FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: July 9, 2003
Contact: Jennifer Stone (619) 531-4766

COUNTY CAMPAIGN TARGETS RELIEF FOR CROWDED EMERGENCY ROOMS

A new public education campaign by launched by the County of San Diego encourages the public to consider using urgent care centers for non-emergency medical care instead of local emergency rooms.

"Plan. Know. Learn." was kicked off at a special evening press conference by San Diego County Second District Supervisor Dianne Jacob at the Sharp Rees-Stealy Urgent Care center in Mira Mesa. Recent studies have shown that emergency departments nationwide are experiencing a steep rise in use, and San Diego County officials, she said, want to make sure everyone knows their options.

"We absolutely support people going to the emergency department if they believe they have a life-threatening illness or injury," Jacob said. "We know people become frightened and want immediate medical care, which they deserve. We just want to be sure that they know that there are other choices available for non-emergencies."

A study by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) reports that one in three emergency department visits is for a non-emergency situation. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study indicates that nationwide emergency room use has risen by 20 percent, while the total number of emergency departments has fallen 15 percent.

"Plan. Know. Learn." encourages planning ahead for non-emergency medical care choices. Urgent care centers are normally open late and on weekends, with no appointment necessary and reasonable co-pays for those with health insurance.

"The mission of urgent care is to be here when you need us," said Dr. Ranja Alexander of Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group.

"Plan. Know. Learn." television and radio public service announcements are now being aired locally, in English and Spanish.