CVS Health launches "Time for Care" encouraging individuals to prioritize primary health care needs

Rhea-AI Summary

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) launched the 'Time for Care' campaign on July 15, 2020, to emphasize the importance of accessing primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to combat health concerns resulting from delayed medical appointments, especially among those with chronic conditions. Key findings from a national survey revealed that nearly 60% of Americans delayed health appointments due to COVID-19 fears, with a significant impact on individuals with chronic conditions. CVS is also addressing health disparities in underserved communities through expanded testing efforts.

Positive

• Launch of the 'Time for Care' campaign to promote health care access.
• National survey reveals critical insights into health care access challenges amid COVID-19.
• Focus on addressing health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities.

Negative

• Approximately 60% of Americans have postponed health care appointments due to COVID-19 concerns.
• Half of Americans feel the pandemic has negatively impacted their health or household health.
• Concern among chronic condition patients that the pandemic threatens their health.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., July 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) today announced the official launch of Time for Care, a campaign that reinforces the importance of accessing primary health care. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have appropriately focused on staying home to keep themselves and others healthy. Although this kind of physical distancing is still an essential component of preventing the spread of COVID-19, it is critical for people to continue prioritizing health care needs.

"While we remain focused on reducing the spread of COVID-19, we also need to make sure that we're encouraging people to get the care they need to avoid worse health outcomes in the future – particularly people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease," said Garth Graham, MD, MPH, Vice President, Community Health and Chief Community Health Officer for CVS Health. "The 'Time for Care' campaign drives that message home while reminding everyone of the precautions they can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Time for Care includes a national television ad, which launches today, along with a microsite, digital content, and Aetna member program components that address concerns for people with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as specific health issues such as high-risk pregnancies due to preeclampsia. To help inform the campaign's design, Aetna and Morning Consult initiated a national survey among 4,400 Americans to identify barriers to accessing care amid COVID-19. 

Key findings include:

• Nearly 60 percent of Americans said they have canceled or delayed a health care appointment due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 since the pandemic began
• Half of Americans have concerns the pandemic has negatively affected their own health or the health of someone in their household
• Nearly 60 percent of people with chronic conditions are concerned the pandemic has negatively affected their own health or the health of someone in their household
• Fifty percent of pregnant mothers are not confident their primary care physicians have put the necessary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 has deeply affected the Black and Hispanic communities across the U.S. where higher rates of chronic conditions are common. CVS Health is actively working to address these racial and ethnic health disparities by expanding community-based testing in underserved areas. More information is available at -19%2Ftesting-information-locations&a=https%3A%2F%2Fcvshealth.com%2Fcovid-19%2Ftesting-information-locations" rel="nofollow">https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-information-locations.

Dr. Graham added, "Now is the time to reevaluate both our physical and mental health needs – not only for our families, but for ourselves. We all need to find ways to actively and safely reconnect with health care providers and encourage loved ones to do the same."

To learn more, visit aetna.com/timeforcare and follow #TimeForCare to join the conversation.

About CVS Health
CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings – from HealthHUB® locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions – are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming health at www.cvshealth.com.

Contact:
Ethan Slavin
SlavinE@aetna.com
860-273-6095

 

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SOURCE CVS Health

FAQ

What is the 'Time for Care' campaign by CVS Health?

The 'Time for Care' campaign encourages individuals to prioritize primary health care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When was the 'Time for Care' campaign launched?

The campaign was officially launched on July 15, 2020.

What key findings were revealed by CVS Health's national survey?

The survey found that nearly 60% of Americans delayed health care appointments due to COVID-19 fears.

How is CVS Health addressing health disparities during COVID-19?

CVS Health is expanding community-based testing in underserved areas, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic populations.

What percentage of Americans are concerned about the pandemic affecting their health?

Around 50% of Americans are concerned the pandemic has negatively impacted their health or that of their household.