Fifty for the Future, in partnership with Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and central Arkansas’ six leading hospitals, is launching a four-week “Take Care Arkansas” public service announcement campaign urging the public to not delay having their health care needs met.
It’s the first time that Arkansas Children’s, Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have come together to send a singular message, according to a news release.
That message is: “Central Arkansas hospitals, emergency rooms and physician offices have never been more safe or prepared to care for you. And your wellness checks, emergencies and surgeries don’t need to wait. Your health depends on it.” The campaign launched Tuesday and will run through July 19.
Scott Copas, president of Fifty for the Future, said in the release, “We created this campaign to remind Arkansans that a healthy Arkansas is a safe Arkansas. We want Arkansans to know not to delay their healthcare.”
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is providing matching seed money in support of the campaign.
“It is so important for people to continue to practice precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones and others from the coronavirus. No question,” President and CEO Curtis Barnett said. “And social distancing is an important part of controlling this health crisis.
“As we’ve monitored the situation these past three months, we’ve heard from many of our members that they have delayed important health care in fear of contracting the virus,” he continued. “We understand. But we also know that delayed care often can lead to worsening conditions or improper healing, so we want to encourage Arkansans to be safe, but seek the care they need to get and stay healthy.”
In addition, Fifty for the Future has launched a Take Care Arkansas Facebook page to host weekly Lunch and Learns for the community. These 30-minute conversations will be held on July 1, 8 and 15 at noon and will feature representatives from the six partner hospitals discussing new safety protocols and emphasizing the importance of returning to regular health care visits.
“Our health care organizations are responding generously and effectively in the fight against COVID-19. Now it’s time for Arkansans to get back to their everyday health care needs,” said Dr. Dean Kumpuris, medical director of Fifty for the Future, said. “In fact, staying home when you need care can be extremely risky. If you delay a trip to the ER, a surgery, your child’s routine vaccinations, a yearly wellness visit or any other medical needs, that decision can have negative long-term consequences on your health.”
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