Jeff Bridges urges Montanans to 'Stay the Course', remain vigilant against COVID-19

Actor Jeff Bridges is starring in a COVID-19 public service campaign urging Montanans to remain vigilant against the coronavirus threat as the state eases restrictions, the Montana Hospital Association said Tuesday.

The association launched “Stay the Course, Montana,” in which Bridges, a part-time Montana resident, encourages residents to keep up social distancing and to wear a face cloth covering whenever in public. It is sponsored in part by the Murdock Charitable Trust.

“Montanans are incredible neighbors and have made extraordinary sacrifices to beat back coronavirus in our state. We’re thrilled to have one of our neighbors, a well-respected actor, Jeff Bridges, lend his voice to this important cause,” said Rich Rasmussen, president and chief executive officer of the Montana Hospital Association.

He said the campaign aims to keep our foot on the gas of good social distancing and efforts to keep the virus at bay as we move to fully reopen the state.

Bridges makes a brief reference to his character "The Dude" from the 1998 film "The Big Lebowski" when he says "We can abide with this thing, man. We'll get through this."

Coronavirus coverage:Cascade County reports another COVID-19 case, state total 461

The commercials will be seen on TV, radio and digital media and will direct people to a new website StaytheCourseMontana.com, which has tips on staying healthy, what to do if you’re sick, information about testing, how the public can help through donations and volunteer efforts, and provides additional links to leading state and national resources.

Montana on Tuesday reported 461 confirmed cases of coronavirus, noting that 425 of those cases have recovered. There have been 16 deaths attributed to the respiratory illness. 

Livingston HealthCare Foundation helped get Bridges’ participation in the campaign.

“Jeff and Susan Bridges are generous supporters of our rural hospital,” said Babs Brandfass, president of Livingston HealthCare Foundation.

Montana Hospital Association is a nonprofit organization with more than 80 members that provide health care services, including hospital inpatient and outpatient services, skilled nursing facilities, home health, hospice, physician services, assisted living, senior housing and insurance services.

COVID-19 RESPONSE:Alluvion Health offers drive-thru coronavirus testing, no appointment needed

Murdock Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest —Montana, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington — that seek to strengthen the region’s educational, social, spiritual and cultural base.

Phil Drake is our eye on the state capitol. For tips, suggestions or comment, he can be reached at 406-231-9021 or pdrake@greatfallstribune.com.