The Public Health Alliance of Southern California, a partner in HASC’s Communities Lifting Communities community health initiative, issued a call this week for support of the region’s public health officers and officials — many who are enduring verbal attacks by opponents of face mask and social distancing mandates.

“Advising (or telling) people of the best way to protect their health, and the health of their children, and of their parents and communities, shouldn’t result in death threats,” the week’s statement reads. “It saves lives.”

Without listing individuals, the statement goes on to censure several members of area county boards of supervisors and other elected officials who questioned facemask mandates and other measures aimed at slowing the novel coronavirus. At least two area public health officials have received death threats connected to their work — one subsequently resigned from her post due to the hostile environment.

“Make no mistake: elected officials who subtly undermine, shift responsibility, or publicly mock their public health officials aren’t just dumbing down the discourse. They are costing lives,” the statement reads.

This week’s statement is signed by Public Health Alliance of Southern California Executive Director Tracy Delaney, PhD, by USC Health Policy and Management professor and former Los Angeles County Public Health Officer Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, and by Public Health Institute President/CEO Mary A. Pittman, DrPH.

The complete statement is available for review here and below.

Following the Alliance’s release, HASC President/CEO George W. Greene issued his own comments in support of public health officials as efforts against COVID-19 move forward.

“The Hospital Association of Southern California works in collaboration with our region’s public health officials as they fight against COVID-19,” Greene stated. “The ability of our hospitals to provide their most effective care depends on all of us flattening the curve by following the best medical and epidemiological advice — and these experts are a trusted source for this information.”

With any questions, please contact HASC Vice President, External Affairs and Strategic Communications Adam Blackstone.

Contact:
Adam Blackstone
(213) 538-0761
ablackstone@hasc.org