Pandemic stress disproportionately affecting communities of color, essential workers

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The stress of the pandemic has led to more people abusing drugs and alcohol, and even taking their own lives, but Orange County is working on a plan to get more help to people dealing with mental health issues.

It’s also having a bigger impact on those considered essential during the pandemic.

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Since the start of the pandemic, Orange County’s seen an unprecedented increase in mental health prescriptions, therapy insurance claims and suicide.

According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental health of communities of color.

More essential workers also report symptoms of anxiety or depression than non-essential workers.

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Orange County staff identified a $49 million funding gap for mental health services.

So commissioners voted to pay the Heart of Florida United Way to conduct a community mental health analysis, and report back with an action plan.

United Way said the analysis will take about eight months, with a cost of about $315,000. It will be paid for with federal COVID-19 funding.

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Cox Media Group