Quick Access to UHS MyChart

Free and secure access to your UHS healthcare team and services.

UHS and the American Heart Association team up for the 'Don't Die of Doubt' campaign

July 16, 2020
COVID-19

The American Heart Association and UHS respond to alarming drop in 9-1-1 calls fueled by COVID-19 fears 

New campaign, Don’t Die of Doubt™, emphasizes symptoms of heart attack and stroke, need to access care by calling 9-1-1 even during pandemic 

American Heart Association COVID-19 newsroom 

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase and strain emergency departments nationwide, a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) suggests ER visits in April were down 42 percent compared to the same period last year. Yet, heart attacks and strokes haven’t stopped for COVID-19. To combat this alarming trend, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and UHS took action and created a new public awareness campaign called, “Don’t Die of Doubt,” that urges people to call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical care at the hospital if experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke.

The campaign emphasizes that the best chance to survive an acute event, like a heart attack or stroke, is to call 9-1-1 and get an ambulance to the hospital where they’re fully prepared to treat you safely. Hospitals are still the safest place to be during a medical emergency.

With news coverage of coronavirus cases still fueling fear of using emergency medical services, there is a critical need to reach everyone across the country with reassurance. People can receive safe care for heart attack or stroke symptoms, and other urgent medical needs, in hospitals.

When it comes to surviving a heart attack or a stroke, seconds count, and so doubting symptoms, and thereby delaying care, may prove deadly.

“Heart attack and stroke symptoms are always urgent. This campaign is geared toward minimizing hesitation to call 9-1-1 in an emergency,“ said Amy Skiba, senior development director with the American Heart Association in the Southern Tier. “Emergency responders, as well as doctors and nurses at the hospital, know what to do even when things seem chaotic and emergency departments have made plans behind the scenes including screening for COVID-19 symptoms, treating coronavirus patients in separate areas and increased cleaning protocols to keep patients and workers safe.”

“We are honored to collaborate with the American Heart Association on the 'Don’t Die of Doubt' campaign,“ said John M. Carrigg, president and chief executive officer of UHS. "If you have a healthcare need, don't put it off because of the fear of COVID-19.  Our hospitals, offices and other facilities are open, sanitized and safe.  Continue to pay attention to the warning signs of disease, and, if something doesn't feel right, seek medical care immediately."

For more about this campaign and community resources, visit www.heart.org/dontdieofdoubt.

Additional Resources:

The Association receives funding primarily from individuals. Foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.