It makes me physically upset to type this, but it must be said. A few days ago, I was asked by a Hospital Emergency Manager if I could help by issuing a statement to the public about kindness. The amount of physical violence, vile words, and downright cruel behavior experienced by our healthcare workers (in hospitals, nursing homes, FQHCs, health departments, etc.) is getting to the point where locations must increase security in/ around lobbies and main entrances. We are currently going through one of the most stressful periods in modern history – and unfortunately human behavior is making it worse. 554 days ago, the State of Ohio declared a State of Emergency due to COVID-19. In March, April & May of 2020, my inbox and voicemail was flooded with offers for food, PPE donations, and thank you cards for Healthcare Workers. The public clapped, planes flew overhead, and people did their part and stayed home. Now? Angry calls, physical violence, misinformation spreading like wildfire, and a refusal to accept evidence-based solutions as fact. Want to help a Healthcare Worker? Here’s how: - Wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. - Masks have unfortunately become politicized. It is just like any other harm reduction method – like a seatbelt. This is not a hard thing to do. - If you’re not already, please get vaccinated for COVID-19. - Make sure to receive vaccine information from evidence-based sources – not unverified social media accounts. - Save the Emergency Room for emergencies. - Utilizing the right level of care will decrease the burden on both healthcare workers and other patients that need immediate care. On June 14, 2021, we had 62 confirmed COVID-19 patients within our SW Ohio hospitals. 26 were in the ICU, and 26 were on ventilators. Today, September 13, 2021, we have 521 confirmed COVID-19 patients within our SW Ohio hospitals. 145 in the ICU, and 115 on ventilators. The Delta Variant is overwhelming our healthcare systems. From rural to urban healthcare settings - we are operating with a fraction of the staff we had last year. I don’t know how else to say this – please be kind. The toll of this pandemic has been enough, please don’t make it harder. Resources: Want to see regional data? Visit: cctst.org/covid19 Need a COVID-19 test? Visit: https://lnkd.in/e_TjFwC Need a COVID-19 vaccine? Visit: https://lnkd.in/eB9RMNN #hospitals #COVID19 #publichealth