COVID-19 is most acutely affecting those who were already most vulnerable. However, isolation and loneliness, hunger, and financial stress are now also affecting many who had not previously experienced unemployment or other stressful life changes.
The need for preventive and support services to keep children and families healthy is as important as ever. In the past few months, we have provided support to a parent concerned about her son’s debilitating fear that he will contract the virus, an isolated 86-year-old experiencing severe depression from lack of social interaction, and many families whose incomes have decreased substantially and are struggling to pay bills and buy enough food.