4/13/20 DHSS survey explores how COVID-19 pandemic is impacting Alaska families

DHSS survey explores how COVID-19 pandemic is impacting Alaska families April 13, 2020 

(ANCHORAGE) — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced the launch of a series of surveys of Alaska families to find out how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their lives. The ongoing pandemic is affecting families with children and teens in multiple ways, and programs in the Division of Public Health are seeking the public’s input in understanding the challenges Alaskans are facing. The responses will be used to improve programs serving Alaska families.

“We hope the results from this survey will give us data to better understand how COVID-19 is affecting the physical health, mental health and education of children in Alaska and their families,” said Becky Morisse, Maternal Child Health Director for Alaska. “We will use the findings of the survey to improve our services for families during this challenging time.”

The Maternal Child Health (MCH) Epidemiology Unit in the Section of Women’s, Children’s and Family Health is coordinating the survey. The first survey will be open for several weeks, and initial results will be summarized and shared by the unit before the end of April. The unit is asking Alaskans to sign up to receive additional short follow-up surveys on focused topics, including the impact on education, physical and mental health of children in Alaska.

Alaskans who would like to respond to the survey can text “AKFAMILY” to 907-269-0344 or access the surveys at the MCH Epidemiology Unit website at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/wcfh/Pages/mchepi/.

The Section of Women’s, Children’s and Family Health works to improve the health status and assure health service access for several maternal and child health populations in Alaska. These include: present and future generations of Alaska women of all ages and their families, pregnant women and their infants, and children and adolescents. Particular focus is also given to children with special health conditions, those with low income status, and those with limited access to health services.

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DHSS_PressRelease_DPH-WCFH_FamilySurvey_20200413.pdf