SIDNEY — With an increase in COVID-19 activity and other illnesses in the community, Wilson Health is asking for help from Shelby County residents.
“We are seeing increased infections in the community and corresponding number of hospitalizations,” says Dr. Robert McDevitt, chief medical officer at Wilson Health. “Our COVID-19 testing volume is on the rise as is our positivity rate.”
Hospitals throughout the United States and Ohio are experiencing a higher volume of hospitalizations, including Wilson Health and facilities throughout the region. Shelby County remains at a high level of community transmission of COVID-19.
“For a variety of reasons, we are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases along with other respiratory illness in the area,” said Mark Klosterman, president and CEO of Wilson Health. “We are asking the community to rededicate themselves to following established, proven safety measures when it comes to COVID.”
Klosterman also noted patients may experience a slight increase in wait times due to higher patient volumes in areas such as the Emergency Department. “We are here and ready to care for our community, but understanding where to go for your care could impact wait times,” Klosterman stated. “Wilson Health has many options for non-emergency care services including doctors’ office, both in-person and telehealth visits are available, urgent care clinics and virtual care options.”
COVID-19 transmission continues to be high in the county and there is potential for illness to continue to rise. With families gathering over the holidays, it’s an important time to remind people of infection prevention measures, including vaccination, social distancing, masking and hand washing.
Wilson Health officials stated the COVID-19 vaccination rate in Shelby County remains low with only 33.82 percent of residents fully vaccinated.
“Getting vaccinated can help protect you from COVID-19,” said McDevitt. “Wilson Health does offer weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for the community to receive their first, second and booster doses. Wilson Health Pediatrics is providing COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 years of age and you do not have to be a patient of the pediatric practice to receive the vaccine. Appointments are required and can be made by simply calling 937-498-4880.”
“We all carry on our own responsibilities each day and sometimes we do not understand the lengths to which others go to serve our needs,” said Klosterman. “I can assure you the dedicated team of healthcare professionals at Wilson Health are committed to caring for our community like we have for the past 90 years and we are asking for your support to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses prevalent throughout our community.”
For questions related to COVID-19, or assistance finding a physician or accessing any of our services, please visit wilsonhealth.org or call Wilson Health’s Patient Call Center at 937-498-9464.
