by Karen Shirer, Ph.D.
A colleague recently shared a CDC report that highlighted a startling and tragic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families. Researchers found that approximately one in 500 children experienced the death of a primary caregiver due to COVID-19. The authors stated: “for every four deaths from COVID-19, one child is left without a parent and/or grandparent who provided the child’s home and basic needs, including love, security, and daily care.”
This study examined only one of the many adverse effects that the pandemic’s disruptions and losses created for families. COVID-19 continues to be a slow-rolling disaster with recent media reports of new variants, increasing caseloads, and hospitalizations.
Many of us are experiencing pandemic fatigue and want to move on. However, COVID-19 continues to cycle through rising and falling caseloads and deaths. Experts believe that we will not be free of its impacts for some time to come.
Both military and civilian families have and will continue to experience the effects of the pandemic on their physical, psychological and economic well-being. Most families will be resilient and recover quickly but some will need extra support. Extension educators can take an active role in their communities to support families in recovery from the pandemic and to prepare for future pandemics and other disasters.
The Military Families Learning Network (MFLN) provides several valuable professional development opportunities and resources that can help you support families recovering from the pandemic.
Military Family Readiness Academy (MFRA): Disaster and Hazard Readiness
The 2020-2021 MFLN Military Family Readiness Academy offers two webinar series on disaster and hazard readiness. These webinars are designed for family service providers and Extension educators who serve military families. However, the information and resources in these webinars can also apply in working with civilian families.
The first series includes three webinars and focuses on foundational knowledge and skills for disaster preparedness and response. The second series, made up of eight webinars, applies information from the first series to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as co-occurring and other disasters.
Military Family Readiness During and After COVID-19: A Series of Five Blog Posts
This series of blog posts, Military Family Readiness During and After COVID-19, builds upon the webinar series by providing additional information for supporting military families through the pandemic. Important lessons learned from previous disasters, the current pandemic, and best practices for responding are addressed.
In addition, the blog posts describe how acute family stress caused by disasters affects families. If unmanaged, acute stress contributes to chronic stress and mental and physical health challenges for family members. Each blog post describes best practices and strategies for addressing family stress and directs you to additional resources.
Takeaways
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruptions and stress for families and communities. Extension educators play an important role in helping individuals and families recover from the pandemic.
MFLN webinars and resources can help Extension educators obtain the professional development needed to support family and community recovery from the pandemic.
Karen Shirer is a member of the Military Families Learning Network Family Transitions Team and previously the Associate Dean with the University of Minnesota, Extension Center for Family Development. Karen is also the parent of two adult daughters, a grandmother, a spouse, and a cancer survivor.
References
Hillis, S. D., Blenkinsop, A., Villaveces, F., Annor, F. B., Liburd, L., Massetti, G. M., Demissie, Z., Mercy, J. A., Nelson III, C. A.,Cluver, L., Flaxman, S., Sherr, L. , Donnelly, C. A., Ratmann, & Unwin, J. T.. (2021). COVID-19–Associated orphanhood and caregiver death in the United States. Pediatrics, December 2021; 148. 10.1542/peds.2021-053760.
Myers‐Walls, j. (2020). Family Life Education for Families Facing Acute Stress: Best Practices and Recommendations. Family Relations. 69. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12452.
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