Pandemic Response
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Argonne National Laboratory developed a County Economic Impact Index (CEII) that tracks the impact on local economies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This index can also show economic recovery over time. A CEII value of 1 indicates the county’s economy as it was in January 2020. The region was hit hardest by the pandemic during 2020 Q2. Since then, counties have been slowly regaining traction. This data shows that Oldham, Shelby, and Spencer Counties have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels while Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, and Trimble Counties are still recovering.
KIPDA is in the process of developing a Pandemic Recovery and Resiliency Plan which investigates the effects of the pandemic and the economic effects on the region. The plan outlines the effects, summarizes recovery resources, lists recovery efforts that have been made, develops resiliency profiles for each county, and recommends goals and strategies to increase resiliency in the region and prepare for the future. Below are those recommended resiliency strategies:
Local Health Departments during the pandemic provided numerous services such as designing and coordinating testing sites including mobile units; assisted with contact tracing; building systems for COVID-19 data collection; ensuring health care workers have adequate PPE; conducting community outreach and communications; identifying barriers for specific populations; handling business compliance with COVID-19 restrictions; and meeting the social needs of people affected including transportation, food, and housing. Health Departments have been instrumental in being able to connect with harder to reach populations.
Local Health Departments were essential in the coordination of efforts in response to the pandemic. They provided community specific care in tandem with other health departments in the region. Health Departments have taken on these responsibilities due to having community connections and the infrastructure necessary to complete the task. However, some barriers exist. Local Health Departments are facing a lack of funding and reduction in staff. Funding has incrementally decreased over the years which has led to fewer staffing positions being available. In addition, the high stress of the pandemic has caused staff retention to be more difficult. The ability of Health Departments during the pandemic to raise public awareness, coordinate with community partners, and quickly adjust to changing circumstances needs to be recognized as a vital tool in planning for future emergencies. This will require coordination, and support from all facets of government.
Local Health Departments serving the region:
Bullitt County Health Department
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness
Oldham County Health Department
North Central Health Department