As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, an alarming trend is on the rise: Americans are not staying in routine care to manage their cardiovascular conditions and maintain their overall preventive care. In fact, more than 30 percent of Americans have not had a routine check-up with their doctor since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Even more distressing, a new national survey conducted as part of the SCAI Seconds Still Count Campaign found only one third of African Americans and Latinx individuals, who are already disproportionately impacted both by COVID-19 as well as heart disease, reported they would be comfortable going to the hospital for an emergency while COVID-19 is still a risk, compared to 58 percent of the general population.

Seconds Still Count Phase II Stay in Care Challenge

Following our original expansion of the nationwide Seconds Count Campaign in May, we’ve released a second phase of the campaign to help Americans take more ownership over thei health and educate that in the current COVID-19 pandemic, staying in care is critical – especially for managing chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and those in under-served communities.

As a SCAI member, you have a unique opportunity to join Seconds Still Count. You can help by spreading this critical message to your patients, colleagues, and broader hospital community.

How You Can Get Involved 

We want to make it easy for you to reach the communities that you serve every day with this life-saving message. We are providing you with tools and materials to help you spread the word that Seconds Still Count:

• Social Media Content: Share and engage with Seconds Still Count messaging on your social media channels
• Campaign Infographic: Leverage the campaign infographic in conversations with patients and colleagues about dangers of delaying care
• Graphics: Leverage social media graphics to bring posts to life and capture audience attention

How Your Hospital Can Get Involved

Please champion the Seconds Still Count campaign and your personal involvement with your hospital's communication team. We've made it simple with an introductory letter and turn-key communications materials for your hospital communications department including Spanish and English infographics, suggested social media content, a press release, and a newsletter story. 

Visit SecondsCount.org to learn more or contact  Kimberly Powell with questions at [email protected].