Providence Partners With Providers Across SoCal For Community Health

Posted by: KHTS Newsroom in Coronavirus, Santa Clarita Latest News May 9, 2020 - 9:33 am 0 604 Views

Providence has partnered up with five other health care systems with a mission to encourage community members to put health first and access care when needed.

Providence, UCLA Health, Keck Medicine of USC, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health and Cedars-Sinai have launched an educational campaign called “BetterTogether.Health.”

Among issues the campaign is addressing are the growing concerns by health professionals that many people are not seeking needed medical advice and assistance when critical to do so, according to officials.

Health care providers “remain committed and available to serve the community’s health care needs — including emergency, primary, specialty and urgent care,” according to a statement released by Providence Friday.

Rather than each health system individually addressing what medical professionals increasingly call a “silent sub-epidemic” of those requiring but instead avoiding timely medical services, they came together to tackle head-on what could become what they call “the next public health crisis.”

The six health systems are joined for this purpose, believing it is their duty to reach out and let people know they are open and committed to maintaining the health of the communities they serve — and saving lives.

“We are grateful to those who did what was asked — stay home, safe and healthy,” Erik Wexler, chief executive, Providence Southern California said. “We are confident these efforts are making a positive difference in the health of Californians. This collaboration of health systems is not only extraordinary, it provides meaningful information in meeting a challenge beyond anything any of us ever experienced.”

The BetterTogether.Health campaign is set to include messages on multi-language television and radio, as well as billboards, newspapers, magazines, digital, social media, online information, links to vital health care resources and more, according to officials.

Officials say that combining resources “demonstrates the organizations are in this together, will accomplish more together, and will get through this together.”

“Those caring for patients in our hospitals, urgent care centers, clinics, testing centers and through telemedicine have responded with remarkable dedication, resilience and skill,” Johnese Spisso, president, UCLA Hospital System and Associate vice chancellor, UCLA Health Sciences said. “The health of our community continues as our number one priority, and we’re prepared to address all health care needs.”

Emergencies do not stop and neither do the hospitals providing emergency care 24/7, according to officials.

“We know many patients who in the past dialed 911 for life-threatening emergencies are now not accessing these vital services quickly,” Julie Sprengel, president of Southwest Division, Dignity Health Hospitals, CommonSpirit Health said. “We are instead seeing patients that delayed, postponed or cancelled care coming to emergency departments with serious conditions that should have been treated far earlier.”

Getting to a hospital quickly for heart attacks and strokes is critical and saves lives. Those exhibiting serious symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness in one side of the body or severe headache should seek medical attention immediately, according to officials.

“There is concern that patients with serious conditions are putting off critical treatments,” Tom Jackiewicz, CEO, Keck Medicine of USC said. “We know that seeking immediate care for heart attacks and strokes can be life-saving and may minimize long-term effects. Our hospitals and health care providers are ready and open to serve your needs.”

Scheduled vaccinations for children are part of the important medical care that needs to take place to ensure everyone is protected from infectious diseases, according to officials.

Staying current on your children’s immunization schedule protects them from potentially deadly diseases, according to officials.

“It is critically important for children to stay on schedule for vaccinations for the protection of their health and others as well, including the measles and whooping cough vaccines,” Julie Miller-Phipps, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Health Plan and Hospitals said. “These highly contagious diseases could become a public health issue if not addressed. Immunizations help protect children and those around them from diseases caused by bacteria or viruses.”

Patient health and safety are top priorities for every health care provider.

“Receiving timely treatment by skilled medical professionals is essential to helping us achieve for our patients and communities the best possible outcomes,” Tom Priselac, CEO, Cedars-Sinai Health System said. “Please do not delay getting your health care. We encourage you to call a trusted health care provider like your doctor’s office, hospital or urgent care center.”

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS by Providence.