OPINION: ‘We need your help to keep our caregivers safe’: A letter to our community about COVID-19 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee area health care providers
April 17, 2020
Artist Mauricio Ramirez created this mural honoring frontline workers and medical professionals on the corner of South Sixth Street and Lincoln Avenue. (Photo by Adam Carr)
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Leaders of Milwaukee’s health care providers write a letter to the community with suggestions on how everyone can help in their response to COVID-19.
We are here for you.  We are together.  We need your help.
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We are the health care providers in your community who are working together every day, every hour, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping our nation.  We want you to know that along with emergency responders, public health agencies and government leaders, we are part of the community-wide effort to slow the spread of the virus. Our teams are on the front lines of caring for those afflicted.
Right now, we need your help to keep our caregivers safe.
They — along with food service workers, cleaning staff, transporters and other front-line staff  — selflessly show up each day to care for and serve our patients. You can keep them safe by continuing to stay home, keep social distances and wash your hands. Simple to say, sometimes not so easy to do, and absolutely lifesaving.
Our region’s hospitals and community health centers stand united against this pandemic to provide the best possible care under extraordinary circumstances.  Despite limited access to testing and prevention supplies, we are confident in our preparedness, planning and protocols, as well as the guidance from federal and state public health agencies. Moreover, our clinical leaders collaborate daily to respond to, and plan for the ever-changing needs of our patients, staff and community.
The days ahead will test our community’s strength, our resources and our spirit. But, with your help, we will prevail.  As health care providers, we will continue to work together to care for those who need us most, and we will honor the trust you place in us for your health, and the health of our community.
Jim Skogsbergh, CEO
Advocate Aurora Health
Bernie Sherry, Ministry Market Executive
Ascension Wisconsin
Peggy Troy, CEO
Children’s Wisconsin
Cathy Jacobson, CEO
Froedtert Health
Lyle Ignace MD, CEO
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center
Mary Ouimet, CEO
Kenosha Community Health Center
John Raymond MD, President
Medical College of Wisconsin
Joy Tapper, Executive Director
Milwaukee Health Care Partnership
Tito Izard MD, CEO
Milwaukee Health Services, Inc.
Connie Palmer, CEO
Outreach Community Health Centers
Jenni Sevenich, CEO
Progressive Community Health Centers
Susan Edwards, CEO
ProHealth Care
Julie Schuller MD, CEO
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers