“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.”
That is the message Fifty for the Future, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and six leading hospitals have banded together to create in hopes that Central Arkansas’ will prioritize their healthcare visits amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The participating hospitals are Arkansas Children’s, Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent and UAMS.
“We are so pleased that these six organizations have agreed to come together for the good of our community,” President of Fifty for the Future Scott Copas said in a statement. “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.”
From now until July 19, these sponsors are promoting a four-week PSA campaign that utilizes television, outdoor and digital media to deliver its message of health and safety throughout the Central Arkansas area.
In addition, the message furthers through the Take Care Arkansas Facebook page. This page will feature 30-minute conversations hosted by representatives from all six hospitals on July 1, 8, and 15 at noon. The discussions will include live updates, safety protocol information and an emphasis on attending 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,” Fifty for the Future’s Medical Director Dr. Dean Kumpuris said in a press release. “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.”
According to Curtis Barnett, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield president and chief executive officer, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is matching seed money in support of the public service campaign.
Additional sponsors include Stone Ward, 360 Filmworks, KARK Ch. 4 NBC, KATV Ch. 7 ABC, KLRT Ch. 16 FOX, KTHV Ch.11 CBS, Lamar Outdoor and Effectv.
READ MORE: PPP Proving a Quandary for Some Arkansas Businesses