SHELTON, WA – Mason Health has teamed up with more than 100 hospitals across the state to support the launch of Washington State Hospital Association’s (WSHA) campaign urging members of our communities not to put their health care on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinics and health care systems across the state have reported abnormally low volumes of patients seeking routine medical care. At the same time, visitors to the emergency department are arriving with more severe illness, having delayed care. This educational campaign is aimed at addressing the concerns keeping people from seeking appropriate care.

“We’ve heard that patients are afraid of contracting COVID from other patients in the hospital or that care teams won’t have time to care for them if it isn’t COVID-related,” WSHA President & CEO Cassie Sauer said. “Health care teams are taking steps to ensure people’s safety when they need to seek care – from screening to eliminating waiting rooms. Care is safe and available for you and your family. Please, don’t let your health become an emergency.”

Hospitals and health systems will continue building awareness surrounding this issue for the next several weeks as part of their response to COVID-19.

“At Mason Health, we fully support WSHA’s position of encouraging our patients and community members to seek care,” CEO of Mason Health Eric Moll said. “Our team of health care providers are making every effort possible to protect the health of our patients. We have put the necessary safety precautions in place. Our providers and staff are available in person, over the phone and through audio/visual technology. WSHA’s Get Care campaign presents strong alignment with the District’s mission of United Community, Empowered People, Exceptional Health.”

Mason Health is keeping its patients safe and healthy by screening patients and visitors for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering any buildings, requiring masking at all facilities, providing life-saving personal protection equipment (PPE) for staff, mandating social distancing, limiting visitors, offering drive-thru testing for the novel coronavirus and offering alternate care sites for vulnerable populations such as babies, expectant mothers and the elderly. To learn more about Mason Health’s comprehensive COVID-19 response and the actions we have taken to protect the health of our community and patients, visit our website or any of our social media sites.  

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County, is certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. Mason Health now offers 3D Mammography Services. For more information on 3D mammograms or to find a health care provider, visit www.MasonGeneral.com.

The Washington State Hospital Association advocates for and provides value to members in achieving their missions and improving the health of their communities. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including those that are non-profit, investor-owned, and county, state and military hospitals. The Triple Aim guides our members and our work, as we strive to improve the patient experience, improve the health of populations and reduce the cost of health care. Visit www.wsha.org for more information.

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Mason Health Behavioral Health provider Erin Martinache, LICSW, Clinic Manager Rosa Gonzalez Gonzales and Director of Patient Access Shannon Barnhart in Mason Clinic. Photo by Arla Shephard Bull