geography

This paper compared data from two cross-sectional samples collected before and after the first wave of “stay-at-home” orders to learn more about how COVID-19 and related responses (i.e. stay-at-home orders) may contribute to feelings of social isolation and loneliness among people with disabilities. Social isolation and loneliness are a public health concern because they are associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes and mortality. Post-COVID rural and urban samples reported significantly more interactions with family and close friends.

This blog article used geographical data to identify areas where the number of available hospital beds might outpace the number of people requiring critical care due to COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, there were concerns about rationing care when faced with a shortage of intensive care hospital beds or ventilators, and concerns that people with disabilities might be denied treatment over people without disabilities. The article includes discussion of rationing care and equitable access.

This blog article compared rates of institutionalized populations across rural and urban counties, finding much higher rates of institutionalization of people with disabilities in rural counties. Research has shown that COVID infection rates were extremely high in institutional setting such as nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and group homes.

A factsheet on using the geography of disability to recognize people with disabilities in the pandemic, the state of facilities in rural communities, and more.