Dr. Phil McGraw Highlights COVID-19 Emergency Response in Radio PSAs

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve. COVID-19 has now infected more than 90,000 individuals in over 70 countries, including the United States, with more than 3,000 deaths.

The CDC Foundation is raising support through its Emergency Response Fund to meet fast-emerging needs identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help respond to the public health threat posed by COVID-19. These needs include additional support for state and local health departments; logistics, communications and data management; special needs for those in quarantine or delayed in travel; and much more.

We are pleased to announce that the CDC Foundation is releasing radio public service announcements featuring Dr. Phil McGraw, host of daytime television’s “Dr. Phil,” encouraging listeners to learn more about the new coronavirus, COVID-19, and how they can help support our response efforts. Spanish language versions of the PSAs were also produced by U.S. Gymnast Danell Leyva, a three-time Olympic medalist. 

The 30- and 60-second PSAs, which were developed through a collaboration between the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Boom Broadcast Media Relations, are currently being distributed to radio stations throughout the United States. 

These messages emphasize the importance of learning more about COVID-19 and the crucial role we all can play in helping tackle the outbreak. We thank Dr. Phil and Danell Leyva for generously taking part in these PSAs and helping to advance response efforts.

Learn more about these PSAs and the actions everyone can take to do their part in responding to this emerging health threat in our press release. CDC also has important information about COVID-19 on their website.

You can also help support our work to extend CDC’s lifesaving response.  I hope you will join us.



Judy Monroe
Judy Monroe, MD, is president and CEO of the CDC Foundation.