More than 77 percent of surveyed alumni from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service are still concerned about their own health or their family’s health, according to the results of a recent COVID-19 impact survey by Assistant Professor Nichola Driver and Dean James L. “Skip” Rutherford III.
Additionally, responses show a number of graduates are involved with COVID-19 support services in their communities.
The survey, issued as a follow-up to last year’s COVID-19 impact survey, was conducted from March 16 through March 29. Nearly 50 percent of the school’s group of more than 400 graduates responded to this year’s survey.
In addition to health concerns, 48 percent said that they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about their own financial situation or their family’s financial situation in the coming months. Additionally, 43 percent said that they have experienced difficulty in accessing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinton School graduates were also asked if they were involved directly with COVID-19 response in their area. Many of those who answered yes also responded with the ways in which they are involved.
The themes of the responses included a variety of leadership and volunteer positions with nonprofits providing healthcare and general support services. Others have assisted their communities through efforts with vaccination centers; donating to or working with food security centers; or by helping to provide public health education as it relates to COVID-19.
Other survey highlights include:
• 60% said that they or someone in their household had experienced job loss or a reduction in income• 57% said that they are still working remotely, compared to 84% in last year’s survey
• 80% said that they are still working either entirely from home or have a mix of at-home and office work
• 16% said they are working entirely at their offices or places of work, compared to 6% in last year’s survey
• 77% rated the Biden administration’s response to the pandemic as good or excellent
• 91% rated the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic as poor, compared to 84% who rated it as poor in last year’s survey
• 32% rated their governor’s response to the pandemic as excellent or good, compared to 58% who rated it as excellent or good in last year’s survey
Responses