WEST PLAINS, MO – Ozarks Healthcare continues to encourage vaccination efforts across its community after experiencing a high of COVID-19 patients hospitalized. A total of 18 COVID-19-positive patients were hospitalized within the health system on Monday, July 12, 17 patients were hospitalized on Tuesday, July 13, and 15 are currently hospitalized as of today. These totals have not been seen since early January at Ozarks Healthcare. Patients range in age from 22 to 87.
With much of the Ozarks being in the spotlight for low vaccination rates and strained healthcare workers, Ozarks Healthcare officials say getting your COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to help your healthcare system and community.
“Our staff, just like that of any other hospital in the Ozarks right now, is feeling the weight of long hours, but especially the heaviness of caring for extremely sick patients and having difficult conversations with loved ones,” Lacey Carter, Executive Director of Nursing at Ozarks Healthcare, said. “This round of COVID-19 is especially dangerous to those who have not been vaccinated. The best way for anyone wanting to help our healthcare workers and community members, which include your family, friends, and neighbors, is to get vaccinated against COVID-19.”
National news outlets have featured Ozarks Healthcare and other area health systems to discuss what doctors and nurses treating COVID-19 patients are feeling in the wave of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
“While it is devastating to be experiencing another surge of COVID-19, we have a tool to use to help turn these numbers around,” Dr. Priscilla Frase, Ozarks Healthcare Hospitalist and Chief Medical Information Officer, said. “Over the last few days, we have seen an increase in the number of vaccinations administered through our pharmacy, which is encouraging.”
Over the past few weeks, Ozarks Healthcare has administered an average between 20-30 vaccines daily. Yesterday, pharmacists administered more than 50 vaccinations. Anyone interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine may call Ozarks Healthcare’s Pharmacy at 417-256-1793 to schedule an appointment.
“We need more days like yesterday to really make an impact on COVID-19,” Dr. Frase said. “Our community coming together during this difficult time is key to how the rest of this pandemic will unfold.”
