Wear your mask. Get the COVID-19 vaccine. We are all counting on you.
For Immediate Release │ August 23, 2021
Media Contact: Holly Ward │602-445-4327 │[email protected]
Statement from Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
PHOENIX — It is clear Arizona is experiencing another major surge in pandemic-related hospitalizations. Hospitals are once again at, nearing or over capacity. Sadly, this is not the first time we have experienced a surge of COVID-19 cases. However, Arizona healthcare providers would like to make this their last.
To do that, we must treat this public health crisis by following public health interventions, which means getting vaccinated and wearing a mask as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We understand that after a year and a half people are tired of the virus, but the virus is not tired of us. It will continue to replicate until we all do our part.
While COVID-19 hospitalizations today are not as high as they were in December and January, the trend is ominous. Our state data dashboard shows available hospital beds in the system— however, much of that picture includes hospital beds that are not supported by available staff or are within specialty and other hospitals that treat targeted populations and conditions. In addition, the dashboard does not include “bed deficits” that would show intensive care patients being treated in overflow units because there are no intensive care beds available.
It doesn’t have to happen this way if we all do our part. We know vaccines work. We know wearing a mask and physically distancing works for those who haven’t or are unable to get the vaccine—and it works to further stop the spread even in those who have been vaccinated.
Hospitals are first and foremost a place for healing. We will always help those who come to us for care. We ask our communities to help us in return by doing your part to follow the latest public health guidance. Wear your mask. Get the COVID-19 vaccine. We are all counting on you.
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About the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
AzHHA is the association giving Arizona hospitals a voice to collectively build better healthcare and health for Arizonans. As the champion for healthcare leadership in Arizona, AzHHA and its member hospitals explore ideas and take collaborative action at the state capitol, in hospitals and at home to attain the best healthcare outcomes for our community. Above all else, we put people and patients first through Better Care, Better Health and Lower Costs. Visit https://www.azhha.org for more information.