Health care systems turn to newspapers for help

A Midwest health care system grappling with a surge in coronavirus patients took out a full-page ad in multiple newspapers, telling the public: “We can’t stop COVID without you.”

The message from Advocate Aurora Health, a nonprofit system based in Illinois and Wisconsin, described hospitals as strained, with beds full, long wait times and doctors and nurses hurting. It urged people to get vaccinated, noting that “more than 90 percent of all COVID inpatients are unvaccinated or due for a booster.”

“This is preventable,” the ad continued.

“And it’s up to all of us to help. Because if we don’t, it’s going to get even harder for you and your family and friends to get help when you need it most.”

The advertisement followed similar ones created by other overwhelmed health-care systems.

Leaders of six systems in Ohio took out a full-page ad in the Cleveland Plain Dealer last week, with the word “Help” anchoring the call for residents to get vaccinated. Earlier this month, hospital officials in Minnesota put out a similar message in several newspapers, saying that “a simple shot could prevent a life-threatening illness.”

Advocate Aurora Health’s ad appeared Sunday in newspapers including the Chicago Tribune, the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Journal Sentinel reported. It came as Illinois and Wisconsin continue facing spiking cases and hospitalizations.

The message called for people to stay home and get tested if sick, wear a mask in indoor public settings and get vaccinated and boosted.

“The power,” the ad read, “is in your hands.”