Thread by @OHAOregon

OHA Director Patrick Allen during today's press conference: "At OHA, we’re paying attention to collateral effects of the pandemic: the impact on behavioral health, indicators of toxic stress, barriers to medical care, economic underpinnings of health & other measures of health."

"Looking at the data, you won’t be surprised to hear that COVID-19 has had damaging effects beyond the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths:"

"Behavioral health: In mid-July, nearly 50 percent of adult Oregonians experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to a new monthly pulse household survey conducted by the CDC. That percent tapered off in the early fall, but has begun to rise again."

"Substance use another indicator of well-being: In March, as the pandemic too hold, Cannabis sales spiked almost 40%. Consumer sales at liquor stores almost doubled – jumping from more than $35 million per month prior to March to more than $65 million per month by June."

"Access to health care: In April, nearly 6 in 10 Oregonians delayed or did not receive medical care for at least 4 weeks. By October, that number had dropped to 4 in 10, but that number is likely to rise again as hospitals fill with COVID-19 patients."

"Economic stability: We also pulled data from @211info which is a nonprofit call center that provides people with referrals for basic needs programs. Compared to last year, the number of calls asking for help has nearly doubled."

"The hard reality is this there is no normal while the virus rages unchecked and the touchpoints of daily life – going shopping, having dinner out with your friends, working out – could make you sick."

"There is no healthy economy while COVID19 circulates widely. A majority of Oregonians are very or somewhat worried about catching COVID19. Even before the freeze, most Oregonians reported cutting back on public activities. A healthy community is necessary for a healthy economy."

"These protections are not forever. In Dec., OR expects to begin receiving limited shipments of the first COVID-19 vaccine. While we’re still awaiting federal authorization, these vaccines appear to be safe & effective. If we all get vaccinated we can put an end to the pandemic."

"We will prioritize the first doses for front-line health care workers. Then, as we receive more shipments, we will expand eligibility to vulnerable populations like nursing home residents, people with developmental disabilities, essential workers & then to the wider population."

"In OR, health experts won’t make decisions about who gets the vaccine first on our own. We'll consult a diverse range of voices. We will look at these questions through an equity lens. We will seek out & listen to leaders from communities that have been hardest-hit by COVID-19."

"While the arrival of vaccines puts the end of #COVID19 in sight, it also reminds us that the decisions we make today are urgent and unavoidable. Every COVID-19 death is preventable. Let’s not lose any more lives, especially now as vaccines become a reality, not a hope."

"We know simple steps work to stop the virus from spreading: wear a mask, keep social gatherings small and limit the number of people you see from other households."