For those with compromised immune systems, visiting healthcare settings is one of our most vulnerable moments. At Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), we are often required to remove our only defense against airborne diseases, our mask, during tests, exams or procedures. This leaves us exposed and heavily reliant on the people in the space to wear properly fitted masks. Unfortunately, even though OHSU policy technically mandates staff to wear masks when directly requested by a patient, there are frequent incidents of non-compliance. Healthcare workers frequently push back, wear masks improperly, or cease to adhere to mask guidelines when over six feet from a patient, despite the fact that airborne viruses can travel much farther. Administrative workers do not wear n95 masks, even when mandated by OHSU, they often wear ill fitting surgical masks, and often remove them. Other patients in the space are not required to mask at all, regardless of symptoms they might be showing. 

These three factors: pushback from healthcare workers for masking properly, administrative staff not masking properly, and other people in the space not masking at all, makes seeking essential medical care the riskiest activity immune compromised people have to engage in, and is the place that many have contracted airborne viruses they have otherwise been able to avoid. This causes many immune compromised people to avoid healthcare settings unless and until medical issues become critical. 

This also puts undue burden on immune compromised people and their caregivers, as they have to constantly request their care team follow OHSU policy, from the moment they make an appointment, to check in, throughout the care itself, instead of simply receiving care. When OHSU healthcare workers do not follow policy, patients are fearful to report these lapses because of retaliation and potential loss of healthcare. 

To combat this, we are asking for three changes at OHSU:

1. In spaces where patients are likely to be immune compromised, enforce universal masking year-round. This includes spaces like oncology units, infusion centers, labs, emergency rooms, and critical care units. 
2. When masking is required by space or season, enforce this policy for all people in the unit. This includes all staff, medical, administrative, janitorial and security, as well as visitors, patients and caregivers. This would require mask fitting for employees, including regular training and education. It would mandate distribution and enforcement of masks for patients, visitors and caregivers except for those with legitimate medical inability to mask. 
3. Enforcement of these policies, including routine checks, education and training and consequences for staff violating policy.  

Data highlights that consistent use of n95 masks can drastically reduce the transmission of viruses, thus providing a safer environment for all patients, especially the immunocompromised. Enforcing strict compliance will not only protect vulnerable individuals but also enhance the overall safety in OHSU facilities.

By instituting these measures, we can create an environment where healthcare settings are places of healing and safety rather than a heightened risk for disease transmission. Join us in urging OHSU to prioritize the health of immunocompromised individuals by enforcing better mask-wearing practices.

Please sign this petition to demand that OHSU meet these three requests to protect those most at risk in their care.