Main Line Health, American Heart Association and Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic partner for 'Don't Die of Doubt' campaign

Closeup shot of phone display with the number 911 dialed

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase and strain emergency departments nationwide, a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) suggests emergency department visits in April were down 42 percent compared to the same period last year. Yet, heart attacks and strokes haven’t stopped for COVID-19.

To combat this alarming trend, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, Main Line Health and Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic took action and created a new public awareness campaign called, “Don’t Die of Doubt,” that urges people to call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical care at the hospital if experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke.

The campaign emphasizes that the best chance to survive an acute event, like a heart attack or stroke, is to call 9-1-1 and get an ambulance to the hospital where they’re fully prepared to treat you safely. Hospitals are still the safest place to be during a medical emergency.

With news coverage of coronavirus cases still fueling fear of using emergency medical services, there is a critical need to reach everyone across the country with reassurance. People can receive safe care for heart attack or stroke symptoms, and other urgent medical needs, in hospitals.

When it comes to surviving a heart attack or a stroke, seconds count, and so doubting symptoms, and thereby delaying care, may prove deadly.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the American Heart Association on the Don’t Die of Doubt campaign as we want to ensure our community members monitor and take care of their cardiovascular health," said James Woodward, President and CEO, Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “During this uncertain time, we encourage everyone facing a medical emergency to seek help quickly. Do not be afraid of going to the hospital due to the pandemic. Pay attention to the warning signs of heart attack and stroke and seek emergency care.”

“Heart attack and stroke symptoms are always urgent. This campaign is geared toward minimizing hesitation to call 9-1-1 in an emergency,“ said William Gray, MD System Chief of Division for Cardiovascular Disease, Main Line Health; President, Lankenau Heart Institute and AHA Board President, Southeastern PA region. “Emergency responders, as well as doctors and nurses at the hospital, know what to do even when things seem chaotic and emergency departments have made plans behind the scenes including screening for COVID-19 symptoms, treating coronavirus patients in separate areas and increased cleaning protocols to keep patients and workers safe.”

For more about this campaign and community resources, visit the American Heart Association website.

 

About Lankenau Heart Institute

The Lankenau Heart Institute is Main Line Health's premier comprehensive cardiovascular medicine and surgery program. Lankenau Heart Institute brings together the clinical expertise of all four Main Line Health acute care hospitals and both the employed and community cardiology practices to ensure that patients receive a level of quality, service and experience that is unparalleled in the region. Through the systemwide coordination of services, Lankenau Heart Institute delivers preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative cardiovascular services at each of our locations including Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital.

Lankenau Heart Institute continues to be an innovator in the use of beating-heart techniques and robotic-assisted procedures for coronary artery revascularization, minimally invasive and transcatheter approaches for valve repair and replacement, complex aortic surgery and heart rhythm disorders. With our growing experience and focus on minimally invasive techniques, Lankenau Heart Institute has expanded participation in clinical trials year after year. Our physicians are frequently invited to participate in clinical/medical device trials, many of which are designed to facilitate the use of minimally invasive approaches and procedures.

With a collaborative team of expert consultative cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and specially trained advance practice nurses and technologists, Lankenau Heart Institute is dedicated to managing and treating patients with simple to complex cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, aortic disease, coronary and peripheral vascular disease, lipid and genetic abnormalities, heart rhythm disorders and valve disease. Our team of cardiologists and cardiac and vascular specialists provide patients and their families with expert cardiovascular care, close to home.

About Main Line Health

Founded in 1985, Main Line Health is a not-for-profit health system serving Philadelphia and its suburbs. Main Line Health's commitment — to deliver safe, high-quality, equitable and affordable care for treating and curing disease, playing an important role in prevention and disease management, as well as training physicians and other health care providers — reflects our intent to be the region's premier choice for clinical care, research, and education. A team of more than 13,000 employees and over 3,500 employed and independent physicians and advanced practice providers care for patients throughout Main Line Health.

At Main Line Health's core are four of the region's most respected acute care hospitals — Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital — as well as one of the nation's premier facilities for rehabilitative medicine, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.

Main Line Health also includes Mirmont Treatment Center for drug and alcohol recovery; Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice, which includes skilled home health care, hospice and home infusion services; Main Line Health Centers, primary and specialty care, lab and radiology, and other outpatient services located in Broomall, Collegeville, Concordville, Exton, King of Prussia and Newtown Square; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, a biomedical research organization; and Main Line HealthCare, one of the region's largest multispecialty physician networks.

Main Line Health is the recipient of numerous awards for quality care and service, including the prestigious American Hospital Association Quest for Quality Prize, highest tier ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for Overall Hospital Quality and systemwide recognition in the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Main Line Health is committed to creating an environment of diversity, respect, equity and inclusion, has proudly received awards in this area and has embraced the American Hospital Association's #123forEquity Pledge to Act to eliminate disparities in care. We are dedicated to advancing patient-centered care, education and research to help patients stay healthy and live their best lives.

For more information, visit mainlinehealth.org and connect with us on social media:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/main-line-health
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mainlinehealth
X (formerly known as Twitter): www.twitter.com/mainlinehealth
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mainlinehealth

Contact

Phil Ellingsworth, Jr.
Director, Communications
Office: 484.580.1182
[email protected]