The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic Response for People who are Marginalized

The current public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we socialize with eachother, how we access health care, and our economic conditions over a short period of time. For people who are marginalized, these changes may cause decreases in income, loss of social support and community connections, unstable home environments, more substance use withdrawal and overdose, and growing mental health concerns. Some responses to the pandemic, like physical distancing and financial challenges, are likely to last for months. The Government and non-governmental agencies have started programs and services to meet the needs of people who are marginalized but we do not know whether or how these are working. Our proposal will look at urgent needs to make sure that new investments are prioritized to areas of greatest impact, quickly identify and lower unintended harms, and target novel approaches that should be scaled-up. We will use mixed methods and work closely with communities in Toronto to identify and evaluate programs and to develop recommendations that will address the needs and improve the health and well-being of people experiencing marginalization.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ahmed Bayoumi

Student:

Farah N Mawani

Partner:

Centre of Learning & Development

Discipline:

Urban studies

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto