SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For those 65 and older dealing with chronic diseases, the COVID-19 pandemic is especially life threatening

Gov. Newsom initiated the "Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In." campaign asking all Californians to check in on seniors with underlying health issues.

Newsom also asked major nonprofit health organizations to get the word out and promote the use of 211 if the elderly need access to groceries or medication.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association and the California Chronic Care Coalition immediately connected with their networks of patients and survivors to promote the 211 hotline and their own resources.

The nonprofits also stepped up and launched a series of TV PSAs in English and Spanish asking all Californians to check in on older neighbors, friends and family, especially those with health issues.