Ensuring that children received proper nutrition was one of the many challenges that COVID brought. In the 2019-2020 school year, over 710,000 K-12 Ohio students were eligible to receive a free or reduced lunch and breakfast. Meals were provided directly to students when they were physically in school. Once schools closed during the pandemic, many...
Author: Emily Muttillo
December 21, 2020
Looking forward to the next age wave in 2031
With the release of the U.S. Census’ 2019 5-year Estimates comes an opportunity to explore various populations within state. Last year, I took a look at how many counties in the state had flipped to have more older adults than children. Looking at this most recent data release revealed that no additional counties have flipped....
October 12, 2020
Diaper need is an unspoken reality for many families
Which of the following programs provides diapers to low-income families in Ohio? Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Women Infant and Children (WIC) Help Me Grow Early Head Start None of the Above Unfortunately, the correct answer is 5. None of the Above. The only program families in Ohio can use to access diapers is Temporary...
September 28, 2020
Ohio kinship care during the pandemic
As my children returned to their virtual classrooms, we often work alongside each other. And while headphones have become a necessity for all of us, sometimes we take them off so I can hear instructions from the teacher. One thing I appreciate from my children’s teachers is the recognition of all types of families and...
April 24, 2020
COVID-19 and long-term care facilities, be kind
As Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Director of Public Health Dr. Amy Acton regularly remind us at their daily 2 p.m. briefings, the data about COVID-19 cases both in the community and in long-term care facilities is emerging and far from complete. As Dr. Acton is fond of saying, it’s really just the tip of...
April 24, 2020
Congregate living in the time of COVID-19
Ohio recently emerged as having, at least for a moment in time, the largest outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. The outbreak occurred in the Marion Correctional Institution in which 80 percent of inmates have tested positive. Many of them are asymptomatic. Marion is not the only correctional facility with an outbreak, at the time...
March 21, 2020
Preventing social isolation when the senior center closes
Governor Mike DeWine announced that all senior centers must close by the end of the day on Monday, March 23, 2020. Even before the official government decree, congregate meal sites for older adults across the state were transitioning from group meals within their facilities to meal delivery and meal pick-up. Governor Mike DeWine announced that...
February 18, 2020
How do we love thee?
February 3, 2020
Social isolation: A quiet social determinant of health
How many friends do you have? When was the last time you called a family member to chat? Would you feel comfortable asking your neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar? Did you leave your house today? This week? This month? The answers to these questions could have a larger impact on your health than...
October 7, 2019
Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality Focus of ‘Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story’
Last week, First Year Cleveland through their Pregnancy And Infant Loss Initiative (PAIL), debuted a short film that tells the story of infant loss from a black women’s perspective. As the film website explains, the film invites the viewer to “Follow Nina in this day-in-the-life drama, and see the world through the eyes of a...