Health Groups Urge Californians to Respond to Gov. Newsom’s Request to Check In on Seniors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.– Facing a chronic disease such as cancer, lung or heart disease is daunting enough but facing these illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic is life threatening—especially for those over 65.

Gov. Newsom launched the Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In. campaign recently, asking all Californians to check in on seniors with underlying health issues. He urged the state’s major nonprofit health organizations to help promote the program by getting the word out to vulnerable populations in the state, letting them know to dial 2-1-1 if they need help or access to groceries or medication.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association and the California Chronic Care Coalition immediately connected with their networks of patients and survivors to promote the 2-1-1 hotline and their own resources.

The nonprofits also stepped up and launched a series of TV Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in English and Spanish asking all Californians to check in on older neighbors, friends and family, especially those with health issues. The Take the Pledge PSAs encourage viewers to commit to calling or texting older Californians who are sheltering in place to make sure they are safe. Take the pledge at www.EngageCA.org and help save lives.  

Production of the four PSAs was donated by Sacramento-based DosEckes Productions. The PSAs feature the voices of three seniors with cancer, lung and heart disease:

“Facing cancer is scary enough. Facing cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic is terrifying due to risk of complications,” says cancer survivor Beatrice Cardenas-Duncan.

“Like millions of seniors, I suffer from COPD which makes it hard to breathe. During COVID-19, many of us need to feel safe,” says Ellen Ortega who struggles with lung disease.

“I have heart disease and I feel so alone during the COVID crisis. I can’t leave home. Check on me,” says cardiovascular patient Jacqueline Alikhaani.

About the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, go to fightcancer.org.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About the California Chronic Care Coalition

The California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) is a unique alliance of more than 30 leading consumer health organizations and provider groups that promote the collaborative work of policy makers, industry leaders, providers, and consumers to improve the health of Californians with chronic conditions. We envision a system of care that is accessible, affordable, and of a high-quality that emphasizes prevention, coordinated care, and the patient’s wellness and longevity.  You can find us at: www.californiachroniccare.org, https://twitter.com/CAChronicCare;  [email protected]