As COVID-19 infections steadily rise throughout our communities, it’s more important than ever for all Missourians to practice preventive measures to stop the spread — wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance and don’t gather in large groups.

The Coalition for Healthy Missouri Communities is a group of like-minded organizations uniting from all areas of industry in efforts to keep Missouri’s health care system stable, essential workers safe and Missouri’s businesses open. We do this best by taking personal responsibility to protect our friends, family and neighbors from COVID-19.

The approaching holiday season reminds us about the importance of sacrifice and love of community — all values that are traditionally associated with the Show-Me State. As we head into the winter months, and cold and flu season, it’s imperative that we take the health of ourselves and others, seriously. Practicing preventive measures consistently, statewide, will help keep hospitals from being overwhelmed and remain safe places for patients to receive both routine and emergency care.

We’ll get through this, together.