Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on family connection: Community Connection and Isolation 

Sorted by: Theme: Mental Health/Wellbeing

Written Story by Oluwatosin Oginni

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Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on family connection: Community Connection and Isolation 

The experiences and impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are ones that I will not forget very quickly.  This is because it has really changed my perspectives about the importance of communal living  and the support that comes from the community, which we often take for granted.  My wife became pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic period and as a result, we were  confined to stay at home. Being our first time of been pregnant, there were many things we did not  know about pregnancy that we could have learned based on meeting people daily. Two  inexperienced people living together all day every day, not having anywhere to go, really pushed  the boundaries for us as my wife’s mood swings were changing due to the baby’s growth and I  was the outlet for her to vent her frustration. So, I learnt to become very patient and calm to  understand that many things were going on with her which were beyond her control.  Another experience I could not forget easily was having to decide on whether my pregnant wife  should get the COVID-19 injection. This was a scary decision as there were no pieces of medical  evidence to prove if the injection will impact the unborn baby. Given that I was responsible for grocery shopping, which in turn means I will be interacting with people, I was both at risk of  contracting the virus and bringing it home to my wife. So, the decision we made was for me to get  vaccinated so I can protect myself and in so doing protect my wife and the unborn baby. My wife  ended up getting vaccinated later after the baby’s arrival.

The saddest part of my COVID-19 experience was when my wife gave birth to our baby, and we  couldn’t get her mom to come over to assist her with the newborn as well as help her with the fresh  wounds from her Caesar Section delivery. It was a bittersweet experience for us. On one hand, we  were happy that we have a new baby joining the family, and on the other hand, we had to tend to  my wife’s wounds as well as cater for the baby. How do we bathe the baby? The baby was so tiny  and fragile. Even though we were taught how to bathe him at the hospital, it flew over our heads  when we got home and were faced with that responsibility. This would have been easy with the  help of grandma. Both lo and behold, she was denied visa multiple times. This was when it dawned  on me that often time, we take community for granted. At this moment, we needed help, while  people may be willing to help, they were afraid of contracting COVID-19 as well as not to transmit the same to other people. However, we were able to go through all these experiences unscathed as  we now relied on the use of video calling for guidance from grandma.

Furthermore, a more painful part of the covid-19 pandemic was the loss of my dear mum. She took  ill during the period of our pregnancy, and we feared taking her to the hospital due to the higher  chances of contracting the virus at the hospital, which may end up exacerbating the situation, given  that she was in her sixties and older people in that age range were highly susceptible to COVID-19. The news of her death broke me to the core. She was very dear to me, and I had wanted her  not only to see my child but to hold him in her hands. I never got that opportunity. I remember  holding the baby in my hands in the labor room and breaking down in tears because my mum was  not alive to see my child. That moment is still very vivid in my memory, and it is so sacred to me  that I will not forget it anytime soon.

COVID-19 pandemic led to so many restrictions which I believe were anti-human/anti-communal  living. It really showed that human beings were not meant to live in isolation. We are built to live  together as a community, to love one another and enjoy the assistance of other people. My  experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic were not so pleasant. While I do not always want to  overtly dwell on those experiences, this storytelling project has given me the opportunity to reflect  on those experiences and how I have been impacted as well as how it has shaped my priorities in  life.

Tosin

 

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationDisability/ImmunocompromisedEssayGrief & ChangeHealth CareMental Health/Wellbeing

Medium: Written

Author: Oluwatosin Oginni

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I am originally from Nigeria and I have a wife and a young son. We live in Hillsboro where I work as a process engineer. When I am not working, I spend time with my family watching movies and playing.

Written Story by Anonymous

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During the Covid-19 pandemic has been quite the rollercoaster ride. Not only do I have to  navigate the challenges of raising two young kids, but I also have to manage my own health  condition—diabetes. It’s been a constant juggling act between taking care of my children’s  needs, keeping them safe, and ensuring I stay healthy in these uncertain times. 

Every morning begins with a flurry of activity. As I wake up, the thought of how to protect my  kids from this invisible enemy looms over me. I rush to the kitchen, brewing a pot of coffee and  preparing breakfast for my hungry little ones. I have learned to whip up quick, healthy meals  that are diabetes-friendly, so I can set a good example for my kids and manage my own  condition. We sit together at the table, sharing stories and laughter, trying to forget the anxiety  that hangs in the air. With schools closed and remote learning becoming the new norm, I  become both a father and a teacher. Balancing my work responsibilities from home while  helping my kids with their assignments has been a challenge. We gather around the dining  table, laptops open, and dive into the world of online education. There are times when  frustrations bubble to the surface, but I remind myself to be patient, to be understanding. We  find creative ways to make learning fun and engaging, incorporating breaks for outdoor  activities and explorations in our own backyard. The pandemic has brought us closer as a family,  as we spend more time together under one roof. We play board games, build forts, and create  art projects. We take long walks in the neighborhood, appreciating the simple pleasures of  nature. I cherish these moments, for they remind me of the importance of cherishing the little  joys in life amidst the chaos that surrounds us.  

However, there are moments when the weight of the world seems too much to bear. Diabetes,  already a constant companion, adds an extra layer of concern during these times. I am  meticulous about managing my blood sugar levels, ensuring that stress doesn’t take a toll on my  health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and keeping up with my medications have become even  more critical. I make it a point to include my children in this journey, educating them about  diabetes, so they can understand and support me in my efforts to stay healthy. The fear of  contracting the virus is a constant shadow that hangs over our heads. I take every precaution to  protect my family and myself, from wearing masks and sanitizing regularly to avoiding crowded  places. We miss the hugs of loved ones, the warmth of gatherings, and the spontaneity of life  before the pandemic. But in these challenging times, we have learned the importance of  resilience, adaptability, and finding joy in the simplest of moments.  

As a single dad with diabetes, I’ve learned to embrace the uncertainties that life throws at us.  I’ve become more patient, more compassionate, and more grateful for the moments of joy that  come our way. I have grown as a father and as an individual, and I hope that my children will  look back on this time as a period of strength, resilience, and togetherness. We will navigate this  storm together, hand in hand, and come out stronger on the other side.

Themes:

Community Connection & IsolationEssayGrief & ChangeIdentity & Social ChangeInspiration & HopeMental Health/WellbeingWork/Unemployment

Medium: Written

Author: Anonymous

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I have two kids and I have diabetes while in Covid it was hard but I got through it

Written Story by Mohamad Kasim

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I am now 53 years old, and I am still working. I am Rohingya from Burma and have been living  in the United States for eight years, having migrated through Malaysia as a refugee. I have a  loving family, including a son. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes, which has been a  constant concern in my life. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, starting from around April 2019, I faced a challenging time. I  couldn’t work for six months due to business closures, leaving me without any income. The  financial strain and uncertainty caused me to experience a deep sense of depression. Sadly, I  couldn’t seek help from friends and relatives as they were also facing similar struggles. 

When I was finally able to resume work towards the end of 2019, the COVID-19 precautions  made it incredibly difficult. Wearing masks, maintaining distance from others, and following  numerous safety measures made every working day a challenge. Despite the difficulties, I  persevered. 

However, in November 2020, I contracted COVID-19. The symptoms were unpleasant, including  a running nose, body aches, muscle pain, and fatigue. I immediately went to the hospital to get  tested, and the result came back positive. I had to isolate at home for two weeks, separated  from my wife and son. Doctors advised me to take Panadol for symptomatic relief and  recommended a nutritious diet to support my recovery. My wife took on the responsibility of  caring for me, despite battling a non-COVID illness herself. 

During my home stay, hospitals from Oregon provided us with utensils, plates, and personal  hygiene materials to ensure our safety and minimize the risk of transmission within the  household. With time, I managed to recover from COVID-19 without significant complications,  although I did notice some issues with memory loss, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating,  possibly due to the lingering effects of the illness. 

In June 2021, another health challenge struck me. I experienced severe chest pain and rushed  to the emergency room, where I was diagnosed with a heart attack and myocardial infarction.  The hospitalization lasted for four days, and I wondered if this could be a complication of  COVID-19. It made me regret not having a thorough medical check-up one month after  recovering from the virus. Prior to the heart attack, I had received one dose of the COVID-19  vaccine, which made me doubt whether it was a factor in the cardiac event. However, my wife  suggested completing the full vaccination course, and I followed her advice, hoping it would  provide some protection for the future. 

Now, in 2023, the burden of debt from the financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic  still weighs heavily on me. I owe money to relatives who are financially well-off, and I am  determined to repay them. The mental strain and breakdown I experienced during that time  continue to affect me, along with the persisting issue of forgetful memory.

It has been a challenging journey, but I remain resilient, hopeful, and determined to overcome  the obstacles that come my way. I cherish the love and support of my family, and I strive to  create a better future for them despite the hardships we have faced.

Themes:

EssayGrief & ChangeInspiration & HopeMental Health/WellbeingWork/Unemployment

Medium: Written

Author: Mohamad Kasim

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I am Rohingya from Burma and I migrated to the United States for seven years .

Written Story by Max Mabry

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Hello, 

My name is Max Mabry, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Oregon. I am submitting for your COVID Storytelling submission with my way of telling stories and expressing myself, which is through musical composition. While I understand this may be a bit of a stretch, I figured I would submit it anyway in case it caught your interest and could be used for your project. My piece is called Piano Suite for the World Today, and it is a piano suite that I wrote during COVID that explored some of the feelings I had as we all went through the motions of COVID as a community. 

Here is a link to a performance of the piece I am soon releasing to the public on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRr4JfBf-E8  

The movements of the piece are named as follows: 

I. Simplicity

II. The Awkward Dance Partner

III. Calamity 

IV. Stuck in Your Own Mind

V. A Conflicted Resolution

And this is the program note that I wrote to go with the piece: 

Piano Suite for the World Today was a piece I wrote as a reaction to the impact of COVID on people’s everyday lives. The different movements represent different physical or mental states of being during the pandemic, and the rapid changes in mood and energy between the movements represent the temperament of people as they dealt with their own thoughts and life as it was affected by the drastic shift that occurred throughout the world. 

Thank you so much for your time, 

Max Mabry 

maxmabry.com

Themes:

AudioCare & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationHealth CareInspiration & HopeMental Health/WellbeingMusicWork/Unemployment

Medium: Written

Author: Max Mabry

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

Max Mabry (he/him) is an American composer and performer born and raised in Oregon. He holds two undergraduate degrees in Music Composition and Performance from the University of Oregon, and received awards for music theory and composition upon graduating. One of the primary goals of Max’s work is to use music as a medium to explore different ways of storytelling, and to take influence from not just the tradition of classical music, but also from a wide range of traditional and contemporary art. Max uses this mentality to constantly work towards developing his artistic voice, and to try and show how music is a language through which people can interpret the world and interact with the people around them.

Audio Story by Louisa D.

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English Translation 

Emily: Hello. This is Speaker 1. Emily Duru. And I’m joined by [ cross-talk ] —
Louisa: Louisa Duru.
Emily: Thank you. Um, and this is going to be talking our COVID experience. So, um, to start off, can you tell me what is your background?
Louisa: Uh, I’m originally from Nigeria. I came to the US, like, 27 plus years ago, and I do work in the health system in work with the Multnomah County Jail.
Emily: Um, and how long have you been working in the medical field?
Louisa: More than 18 years.
Emily: In the first two to three months of the pandemic, how did COVID impact your work?
Louisa: Oh, it was awful when COVID happened. I didn’t think I’m going to make it, and I was so scared. [ Cross-talk ] Everything kind of like shot down so quiet. [ Cross-talk ] And being a single mom with three kids, I was, like, what am I gonna do since I work in the health system, and I can’t avoid it? And, um, it kind of like gave me a nightmare thinking about it. I was thinking of quitting my job to be safe, but then I want my car, and I’m gonna make it. I have no other income. I have to work, so I have no choice. But I was left in fear to go to work, and that was so — I didn’t think I would make the [indistinct] comparing how people were dying and everything was happening. It was so scary.
Emily: Thank you. Um, long-term, how has your job been impacted by COVID?
Louisa: So during COVID a lot of people with medical problems health-wise have to leave their job. So we are kind of like have to work more than we supposed to. So it was more stress and working in the system working with refugees. People were panicking. It was a lot of stress, depression. A lot of things happens to people that we are requesting for help, and the people working were less, and people were getting sick. People get COVID there at and is left for who people who are there to do the same job, so it was a lot of stress being in the clinic.
Emily: Yeah. It’s like you had to pick up the pieces.
Louisa: Yes. [ Cross-talk ] —
Emily: [ Cross-talk ] Right? And how did COVID impact your mental and physical health?

 

Swahili Translation

Emily: Habari. Huyu ni mzungumzaji wa 1. Emily Duru. Na pamoja nami ninaye [ muingiliano wa masafa ] —
Louisa: Louisa Duru.
Emily: Ahsante. Aaa, na tutazungumzia kuhusiana na yale tuliyoyapitia ndani ya kipindi cha COVID. Hivyo basi, kwa kuanza, unaweza kunieleza kuhusiana na historia yako?
Louisa: Aah, kwa asili ninatokea nchini Nigeria. Nilikuja Marekani, takribani miaka 27 iliyopita, nami ninafanya kazi katika idara ya afya ndani ya Gereza la Jimbo la Multnomah.
Emily: Aaa, na umekuwa ukifanya kazi katika ulingo wa matibabu kwa muda mrefu kiasi gani?
Louisa: Kwa zaidi ya miaka 18.
Emily: Ndani ya miezi ya kwanza miwili au mitatu ya kuibuka kwa janga la COVID, kazi yako iliathiriwa namna gani?
Louisa: Ah, hali ilikuwa mbaya sana pindi COVID ilipoibuka. Sikudhani kama ningeweza kunusurika, na nilijawa na hofu sana. [ Muingiliano wa masafa ] Kila kitu ni kama vile kilizimika ghafla. [ Muingiliano wa masafa ] Nami nikiwa kama mama nileaye watoto watatu peke yangu, nilijiuliza nitafanya nini? Kwani kazi yangu ilikuwa ndani ya huduma ya afya nami nisingeweza kuiepuka! Na, aah, kwangu mawazo hayo yalikuwa kama ndoto ya kutisha. Niliwaza kwamba niache kazi yangu ili niweze kuwa salama, lakini sasa nilitaka kuwa na gari langu, hivyo sikuwa na budi kuishinda hali hiyo. Sikuwa na chanzo kingine chochote cha kuniingizia kipato. Inanibidi kufanya kazi, hivyo sina namna. Lakini nilibaki na hofu ya kwenda kazini, na hilo lilikuwa — sikudhani kama ningeweza [msikiko hafifu] ukizingatia namna watu walivyokuwa wanapoteza maisha na mambo yote yaliyokuwa yanatokea. Hali hiyo iliniogopesha sana.
Emily: Ahsante. Aah, kazi yako imepatwa na madhara yapi ya muda mrefu kutokana na COVID?
Louisa: Unajua kipindi cha COVID watu wengi waliokuwa na matatizo ya kiafya walibidi kuziacha kazi zao. Hivyo, sisi tuliobaki tulibidi kufanya kazi nyingi zaidi kuliko tulivyotarajiwa. Hili lilitusababishia mfadhaiko zaidi, sambamba na kule kufanya kazi pamoja na wakimbizi. Watu waliogopa. Mfadhaiko na msongo wa mawazo ulikuwa mkubwa. Mengi yaliwatokea watu tuliowaomba msaada, na watu waliokuwa wanafanya kazi walikuwa wachache, na watu wengi walizidi kuugua. Watu waliofanya kazi kwenye kliniki waliugua COVID, na wale waliobaki walibidi kufanya kazi zao walizoziacha, hivyo mfadhaiko ulikuwa mkubwa ndani ya kliniki.
Emily: Ndio. Ilikuwa kama vile kujaribu kuokota vipande-pande vilivyopasuka.

 

Spanish Translation

Emily: Hola. Soy la interlocutora 1. Emily Duru. Y estoy acompañada por… [interferencia]
Louisa: Louisa Duru.
Emily: Gracias. Ehhh, y esta va a ser una charla acerca de nuestra experiencia con el COVID. Entonces, ehhh, para empezar, ¿podrías contarme un poco sobre tu historia?
Louisa: Ehhh, originalmente soy de Nigeria. Vine a los Estados Unidos hace como 27 años y trabajo en el sistema de salud de la Cárcel del condado de Multnomah.
Emily: Bien, ¿y durante cuánto tiempo has trabajado en el ámbito médico?
Louisa: Más de 18 años.
Emily: En los primeros dos o tres meses de la pandemia, ¿cómo impactó el COVID en tu trabajo?
Louisa: Oh, fue terrible cuando estuvo el COVID. No creía que fuera a lograrlo, y tenía tanto miedo. [Interferencia] Es como que todo estaba cerrado y tan silencioso. [Interferencia] Y siendo una mamá soltera con tres hijos, pensaba… ¿qué voy a hacer, ya que trabajo en el sistema de salud y no puedo evitarlo? Y… ehhh, era como una pesadilla pensar en eso. Pensé en dejar mi trabajo para estar segura, pero luego pensé: quiero mi auto, y lo voy a lograr. No tengo otros ingresos. Tengo que trabajar, entonces no tengo opción. Pero tenía miedo de ir a trabajar, y eso era tan… No creía que pudiera lograr [interferencia] comparando cómo las personas estaban muriendo y todo estaba sucediendo. Tenía tanto miedo.
Emily: Gracias. Ehhh… a largo plazo, ¿cómo estuvo afectado tu trabajo por el COVID?
Louisa: Bueno, durante el COVID, muchas personas con problemas de salud tuvieron que dejar sus trabajos. Entonces, era como que teníamos que trabajar más de lo que se suponía. Entonces era más estrés y trabajar en el sistema, trabajando con refugiados. La gente estaba entrando en pánico. Había mucho estrés, depresión. Les pasaban muchas cosas a las personas que solicitábamos para que nos ayudaran, y la gente estaba trabajando menos y se estaba enfermando. La gente se enferma de COVID y quedan personas así haciendo el mismo trabajo, por eso fue mucho estrés estar en la clínica.
Emily: Sí. Fue como que tuviste que recoger los pedazos.
Louisa: Sí. [Interferencia]
Emily: [Interferencia] ¿Verdad? ¿Y cómo impactó el COVID en tu salud mental y física?

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationGrief & ChangeInspiration & HopeMental Health/WellbeingWork/Unemployment

Medium: Audio

Author: Louisa D.

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

Louisa is a healthcare worker in Multnomah County. She is a single mother of 3.

Audio Story by Kamali

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English Translation

I want to say the badness of this disease called Corona brought lots of problems to many people. For me I saw people who had contracted Corona and I also know people who died from Corona. Corona had come with a lot of problems, like kids not going to school. When they [the children] did [go back to school], we were also scared that they may never return or that they may get sick 

over there, but I thank God that they came back okay. I also saw people really getting so sick every day. The sight of sick people really made me and others get so scared because we have never seen people get sick this way, but we thank the Government for all the help we got in terms of treatment and with vaccines. Without the help of the government I don’t know where we would have been because we got help with food and we got help with money. Thank you and thank you . I saw the badness that came with Corona and the help that we ended up receiving. 

Swahili Transcription

Nataka kusema ubaya wa ugonjwa huu uitwao Corona umeleta matatizo mengi kwa watu wengi. Kwangu niliona watu walioambukizwa Corona na pia ninafahamu watu waliofariki kutokana na Corona. Corona ilikuwa imekuja na matatizo mengi, kama watoto kutokwenda shule. Wakati [watoto] walipofanya [kurudi shuleni], tuliogopa pia kwamba huenda wasirudi tena au kwamba wanaweza kuugua huko, lakini namshukuru Mungu kwamba walirudi sawa. Pia niliona watu wakiugua sana kila siku. Kuonekana kwa wagonjwa kwa kweli kulinifanya mimi na wengine kuogopa sana kwa sababu hatujawahi kuona watu wakiugua namna hii, lakini tunaishukuru Serikali kwa msaada wote tuliopata katika masuala ya matibabu na chanjo. Bila msaada wa serikali sijui tungekuwa wapi maana tulipata msaada wa chakula na tukapata msaada wa pesa. Asante na asante na kwa ajili yangu ndio niliona ubaya wa Corona na msaada ambao tuliishia kuupata.

Themes:

Community Connection & IsolationGrief & ChangeMental Health/WellbeingTranslationWork/Unemployment

Medium: Audio

Author: Kamali

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I am a Congolese man who also speaks Kinyarwanda. I love my family and care for them all the time, but I love to play soccer and just being happy.

Audio Story by Judith

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English Translation

I want to talk about Corona. It had never existed before and we don’t know what brought it or where it came from. It surprised people and made things really hard, such as schools being closed, places where people worked and stores were closed. The economy was affected because there was no money, and we could not buy any food. People stayed at home, some even were so scared that they locked their doors completely. I saw neighbors who died. I just hope it will never come back. I pray to God that it never comes back, because kids were affected. They never went to school and things were not the same again. There were programs that were affected and not occurring because offices were closed. Also things were not getting done because people were so afraid of one another and the way Covid was easily spreading. We were also left with so much grief because of friends and relatives dying. 

We are saying again that this should never come back, but we also say thanks to [the government] so much for all that has happened. We ask for all the help that we can get and the assistance that we can get because this disease was really bad. There was no work and kids could not play. It really made it hard and life did not carry on well because this is something that has never happened before. We hope that there is going to be more investment in the diseases, so that we do not have to close everything again. Kids need to go to school, people need to work and things have to be bought, so that the economy and life can get back to normal in general. 

Swahili Transcription

Ndashaka kuvuga kuri Corona. Ntabwo yari yarigeze ibaho mbere kandi ntituzi icyayizanye cyangwa aho yaturutse. Byatunguye abantu kandi bituma ibintu bigorana rwose, nko gufunga amashuri, ahantu abantu bakoreraga n’amaduka arafungwa. Ubukungu bwagize ingaruka kubera ko nta mafaranga, kandi ntitwashoboraga kugura ibiryo. Abantu bagumye murugo, ndetse bamwe bagize ubwoba kuburyo bafunze imiryango burundu. Nabonye abaturanyi bapfuye. Gusa nizere ko itazigera igaruka. Ndasenga Imana ngo itazagaruka, kuko abana bagize ingaruka. Ntabwo bigeze bajya mwishuri kandi ibintu ntabwo byari bimeze. Hariho gahunda zagize ingaruka kandi ntizibe kuko ibiro byari bifunze. Ikindi kandi ibintu ntibyakorwaga kuko abantu batinyaga cyane nuburyo Covid yakwirakwiriye byoroshye. Twasigaye kandi dufite intimba nyinshi kubera inshuti n’abavandimwe bapfa. 

Turongera kuvuga ko ibi bitagomba na rimwe kugaruka, ariko kandi turavuga ngo urakoze cyane kubyabaye byose. Turasaba ubufasha bwose dushobora kubona nubufasha dushobora kubona kuko iyi ndwara yari mbi rwose. Nta kazi kandi abana ntibashoboraga gukina. Byaragoye rwose kandi ubuzima ntibwakomeje neza kuko iki nikintu kitigeze kibaho mbere. Turizera ko hagiye gushora imari nyinshi muri izo ndwara, kugirango tutazongera gufunga ibintu byose. Abana bakeneye kujya mwishuri, abantu bakeneye gukora nibintu bigomba kugurwa, kugirango ubukungu nubuzima bisubire mubisanzwe muri rusange.

Themes:

AudioCare & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationGrief & ChangeMental Health/WellbeingTranslationWork/Unemployment

Medium: Audio

Author: Judith

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I love to be around my family at all times because they are my support system. I love to sing.

Written Story by J

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Summer 2021 was a time in the middle of the pandemic where many folks who could and  wanted to get their COVID-19 vaccination for protection, were able to. With a direct line of  communication to the Multnomah County Public Health Department and the Oregon Health  Authority, community members were able to remind folks of our severely ill, at-risk, and  homebound community members who were unable to leave their homes in order to get  vaccinated. Specific teams were assigned to help alleviate these issues, although no 211 staff  understood how this was supposed to work nor that a team even existed to problem solve  these issues.  

All this said, for some of us that were very high risk for COVID-19 complications, due to  anaphylaxis to excipients such as Polyethylene glycol (PEG), Polypropylene glycol (PG),  Polysorbate 80, and other ubiquitous ethoxylated excipients, the risk of dying from anaphylaxis  to the COVID-19 vaccines was a somewhat greater, and more immediate risk than dying from  COVID-19. The issue, however, was that these same excipients that could cause anaphylaxis  from vaccine administration were and also are in all of the available COVID-19 prophylaxis and  COVID-19 therapeutics, except IV Remdesivir. Although the FDA had approved IV Remdesivir’s  use in the outpatient setting, there were zero hospitals and clinics in the entire state of Oregon  that were equipped to provide IV Remdesivir to patients in the outpatient setting.  Allergist/Immunologists couldn’t even access the vaccine for their clinics to give to these  patients in smaller doses to test their tolerance.  

During the extreme heat waves that occurred in July 2021, cooling centers were opened. For  those unable to vaccinate for protection, unable to access COVID-19 prophylaxis, and unable to  access safe-for-them COVID-19 therapeutics should they become infected with COVID-19, going  to a community cooling center to escape the heat, was not a safe option… even when the  temperatures got up to 105 degrees F inside the home. Trying to access cooling equipment  being on OHP Open Card was impossible as there was not a program, like the CCO’s had, for  patients to access cooling equipment, even during one of our deadliest heat waves in history.  

This writing is what came out of this experience.  

July 2021  

Dozens of people died from the heat last week.  

The case manager apologized and said there was nothing they could do. It was either a public  cooling center and the real possibility of COVID-19 or nothing. Choose. There might be a  program that might help you access an air conditioner, but you have the wrong insurance. There  is nothing for you. I’m sorry.  

Sometimes, oftentimes, it feels useless spending every ounce of energy you have fighting  insurance companies, fighting poverty, fighting the racism and ableism that permeates the air,  the same air giving life. 

When it comes down to it, no one really cares whether a person lives or dies, well, until they’re  dead. Then we hear the honorifics, the should haves; but really, if we cared, we wouldn’t build  institutions whose job it is to grind people down. To say no until folks just die.  

There is no happy ending.  

It’s only drudgery, the drudgery of plodding through cold muck in a dark, black cave. The same  cave so many before you trudged through before, are trudging through with you now, but  within their own solitude, into infinity.  

Maybe it’s only when you briefly brush elbows, millions of times, that enough friction is created  to produce heat, a brief glimmer of light. 

Maybe these sparks produce a fire so large so as to burn it all down. All of these stifling systems  that suck the oxygen out of every room in every clinic in every hospital in every region – they  suck the oxygen out of each cell who composes its own part in the symphony that sings an  organism into being. Maybe through destructive fire, and only through that, the phoenix might  be reborn.  

But that would spell hope. And we all know that hope is the traitor, the knife in one’s back.  Besides, fire requires oxygen. So no fire. No phoenix. No rebirth.  

Dozens of people died in the heat last week.

Themes:

AbleismCommunity Connection & IsolationDisability/ImmunocompromisedEssayGrief & ChangeHealth CareIdentity & Social ChangeMental Health/Wellbeing

Medium: Written

Author: J

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Written Story by Hassan

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The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 unleashed an unprecedented crisis that  has profoundly impacted societies and individuals across the globe. The far-reaching effects of  the virus have upended daily routines, challenged healthcare systems, sparked economic  turmoil, and altered social dynamics. The Covid-19 impacted many things such as heath,  economy , social distance, education and jobs. 

COVID-19 presented an immediate and overwhelming burden on healthcare systems  worldwide. Hospitals and medical facilities strained under the weight of increased  hospitalizations, critical care demands, and shortages of essential medical supplies. This crisis  exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the need for better  preparedness to combat future pandemics. The development and distribution of vaccines  emerged as a crucial global effort to curb the virus’s spread and mitigate the impact on public  health. 

The pandemic triggered an economic upheaval of historic proportions. Lockdown measures and  restrictions on business activities resulted in widespread closures, layoffs, and bankruptcies.  Numerous industries, such as travel, hospitality, and retail, faced severe setbacks, with small  businesses being particularly vulnerable. Governments implemented stimulus packages and  financial aid programs to mitigate the economic fallout, but the effects of this crisis will be felt  for years to come. 

COVID-19 brought about substantial social disruption, altering the way people live, interact, and  communicate. Strict social distancing measures, remote work, and virtual learning became the  new normal, transforming the dynamics of personal and professional relationships. Isolation  and prolonged periods of uncertainty took a toll on mental health, leading to increased levels of  anxiety, depression, and stress. The pandemic also exposed and exacerbated existing societal  inequalities, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the virus’s impact.  People are social distancing even though families during pandemic. 

The education sector experienced a seismic shift as schools and universities resorted to online  learning. The sudden transition to remote education highlighted the digital divide and revealed  disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity. Students faced challenges in  adapting to virtual classrooms, leading to learning loss and reduced educational outcomes. The  pandemic forced educational institutions to innovate and explore new teaching methods,  accelerating the integration of technology in education. However, students can learn online  even though shut down schools. 

Scientific Advancements and Collaborations: 

COVID-19 spurred remarkable scientific advancements and unprecedented international  collaborations. Researchers and scientists worldwide raced to develop vaccines, leading to the  development and deployment of multiple highly effective vaccines in record time. The global  scientific community collaborated on an unparalleled scale, sharing data, insights, and best practices. The pandemic demonstrated the importance of scientific research and the  significance of global cooperation in addressing global health challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the environment. Temporary reductions in  travel and industrial activities resulted in lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality,  and a respite for ecosystems. However, increased plastic waste from medical supplies and  personal protective equipment posed a new challenge to waste management systems. The  pandemic emphasized the urgent need for sustainable practices and resilient environmental  policies. due to pandemic, environments are so quiet on the road and free way too. 

The impact of COVID-19 on societies and individuals cannot be overstated. The pandemic has  left an indelible mark on healthcare systems, economies, social interactions, education, and the  environment. While vaccines and gradual reopening offer hope for recovery, the long-term  consequences of the crisis will continue to shape our lives for years to come. It is imperative  that the lessons learned from this experience are applied to strengthen global healthcare  systems, address socio-economic disparities, and enhance preparedness for future crises. As we  navigate the aftermath of COVID-19, resilience, adaptability, and collective action will be  essential in rebuilding a more robust and equitable world. Finally, people passed all challenges  after 2022. I Believe, we are safe, happy and healthy our lives now.

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationHealth CareMental Health/Wellbeing

Medium: Written

Author: Hassan

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Written Story by Grace

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A Bunch of Thoughts

As I write I am realizing how hard I have tried to unconsciously forget any of those two years ever happened. Everything is back to normal and everyone is just trying to forget. I know I am. Except giving birth, I cannot recall a single event that happened, all the two years just morphed into this thing of bits and fragments of memories, I like to call it a bunch of thoughts, and a few that often stick in my mind I’ll try to write about. 

They always say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I have grown to believe ever since Covid-19 was at its peak that that saying doesn’t actually hold any water. Because you can’t convince me the reason me and my loved ones are alive is because we were strong. I holed up in the house as the strongest; doctors, nurses and first responders sacrificed their lives for us. I have failed to see the strength in my actions, that’s why I never got the power to complain or second guess them when they advised against taking walks when I had a three-month-old baby. Because I knew what I’d done wasn’t a show of strength, it was resilience and best. But we all pushed through, I learnt that a day at a time is how you survive when the very things you love and cherish like your life and family are threatened by something you have no control over. You just hope like everything you have endured before; it will come to pass. The promise of time which is never broken.

When my job stopped and I was stuck at home pregnant, it was time I found something else to fill my time. I was raised in a middle to low-income family in Rwanda and fantasies and movies were not how food got to the table. Then here I was with an eternity to do anything but work. I signed up for Netflix for the very first time in my life and this is where another unforgettable memory from those two years came to my life. Through my screen I found art, these stories allowed me to forget my reality and fight batters for causes close to my heart. They allowed me to dream of a life I hadn’t imagined for me and my daughter. For although these stories were fiction, their effect on my life was true. They made me dream of a world of plenty, where I could work and provide the life I had never had for my daughter, I was determined to come to the USA.

Even after the pandemic has passed and everything is back to normal, I don’t think anyone is back to normal and that necessarily isn’t a bad thing. The pandemic was a reminder that as humans, at our best the strongest and smartest have sacrificed their energy and time, sometimes even life so that the frail and weak and vulnerable among us can live to see another day and fulfill their dreams with prejudice. That the world is sometimes kind enough to give the “undeserving” the most chances in life. I hope I learned a thing or two about living, because like everything I described as art in movies, life is beautiful. 

For all its downsides I got a thing or two from covid. The love of my life, my daughter. She is a light in my life of how from fire diamonds are forged, for her I will forever be grateful. The second thing was time, as I took a break, I noticed how time is also a privilege for the few. I worked long hours prior and never got time to reflect about my life, what was important to me, what my loved ones were going through. I spent the 2 years with three of my siblings I hadn’t had time to understand since I was the oldest and time hadn’t been kind enough to give me a chance watch them grow into themselves, I am thankful I no longer share only blood with them, we share a friendship strengthened by blood and for that I will forever be grateful.

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationEssayGrief & ChangeHealth CareInspiration & HopeMental Health/WellbeingWork/Unemployment

Medium: Written

Author: Grace

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I’m Grace, a 29-year-old woman who bravely faced the challenges of giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a rollercoaster ride filled with uncertainties and isolation, but I never let it dim my spirit. Despite limited support and the constant worries, I tapped into my inner strength and sought solace in virtual communities. Now, as a proud mother, I am determined to share my story and advocate for the needs of other mothers who have experienced similar challenges. Together, we can inspire resilience and overcome any obstacle that comes our way.