Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1367422
Orange County Community Resilience Fund Evaluation Report 12 may bring. Many who have retained their jobs work in high risk positions such as restaurants, childcare, hotels, house cleaning, retail stores, or day laborers, further increasing their exposure. Also concerning are the secondary health effects of the pandemic. As has been widely reported nationally, individuals are deferring medical care due to facility closures or a fear of exposure to COVID-19; many local nonprofit health clinics reported a decline in patients seeking preventative services or other treatments. In addition, dental and optical services were deemed non-essential for two months. Finally, economic pressures and potential loss of health insurance for those who were laid off has led to people delaying medical services due to the cost of service. Third, the effects on mental health are serious and lasting. Stress, depression, and anxiety are significant concerns for all community members, and are worsened by job loss, school closures, isolation from friends and families, and concern for loves ones. There is clear evidence that mental health issues are becoming more prevalent as the pandemic persists. While the original applications mentioned mental health concerns as one of many concerns, 35% of survey respondents from June and July cited it as the most pressing issue they saw in the community; substantially higher than any other issue. As some have deferred mental health care for the same reasons they would defer physical care, this issue may get worse in the months ahead. Many providers are worried that those in recovery from mental illness or addiction will resort back to negative behaviors to cope or because they cannot attend meetings or support groups easily. The socio-emotional and mental health impact can been particularly more pronounced for women, as there is a disproportionate burden on women working from home, and many women who are mothers or caretakers are facing emotional pressures and guilt for how to fulfill those roles in the COVID-19 context. Domestic Violence Many domestic violence advocates are concerned that child abuse and neglect and intimate partner violence has increased since COVID-19 due to economic stresses, mental health pressures, and families being in closer proximity. Abuse numbers have not appreciably increased, but this is likely a reflection of reduced reporting, and not reduced incidences. Children have not been going to school, child care, camps, or medical appointments, meaning they are losing their access to mandated reports who serve as the early warning system. As a result, the increase may be lying below the surface and brining another severe impact to our families. Impact on Child Development The impact of COVID-19 on children and parents has been severe. While most evidence indicates that children are not a high risk population for COVID itself, the closure of schools and early care and education sites has been traumatic. While the schools worked hard to institute remote education and provide free school lunches for those who needed it, few would say this process was a complete success. Parents who had reliable internet and devices, could afford to hire help, or could guide their children's education were best off. Those who had technology access issues, were unable to work from home, lived in crowded conditions, or had language barriers had far more difficulty. For younger children, the loss of routine and the development opportunities that come in pre-school or day care may have effects that will not be known for years. Children's mental health is also a concern, as they struggle with social isolation, not being able to do things they love, and their own stress. The way that adults are managing their own mental health also has a direct effect on the children. Appointments for physical health are also being delayed, and there has been a decline in well child checks due to parental concern about safety and other reasons. With schools now closed for the start of fall, and with data from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggesting as many as 40% of early childhood care centers may permanently close without additional public assistance, these problems will persist and worsen.