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

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.