Fresh Perspectives: Updated “Take It From Me” Campaign Urges Vaccinations as COVID-19 Spreads; Inundates Kentucky Hospitals
LOUISVILLE, KY (Oct. 13, 2021)—With the surge created by the delta variant of COVID-19 sickening thousands and filling Kentucky hospitals to capacity, the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA), Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC), Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY), Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) and the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) have introduced a new set of videos as part of the “Take It From Me” campaign to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The new series includes 18 :15 second to two-minute videos featuring Kentucky physicians, a nurse, and a patient who has recovered from the virus. The healthcare providers describe the challenges they’ve faced treating patients with COVID-19 and urge vaccination to help protect both the patient and their loved ones. Patient Ethan Koehler tells his story of skepticism regarding the vaccine before he got sick, how the virus impacted his life, and why he’s now an outspoken proponent of vaccination.
“Overwhelmingly, we know Kentuckians trust their physicians, and these healthcare providers have high levels of confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. More than 96% of physicians are vaccinated against COVID-19, and we want our patients to take it from us that these vaccines are safe, effective and necessary to help end this pandemic,” said KMA President and pulmonologist Neal Moser, M.D.
“Our polling shows most Kentuckians do what their healthcare providers recommend, and that includes vaccinations,” said Ben Chandler, FHKY president and CEO. “We’ve also heard from people they weren’t sure whom to trust and what information was real when it came to the virus or vaccine. That’s why testimonies from Kentuckians who’ve battled COVID-19 – from the patient side or provider side – are important. These are real stories from our local communities, and they can help us ‘move the needle’ and get more people vaccinated.”
Nancy Galvagni, President of the KHA, agrees, and underscores the impact the latest surge has had on Kentucky hospitals. “So many of our hospitals are operating at full or near-full capacities, which are rates like we’ve never experienced. This means if you are in a car accident or have a heart attack, it may be difficult to find a hospital bed for you. So, this is about more than just COVID. We need Kentuckians to get vaccinated as soon as possible so we can end this surge and restore our hospitals and healthcare workers.”
“While there has been an uptick in the number of Kentuckians getting vaccinated in recent weeks, we still have a lot of work to do,” said David Bolt, Chief Executive Officer of the KPCA. “There are still many residents who are hesitant. We hope that hearing from physicians, who have been vaccinated themselves, as well as a fellow Kentuckian who was previously unvaccinated and suffered greatly from this virus, will motivate those who are still on the fence to get the vaccine.”
Those featured in the updated “Take It From Me” series include:
Mark Brockman, Jr., M.D., a pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group-Iroquois.
Christopher Jones, M.D., a transplant surgeon with the University of Louisville.
Monalisa Tailor, M.D., President-Elect of the KMA, and an internal medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates-Barret.
Ronnica Adams, RN, Director of Infection Control at Jackson Purchase Medical Center.
Ethan Koehler, a recovered COVID-19 patient from Benton, Ky.
The “Take It From Me” videos will be served as advertisements on social media and streaming services statewide, with particular focus in Kentucky counties where vaccination rates remain low.
Viewers are encouraged to consult the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine website, vaccines.gov/search, or to call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location near them. The “Take It From Me” campaign will run throughout the remainder of 2021. The PSAs are available for download below.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r7fvwuvc1jsbqtw/AAAYOyIEH__BHiupBxbfumsna?dl=0
About the Kentucky Medical Association
Established in 1851, the Kentucky Medical Association is a professional organization for physicians throughout the Commonwealth. The KMA works on behalf of physicians and the patients they serve to ensure the delivery of quality, affordable healthcare. Members of the KMA share a mission of commitment to the profession and service to the citizens of this Commonwealth that extends across rural and urban areas. From solo practitioners to academicians to large, multi-specialty groups, KMA is the ONLY state association representing every specialty and type of medical practice in Kentucky.
About the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care
Founded by the Kentucky Medical Association in 1971, the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to improving the health of all Kentuckians through medical education and public health initiatives.
About the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky
Funded by an endowment, the mission of the nonpartisan Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is to address the unmet health needs of Kentuckians by developing and influencing policy, improving access to care, reducing health risks and disparities, and promoting health equity. Since the Foundation opened its doors in 2001, it has invested more than $29 million in health policy research, advocacy, and demonstration project grants across the Commonwealth.
About the Kentucky Hospital Association
KHA was established in 1929. The Association represents hospitals, related health care organizations and integrated health care systems dedicated to sustaining and improving the health status of the citizens of Kentucky. The Association is headquartered in Louisville.
About the Kentucky Primary Care Association
The Kentucky Primary Care Association was founded in 1976 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation of community health centers, rural health clinics, primary care centers and all other organizations and individuals concerned about access to health care services for the state’s under-served rural and urban populations. KPCA is charged with promoting the mutual interests of our members, with a mission to promote access to comprehensive, community-oriented primary health care services for the underserved. To lean more, visit https://kpca.net/.
Follow KPCA on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyPCA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KentuckyPCA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ky-pca
Media Contacts:
Emily Schott
Kentucky Medical Association
schott@kyma.org
502-341-1926 (mobile)
Visit our website
Twitter: @KYMedAssoc
Ashley Brauer
Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky
abrauer@healthy-ky.org
270-308-1089 (Mobile)
Visit our website
Ginger Dreyer
Kentucky Hospital Association
gdreyer@kyha.com
502-992-4341
www.kyha.com
Doug Hogan
Kentucky Primary Care Association
dhogan@kypca.net
502-892-1005
www.kpca.net
