‘Know Where To Go’ campaign aims to educate on emergencies

BROWN COUNTY – Do you know what injuries require the emergency room? Brown County Beyond Health recently released a campaign, “Know Where To Go,” in early October to educate people on what injuries require a trip to the emergency room.

Most people know where the closest hospital is and that they offer 24/7 care, but what about other medical options? Urgent care, fast care clinics and primary care are all reliable options that may save you time and money. Injuries such as a cut that may need stitches, sprains and minor burns are cases where urgent care is a better alternative.

“In most situations where life or limb is not threatened, urgent care or your primary care doctor is the better place for treatment,” said Kim Franzen, CEO at N.E.W. Community Clinic and Beyond Health Steering Committee member. “The wait can be shorter, the cost is lower, and you’ll keep hospital resources free for those who truly need it.”

With so many people not knowing where else to go, emergency rooms can quickly become overcrowded. The Know Where To Go campaign is in no way trying to discourage the use of the emergency room, simply wanting to inform Brown County residents when another option might be more appropriate.

“Brown County hospitals are ready 24/7 for the most serious cases,” said Sharla Baenen, COO at Emplify Health by Bellin and Beyond Health Steering Committee member. “But for most illnesses and injuries, an urgent care location — or even primary care visit — will better serve your healthcare needs. By showing the options available in Brown County, KnowWhereToGo.org helps community members make more informed choices when they face their next health concern.”

Adem Behnke, communications specialist for Brown County Public Health, said that the emergency room is “an important resource that should be used,” but it is important to know when to go to the emergency room and when to go somewhere else.

The hope is that eye-catching signs would help people keep in mind other medical options or go to their website for more information.

Keep an eye out for Know Where To Go billboards, bus signs and social media posts that give examples on what injuries and situations require the ER and which ones can wait for primary care.

Pass It Forward™ editorial is sponsored by Packers Give Back, Nicolet National Bank and the National Trust for Local News.