Dignity Health and Keck Medicine of USC are among five Los Angeles County large nonprofit health systems taking part in the BetterTogether.Health coalition. With a mission to convince Angelenos to put health first and access care when needed, the public service educational campaign features everyday patient heroes with the theme: “Get Back to Your Doctor. Your Health. Your Joy. Because We Love a Healthy L.A.”

The campaign presents an authentic, intimate mosaic of 11 Angelenos who overcame health challenges as a result of timely access to preventive care.

Among issues driving the new campaign are ongoing concerns among health care professionals who think people are not seeking timely, preventive and life-saving services, health screenings and medical assistance when critical to do so.       

The five health systems, with hundreds of health care locations throughout Los Angeles County, are available to serve the community’s health care needs, including emergency, primary, specialty and urgent care.

Rather than each health system individually addressing what medical 
professionals call a “silent sub-pandemic” of those requiring but instead avoiding timely medical services, they are tackling what has increasingly become a new public health crisis resulting in serious and avoidable health consequences.

“As people return to work, school and family gatherings we are still concerned that they have not returned to their annual screenings or health interventions. We must continue to engage our communities to put their health and well-being first,” said Julie Sprengel, president, Southern California Division, Dignity Health Hospitals.

“There’s concern that patients with serious conditions are putting off critical treatment,” added Rodney Hanners, CEO, Keck Medicine of USC. “We know that seeking immediate care for heart attacks and strokes can be life-saving and may minimize long-term effects. Our hospitals and health providers are ready and open to serve your needs.”

To learn more and see the stories of the 11 health care heroes, visit www.bettertogether.health.