On July 1, Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health launched a campaign to remind Hoosiers that face masks are an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now, based on two new studies, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling on all Americans to adopt the use of cloth face masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.

It is critical for Hoosiers to hear from the people they trust the most – their doctors – to help stop another surge of the coronavirus. That’s why ISMA is encouraging all physicians, in a professional capacity and individually, to spread the Mask Up Hoosiers message. 

Your voice and credibility on this topic are needed now more than ever. The rate of positive cases of COVID-19 is on the rise in Indiana, particularly among Hoosiers in their 20s and 30s. Meanwhile, schools are preparing to re-open – some by the end of the month – potentially triggering a surge if more people disregard the call for such precautions.

How you can help #MaskUpHoosiers

By visiting coronavirus.in.gov/MaskUpHoosiers, anyone can download 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.

Another way to spread awareness is by posting a video telling the public who you wear a mask for. This 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. This is why masks are also a key component of ISMA’s Check-in for a Check-up campaign.

When posting to social media, be sure to use the #MaskUpHoosiers hashtag. Finally, let ISMA know what you are doing to spread awareness about COVID-19 prevention; feel free to e-mail ISMA Director of Communications Steve Cooke to share your work.