Bristow Applauds New Pandemic Health Worker Program from OSF Healthcare in Alton

ALTON, Ill. – State Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, is applauding OSF Healthcare and the Illinois Department of Public Healthcare for bringing a new, virtual healthcare solution to help Alton and the Riverbend region deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. This program will allow Pandemic Health Workers (PHW) to digitally connect with referred clients experiencing covid-19 symptoms and digitally monitor them from home, limiting the spread of the virus and improving healthcare access throughout the region.

“I applaud the medical staff around the region that are addressing the pandemic proactively by collaborating together to help during this crisis,” said Bristow. “As we see cases rise across the state and country, we need to continue preparing locally to tackle this virus at home, helping prevent community spread and protecting our frontline workers as they battle this pandemic.”

The PHW method will help prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and limit the possibility of infection, while maintaining access to quality healthcare. This will give COVID-19 patients with more mild symptoms the ability to receive additional support while quarantining in their home. Teams of pandemic health workers will be stationed all throughout Illinois, with one of the first groups being established in Alton. PHWs will be supported by licensed clinicians and providers that will oversee care for these patients.

“Alton serves as a major medical hub for the region, so this approach will certainly help protect both vulnerable patients and essential medical workers from contracting the virus,” said Bristow. “We need to continue working towards local, state, and federal solutions to slow the rate of infection and save lives.”

To find the most recent information about resources and information regarding COVID-19 in Illinois, visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931.