SVMC Community Health Needs Assessment 2021 - Catalog - Page 45
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Survey Responses: Challenges Affording Basic Necessities
n=1,512
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
A major challenge
20%
Somewhat of a challenge
15%
A small challenge
10%
5%
0%
13-34 years
35-64 years
65+ years
Disparities in affording basic needs identified by SVMC’s community health survey:
LGBTQ respondents were three times more likely than heterosexual or straight
respondents to report a challenge in affording basic needs (9% compared to 3%).
Those with a high school degree were more four times likely to face significant challenges meeting
basic needs compared to those with a bachelor’s degree (12% versus 3%).
9% of American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander respondents and
10% of Black or African American respondents indicated a major challenge, compared to 2% of
Hispanic or Latino/a respondents and 3% of White or Caucasian respondents.
As has been extensively documented elsewhere, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a homogenous
impact upon the financial wellness of individuals and families. 58% of lower income individuals say that,
in the long run, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will make it a more difficult for them to
achieve their financial goals. Approximately half of individuals who took a pay cut since the pandemic
began are still earning less than before. Women, those who are younger than 30 years old, and lowerincome workers nationwide were among the most likely to have taken unpaid time off since the
pandemic began.50 Nationally, Black adults are particularly likely to say they have taken on debt or put
50
Horowitz JM, Brown A, Minkin R. A Year into the pandemic, long-term financial impact weighs heavily on many Americans.
Pew Research Center Report. Published March 5, 2021. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2021/03/05/a-year-intothe-pandemic-long-term-financial-impact-weighs-heavily-on-many-americans/#many-older-americans-whose-employmentwas-affected-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak-say-they-have-or-may-have-to-delay-their-retirement
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Community Health Needs Assessment 2021