Chronic Disease & PreventionDeclines in preventive care were well documented early in the pandemic as people took precautionary measures and avoided clinical settings, however utilization of preventive services remains low. The number of people getting childhood vaccines, mammograms and colonoscopies continues to decline, according to the Health Care Cost Institute. Managing chronic health problems is even more important during the pandemic because certain medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, cancer and kidney disease, place adults of all ages at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (CDC). More than three-quarters of the people who have died from COVID-19 had at least one preexisting condition. Given the essential nature of chronic disease care, innovative measures are being taken to make care delivery safer and accessible.
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Cancer Care During COVID-19
Patients with cancer are also navigating COVID-19’s risks. COVID-19 increased the cancer fatality rate to 13% of patients, compared to 3% in the general COVID-19 patient population. Black patients with cancer were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 than White patients. Existing racial disparities in cancer care must also be addressed:
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Mental Health Challenges and BarriersExperts predict the eventual mental health toll of the pandemic will be higher than the medical impact of COVID-19. Stay-at-home orders and school closures are resulting in financial strain, isolation and the erosion of support networks. These factors have contributed to increases in suicide, overdoses and violence.
The recent death of Walter Wallace, Jr. in Philadelphia, highlights the need for a wider discussion about the appropriate response to someone having a mental health crisis.
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LGBTQ Health & Well-Being
The Trevor Project: How LGBTQ youth can cope with anxiety and stress during COVID-19 NIHCM Webinar: Addressing Health Disparities in the LGBTQ Community NIHCM Webinar: Communities for Change, Preventing Suicide If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. |
Community Health, Food & Housing Security During COVID-19The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities while negatively impacting many of the social determinants of health (SDOH), including food security, housing and transportation. There is a need for policies and programs in health care to address SDOH and improve health equity.
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