patient safety and health care quality. The association founded the OHA Institute for Health Innovation and is a co-founder of the Ohio Health Information Partnership and the Ohio Patient Safety Institute. www.ohiohospitals.org 

About OCHA:
The six members of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association – Akron Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, UH/Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dayton Children’s and ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital – work together to save, protect and enhance the lives of all Ohio children by providing the highest quality of care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. More information is available at ohiochildrenshospitals.org

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share by E-Mail

Share on LinkedIn