Indiana’s face mask mandate went into effect July 27 to slow the continued spread of COVID-19. The new executive order from Gov. Eric Holcomb came at a critical point in the pandemic, as the state paused its Back on Track plans to further open the economy and as schools prepared to safely welcome students back into classrooms.
In support of this necessary step in the fight against COVID-19, ISMA leaders are using their voices to create greater awareness of the need for masks. ISMA’s Communications team worked with leadership to submit letters to more than 40 newspapers up and down the state, encouraging Hoosiers to wear a mask.
Help spread the message to #MaskUpHoosiers
More Hoosier doctors are needed to add their voice to this effort. After all, the public is more likely to listen to a physician than any other source during the public health emergency.
To help spread the message, members who use social media can share one of the letters in the online version of this story on Facebook and/or Twitter with their friends and colleagues.
And, if you are interested in submitting a letter to your own local newspaper, please e-mail ISMA Director of Communications
Steve Cooke to confirm whether a letter has already been submitted or for help with messaging and to ensure that your letter meets the media outlet’s submission requirements.
In addition,
by visiting this site, ISMA members can access downloadable posters and graphics to encourage patients, staff, family and friends to wear a mask when out in public. A Facebook frame with the Mask Up Hoosiers logo is also available, and businesses
go here to print a Mask Up Hoosier poster informing visitors that face masks are required.
Another way to spread awareness is by posting a video telling the public who you personally wear a mask for. A
video released by ISDH shows Health Commissioner Kristina Box, MD,
Gov. Holcomb and others sharing their inspirations for wearing masks. ISMA President Lisa Hatcher, MD, talks about who she wears a mask for in videos on ISMA’s
Twitter and
Facebook pages.
And, when you show a photo or video of your office staff in masks, patients will feel more confident about seeking preventive and ongoing medical care.
Together, ISMA members are using their collective voice to help your patients, your practice and your community overcome the devastating impact of COVID-19!
Here are some of the letters that have been published:
- Roberto Darroca, MD – Anderson Herald Bulletin: Face mask order will save lives
- Lisa Hatcher, MD – Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: Masking up is our best chance to step back toward normalcy
- Teresa Lovins, MD – Columbus Republic: Face coverings will help stop the spread of COVID-19
- John Miller, MD – New Castle Courier Times: County health officer applauds mask mandate
- William Mohr, MD – Kokomo Tribune: Mask up; it saves lives; Lafayette Journal & Courier: Inconvenience of mask nothing compared to getting COVID-19, doc says
- Ann Patterson, MD – Dubois County Herald: Masking up is effective, safe, necessary
- Elizabeth Struble, MD – Wabash Plain Dealer: Wearing a mask is the most effective way to prevent COVID-19; Warsaw Times Union: Face masks save lives
- Tom Vidic, MD – Goshen News: Doctor – Patients say COVID-19 is worst illness they have had
- Angie Wagner, DO – Current: Mask mandate is a necessary step to prevent another surge of COVID-19; Hamilton County Reporter: Until vaccine, mask wearing is one of few effective ways to prevent spread of COVID; Noblesville Times: Letter to the Editor: ISMA member in support of face masks