MHS, Broadcasters Urge Residents to Seek Critical, Non-COVID Medical Care as Needed

“Don’t delay, seek care today” campaign launches on TV, social media

McKenzie Health System, with support from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB), is supporting a statewide TV and social media campaign urging residents not to delay medical care needed to save lives, or detect, treat and prevent potentially serious health emergencies.

Across the state and nation, hospitals and other medical providers are seeing patients delay care out of fear of contracting COVID-19 at the hospital or other health facilities. Hospitals across the state are working to ensure patient safety for all visits. In addition, the State of Michigan recently issued additional guidance providing flexibility around Executive Order 2020-17 to support healthcare providers’ ability to care for a broad spectrum of health needs during the pandemic response.

“Please seek care immediately at your local hospital or health care provider if you need it,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “If you are having a medical emergency or need a diagnostic test, surgery, medical procedure, or vaccination that can relieve pain or prevent you from getting sick or sicker, please don’t delay. Get the care you need as soon as possible. Staying safe means staying home, and it also means seeking care for important or urgent medical care.”

“We have worked diligently to create a safe environment in all of our facilities,” shares Steve Barnett, President, and CEO at McKenzie Health System. “The health of our community is our highest priority. We encourage patients to continue focusing on their health by maintaining appointments and seeking emergency care when needed. We have also added the option of televisions which are available for many appointments when traveling to a facility is a concern.”

Peters said Michigan hospitals are taking “all levels of precaution to safely accommodate all patients in addition to those presenting with COVID-19.

”He continued: “Unfortunately, hospitals in Michigan and across the nation are reporting instances of people choosing not to come to the hospital out of concern around COVID-19. We’re seeing instances of people opting to not go to the hospital even when they are having medical emergencies, need a test or a treatment that is part of their care plan or that can relieve their pain, or to prevent a medical issue from becoming a serious threat to their health. A test, a scheduled treatment for a medical condition, a surgery that might relieve pain or improve health status, vaccination to protect against a serious disease are all examples of the medical care we urge residents to get as soon as possible.”

The the:30-second TV spot funded and produced by MHA will air on MAB member TV stations and in social media channels across Michigan for four to six weeks starting early next week.

About the MHA

Based in greater Lansing, the MHA advocates in Michigan and Washington, DC, to advance the health of individuals and communities. The MHA is a nationally recognized leader in initiatives that protect and promote quality, cost-effective and accessible healthcare. To learn more, visit mha.org.

About the McKenzie Health System

McKenzie Health System (MHS) is a not-for-profit medical and surgical hospital in Sandusky, Mich., with nine clinics in the surrounding region. Their team of health care professionals is dedicated to providing excellent, compassionate care and services to patients throughout the community. As part of their commitment to superior patient care, clinicians and staff work together to exceed expectations in quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. For more information about MHS and the many services it provides, please visit their website at www.mckenziehealth.org or call 810-648-3770.