Daily Briefing Live – May 1, 2020

Key Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeStat News Article: Health care worker suicides hint at COVID-19 mental health crisis to comeUSA Today Article: Coronavirus strains cash-strapped hospitals, could cause up to 100 to close within a yearBecker's Hospital Review Article: 25 states resuming elective surgeriesMorning Consult Report: American College of Emergency Physicians COVID-19Key TakeawaysAddressing the fear of opening up again1/3 of Americans have put off care due to the COVID-19 crisis.Patients are going to need multiple reassurances when hospitals open up their doors to minimize the patient's fears. They'll want to know:What are you doing to sanitize?What are you doing for infection control?Each health system should conduct local market testing to understand what resonates with the consumers in their community.The financial reality post-COVID-19Health systems should continue to build relationships with Chambers of Commerce and other business-minded organizations at the local level.Members of these organizations are vital ambassadors for health systems because:They can provide insight into the economic impact of a health system on a community.They can offer help to employers and find out what they need from their health system.They can talk to elected officials about securing funds for the future.Many hospitals and health systems will be vulnerable to acquisitions post-COVID-19.If that's the case, communications and business leaders should begin preparing communications plans to make this challenging announcement.