Mercy Medical Center Providers Stress Importance of Wearing Masks

Springfield, MA. (August 31, 2020) – Healthcare providers and support staff at Mercy Medical Center are sharing their personal reasons for wearing face masks to get the word out about the importance of wearing such masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. These stories can be found on stanchion signs throughout the hospital and on Mercy's social media outlets.

COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Face masks add a layer of protection because they prevent people who may have not yet had symptoms of the virus from passing it to others.

"The impetus for this campaign came from the realization of my own personal responsibility in helping my family members and colleagues stay safe and healthy," said Deborah Bitsoli, President, Mercy Medical Center and its affiliates. "We are grateful to our colleagues who have shared their stories about why they believe it's so important to wear masks at work and when they are out in public. These messages, from individuals on the front lines of the pandemic, are a powerful reminder of the positive difference we can make by coming together on this issue."

To view the colleague stories, visit Mercy's Facebook page at facebook.com/MercyCaresSpringfieldMA or Mercy's Instagram at instagram.com/mercycaresspringfield

How to Wear Your Face Covering Correctly

• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
• Make sure you can breathe easily.
• Keep the covering on your face the entire time you’re in public.
• Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead.
• Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands.

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About Mercy Medical Center

Mercy Medical Center has established itself as one of the leading providers of health care services in Western Massachusetts. In 2015, Mercy Medical Center became part of Trinity Health Of New England, an integrated health care delivery system that is a member of Trinity Health, Livonia, Michigan, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation serving communities in 22 states. Mercy Medical Center is a 182-bed acute care hospital in Springfield. Other facilities include Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke; Mercy's Rehabilitation Hospital, a comprehensive hospital-based rehabilitation center on the campus of Mercy Medical Center; Brightside for Families and Children, an outpatient service offering counseling and family support programs; and an outpatient opioid treatment program. Visit us at TrinityHealthOfNE.org for more information and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MercyCaresSpringfieldMA/.