Community and Internal Hospital Meetings

• Impacts on providers. Social service and health care providers also are experiencing significant challenges due to the pandemic. Hospitals are experiencing dramatic revenue losses and are needing to reduce operating expenses. Community clinics are striving to acquire telehealth and other technologies needed to serve residents effectively. Social services (including food banks) are experiencing unprecedented levels of demand, taxing their resources and ability to serve the community.

• Worsening behavioral health. Pandemic-induced isolation and financial stress has negatively affected mental health – particularly for seniors and for those living alone. Substance use has been increasing due to the pandemic, especially alcohol abuse. Interviewees note that the pandemic has heightened and worsened many pre-existing public health concerns. • Digital divide. Low-income residents have been disproportionately affected due to a digital divide – since many services such as health care visits and educational opportunities have been moving online. Households that are unable to afford equipment and broadband connections are being left behind. Interviewees identified several types of programs and initiatives that would help fill gaps and improve community health. These include general wellness centers and services, particularly if they serve specific regions and offer nutrition, mental health, mindfulness, chronic disease management education, and physical activity opportunities. Free or reduced cost (and centrally located) dental services are greatly needed. Services for families with young children are needed. Early childhood health and wellness interventions could be offered by Community Health Centers and could support the development and emotional health of children.

Community and Internal Hospital Meetings

We faced an uncertain challenge in planning sessions for the community, as the United States was in the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the positivity reached a new peak, along with hospitalizations. In addition, ChristianaCare was forced to issue Crisis Standards of Care for the first time in its 100+ year history. With community transmission at an all-time high, and so much unclear, Office of Health Equity cautiously proceeded in organizing virtual sessions to ensure safety for all involved.

Six community meetings were conducted in March 2022 to obtain community input. Four community stakeholder meetings were held. Forty-three (43) individuals participated. These individuals represented organizations including the Cecil County Health Department, non-profit organizations, local businesses, health care providers, local policymakers, and school systems.