Dignity Health encouraging people to call 911 in emergencies

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Another issue that is coming from the COVID-19 pandemic: people with serious medical issues like having a heart attack risking their lives by not calling 911 to get help because they are scared to go to the hospital.

Officials with Dignity Health are hoping to change that perception.

"We want people to know that we don't want them to delay. We know that a lot of people are scared out there. They don't want to come to hospitals now. But we want to reassure them that all the hospitals are taking great steps and have taken many measures to keep patients and staff safe," said Michele Shain of Dignity Health Memorial Hospital.

Dignity Health is launching the "call 9-1-1" campaign hoping to raise awareness and to encourage people to not risk their lives and pick up and call 911 when they are having a medical emergency.