INTERSECTIONALITY: A KEY CONSIDERATION IN PREVENTION

It is critical to view and consider the above social issues as intersectional and impacting priority populations in complex and dynamic ways. Having multiple identities which are marginalized, or circumstances which are stigmatized, place a person at greater need of prevention support and services.

GRAPH: COMPOSITION OF PERSONS

BELONGING TO SPECIFIC GROUPS, CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE 11 12

A: Singles

B: Indigenous People

C: Female-headed Lone Parent Households

D: Immigrants

E: Experiencing Homelessness

F: Households in Core Housing Need

IMPACT OF COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the lives of Albertans and Canadians. It has changed how residents live, customers spend, and how businesses operate. It has also resulted in the closure of numerous business and employment opportunities, resulting in profound challenges to our health, mental health, and social wellbeing.

For those in vulnerable groups, the impacts of the pandemic have been even more detrimental, including even further instability in employment, housing, and personal finances, higher risk of food insecurity, limited access to health services and mental health programs/ supports, and higher risk of drug/alcohol/substance use.

Intersectionality of the issues outlined above, such as poverty, housing need, and mental health, are frequently noted as causes or reasons why some individuals in Grande Prairie are eventually forced to navigate homelessness. A healthy prevention continuum, with adequate primary and secondary supports, will support the inflow of individuals to tertiary prevention programs in the long-term. The graph explains the composition of persons belonging to specific groups in the City of Grande Prairie.

The COVID-19 pandemic is amplifying existing health and social issues and inequities in the community. There is a risk that these issues could persist in the long-term, far after public health measures and lockdown restrictions have been lifted and the vaccinations have been administered.

Prevention programs like the ones funded through FCSS can help our City recover from the pandemic impact. Moving forward, these impacts will be taken into consideration when planning and administering prevention program and services to those who need it most.