This week, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, the Oregon Medical Association, and the Oregon Nurses Association put out an urgent joint statement pleading with Oregonians to celebrate Thanksgiving responsibly in the face of surging COVID-19 hospitalizations.
There’s no way around it: Increased hospitalizations from COVID-19 directly impact care to non-COVID patients. A hospital bed that is required to treat a patient suffering from COVID-19 is then not able to be used by someone who has had a heart attack, or who is in labor, or who was recently in a car accident.
Hospitals are doing their best to manage capacity and service challenges while under continued strain, but they can’t do it without you.
This Thanksgiving week, we add our name to the chorus of health-focused organizations asking you to partner with us in celebrating Thanksgiving responsibly with limited family and safety precautions in place. Together, we know we can be the difference between life and death for Oregonians dependent on our hospitals for treatment.
Lastly, we’re so thankful for our front-line health care heroes who have given so much this year and continue to do so. We see you, and we’re so grateful. Please do your part to keep them and your own family and friends safe this holiday.