Thoughts From… Regional Chief Medical Officer Consortium

As Covid-19 is on the rise in many communities, Western Pennyslvania’s hospital chief medical officers issued an appeal to the community for continued vigilance and action. The letter was released by the Western Pennsylvania Regional Chief Medical Officer Consortium, a group of top doctors from each of the local health systems that assembled in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and have worked behind the scenes and in the public sphere to shape the region's response.

To All in Our Communities: 

On behalf of the health care systems and providers in Western PA, we want to reinforce a few important messages regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. With the President’s illness, care, and statements, many may wonder if things are changing from the medical perspective.

We see the virus's effects and the harms of underestimating it. We also know the benefits of practical ongoing preventative actions.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still here in our area and country; it will not be leaving any time soon. Our collective ongoing vigilance to smart action remains the key to limiting illness spread and harm.

We remind all to:

• Wear a mask every day and whenever you are near another. It protects – you, others, all.
• Keep distance – seek to be 6 feet or more apart and avoid crowds. This is especially true when you are indoors.
• Wash your hands, often. This helps stop infection spread.
• Stay home when you are ill – even if you think it is “just a cold or an allergy”. COVID-19 looks like many other infections but spreads and harms some.
• Talk with your doctor or care provider if you are ill or concerned – and follow the advice. Isolate, quarantine, and mask as recommended – it helps.

COVID-19 is real and it hurts many, especially the elderly and others with underlying conditions or other risks. Together, we can make a real difference by sharpening and retaining our focus on these simple steps – it is not time to stop these steps.

Thank you.

The Western PA Regional Chief Medical Officer Consortium:

Donald M. Whiting, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Allegheny Health Network

Donald M Yealy, MD
Senior Medical Director
UPMC

Carol J. Fox, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Excela Health

David Rottinghaus, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Butler Health System

Michael Cratty, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Heritage Valley Health System

John Sullivan, MD
Chief Medical Officer
St. Clair Hospital

John Six, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Washington Health System

Ali F. Sonel, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Pittsburgh VA Health System