Poverty fell overall in 2020 due to massive stimulus checks and unemployment aid, U.S. Census says
Heather Long and Amy Goldstein, The Washington Post, Sept. 14
After accounting for government aid in 2020, every age group, racial and ethnic group, and educational level saw a decline in poverty, demonstrating the importance of safety net programs for low-income and working class people. Conversely, the uninsured rate in America increased for the fourth year in a row, though not as much as some experts predicted early on in the pandemic.
Women of color overrepresented in domestic violence arrests, data show
Lisa Backus, Connecticut Health Investigative Team, Sept. 9
Data from the Judicial Branch show that Black and Hispanic women make up 53% of domestic violence arrest cases for adult females, despite making up only a quarter of the state’s female population. Connecting women of color to culturally responsive community-based services and building safety plans to divert police contact are important factors to consider to better support women of color.
Why some US Blacks and Latinos remain COVID-19 ‘vaccine deliberate’
Hyeyoon (Alyssa) Choi, ABC News, Sept. 7
There have been many efforts to explain the racial and ethnic disparities in vaccination rates. Experts have cited misinformation online, including hoaxes specifically targeted at Black and Latino people. Others point to challenges including health literacy, safety concerns, and physical access barriers, as well as distrust of the medical system and government. A new report suggests that instead of “vaccine hesitant,” a more accurate term to explain lagging vaccine rates in people of color is “vaccine deliberate,” with people waiting to see if concerns can be mitigated.
Peer-reviewed study finds safety concerns, child care issues drove Hartford parents’ choice of remote or in-person learning in fall 2020
Amanda Blanco, The Hartford Courant, Sept. 12
A recently published study examined Hartford families’ experiences choosing remote or in-person learning last fall. Many families opted for remote learning due to health and safety concerns, while those who sent their children to school cited lack of child care or a service need. Families expressed that neither option fully addressed all of their needs, but made choices based on the most important characteristic to them.