Surviving the Surge: A Video Presentation About The Impacts Of COVID-19 In Louisiana
Dec 22, 2020 01:54PM ● By Press Release
Surviving the Surge, a video presentation about the impacts of COVID-19 in Louisiana, is available below for viewing. The presentation features public health experts, Dr. Tina Stefanski (MD), Medical Director of the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, and Charlene Gradney (MSW, LCSW), a program director with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health.
The presentation addresses both the physical and mental challenges posed by COVID-19, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Dr. Stefanski rounds out her presentation of
the physical challenges by providing an up-to-date explanation of the science behind COVID-19, proper quarantine and testing procedures, and news about the upcoming vaccines. Charlene Gradney, meanwhile, explores the mental aspects of stress and isolation people throughout the country will face going into a holiday season overshadowed by the pandemic. She further includes advice for keeping socially connected in a responsible way, as well as resources from organizations that can provide help with counseling and mental health emergencies.
According to the presenters, the challenges of the holidays are likely to be substantial. “The
research has shown 80% of people are reporting higher levels of depression, anxiety and alcohol
and drug use as the pandemic persists,” reports Charlene Gradney. “There’s been an 891%
increase in calls to the disaster lines…and the majority of the calls are about feelings of
depression and anxiety."
Dr. Stefanski agrees that the upcoming months pose a considerable risk and that the vaccine will
not arrive in time to help with the holiday rush. “Great promise, but this vaccine will not help us
get through the next few months. It will not help us through the holiday season…it’s motivation
for all of us to stick with these preventive practices knowing that there is an end in sight.”
In light of these challenges, it is more important than ever for people to stay informed through
sources like the Surviving the Surge presentation.
To learn more, visit the full presentation at ConquerCOVID19.la.
To learn more, visit the full presentation at ConquerCOVID19.la.
CONQUER COVID-19 TOGETHER
