Advocate Aurora takes out newspaper ad asking for public's help with COVID-19

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Advocate Aurora Healthcare is taking a new tactic in the battle of persuasion surrounding COVID-19 vaccines by taking out a full-page ad in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

It reads 'We Can't Stop COVID Without You'.

It comes as staffing shortages and a spike in Omicron cases are overwhelming hospitals.

"I find it frustrating, I get angry, I wonder why they did this, why they're doing this to me, why they're doing this to all the people that need to be away from sick people in the waiting room," said UW Health Hospital Emergency Department Nurse Sue.

Sue, not identified with a last name by UW Health, said in a social media video that her and other healthcare workers are spread thin right now.

They've faced nearly two years of seeing many people lose loved ones to COVID-19.

"I know that sometimes when I say goodbye to these people I'm never going to see them again because they're going to die," said Sue.

Advocate Aurora Health Chief Nursing Officer Mary Beth Kingston said this fatigue is why they did the newspaper ad.

"Then with reduced numbers of staff to provide care, we're holding our own but definitely we're starting to feel stretched and that's why we and other healthcare systems are out here asking for the public's help," said Kinston.

What they're asking for is something you've heard before.

"We're just seeing a huge surge in cases of covid, and we can't, we can't stop this by ourselves, we really need the public's support in doing a number of things," said Kinston.

Kinston says they're asking the public to follow COVID-19 protocols, get the booster if you've already gotten vaccinated, and of course if you're unvaccinated to go and get vaccinated.

"Look at what's best for yourself, please, please get vaccinated," said Sue.

Milwaukee isn't the only area where Advocate Aurora said it needs help.

The organization also took out full page ads in newspapers in Green Bay and Chicago.