COVID-19 Impact Survey results now available

  • News
  • May 6, 2021

Results are now available from the Olmsted County Community Health Assessment and Planning (CHAP) COVID-19 Impact Survey and posted on the Olmsted County website. The survey, completed in February and March 2021, assessed the greater impacts of COVID-19 on Olmsted County residents. 

Survey results provide insight into disparities that were exacerbated by the pandemic and the overall effects of those disparities on our community. The data also clearly shows connections between our community’s three health priorities of financial stress, mental health, and substance use. 

  • Since the pandemic started, more residents are reporting poorer mental health (24% in 2021 compared to 12% in 2018).
  • Adults reported an increase in substance use since the pandemic began (19% reported an increase); alcohol was the most common.
  • Financial stress has increased since the start of the pandemic (21% of adults reported their household income decreased), with medical bills and rent/mortgage causing the most financial stress. 
  • Social connections have decreased since the pandemic began. Olmsted County adults reported a decrease in communicating with their neighbors (51%) and family and friends (47.3%).

“The insights gathered from this survey will help community leaders gain a stronger understanding of current and post-pandemic needs of our community,” said Olmsted County Public Health Director Graham Briggs. “This data, coupled with community engagement sessions, will help direct the strategy for the Community Health Improvement Plan and provide a foundation for recovery efforts.”

The full report from the COVID-19 Impact Survey is available on the Olmsted County website. When possible, data is provided from the 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment survey to provide context to survey findings. Frequency and demographic tables can be found in the supplemental document.

Background on CHAP

CHAP is a collaborative effort that began in 2012 and continues to be led by Olmsted County Public Health Services, Olmsted Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic. In addition to these lead agencies, there are numerous community organizations that contribute to the overall process and are committed to keeping our community healthy.