Leadership of three regional health systems have banded together to ask community members to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

A press release from President and CEO Patricia Henderson of Glencoe Regional Health; President and CEO Mike Phelps of Ridgeview; and President Jim Lyons of Hutchinson Health indicated all facilities continue to see increasing cases of COVID-10.

The release reads as follows:

“To our community –
As we continue to see a dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases in our communities, we – as the leaders
of your local healthcare systems – are urging you to do your part to reduce the spread.
The rise of COVID-19 cases is having a significant impact on our hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
It is draining our resources such as beds, PPE (masks, gloves, gowns), supplies, and our most valuable
resource: our staff.

An increase in community spread is having a significant impact on our staffing levels,
as our employees on the front lines are affected by high-risk exposures or direct illness.

While some people may not be very sick with COVID-19, they still have the possibility to spread the virus
to others, who can become very ill or even die. We want to protect the elderly and other vulnerable
people from getting sick and needing urgent medical care.
We need everyone to work together to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We are
asking for you to take this virus seriously. After nine months of sacrifices, we know you are exhausted.
Now is not the time to become relaxed and complacent about prevention measures. Wear a mask and
stay apart. We’ve been practicing all year, and now is the time that it matters most. Let’s work together to
keep our communities safe. We are stronger together.
While it’s a tradition to gather with your family during the holidays, we ask that you stay home this year.
In-person family gatherings will continue to spread the virus and not only risk the health of our family and
friends, but put unnecessary strain on our healthcare systems. Consider other ways of connecting with
your loved ones, such as video calls and phone calls.
Please continue to be extra diligent with these preventive measures:
• Avoid going out, except for essential items.
• Avoid gatherings.
• Keep at least six feet of distance between you and another person.
• When in public, wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
• Wash your hands OFTEN with soap and water for AT LEAST 20 seconds, especially after
using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol IF soap and water are
not readily available.
• Stay home if you are feeling sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu shot to reduce the risk of a hospital stay.
Thank you for helping us slow down the spread of COVID-19. We will get through this, together.
Sincerely,
Patricia Henderson
President & CEO, Glencoe Regional Health
Mike Phelps
President & CEO, Ridgeview
Jim Lyons
President, Hutchinson Health