In addition to the efforts focused on finding new treatments for COVID-19 and a coronavirus vaccine, Penn researchers are also looking to the future and asking, what will the aftermath of the pandemic be for public health, health care delivery, and the economy? Fellows of the University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute (LDI) have been diving into these topics and more in a series of virtual seminars.
Atheendar Venkataramani, MD, PhD, a general internist at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and a senior fellow of the LDI, is not only an avid viewer of the Experts at Home series — “I haven’t missed one yet!” he said — but he also gave a presentation exploring the likely health consequences of the economic downturn from the crisis. While there is uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the “COVID economy,” Venkataramani explained that we have historical evidence to guide our understanding of the possibilities.
Pointing to health data following downturns like the Great Recession of 2008, Venkataramani discussed the links between economic chaos and poor mental health, exacerbated chronic conditions, adverse effects on blood pressure and blood glucose, and increased incidence of domestic violence and deaths by drug overdose and suicide. He also detailed evidence of long-term negative effects for those exposed early in life, such as babies born to stressed mothers, children kept out of school, or young adults entering the job market.
While his seminar painted a grim picture, Venkataramani insisted that not all is bleak. “It’s not about making a trade-off between public health and the economy, but about trying to make sure people feel safe to engage in economic activity again,” he said, noting that robust public health interventions, generous social safety nets, and strong government leadership are crucial in ensuring one unprecedented disaster (the pandemic) doesn’t lead to another (an economic meltdown).
“What do we want things to look like after COVID-19 is long gone? Having these tough conversations gives us an opportunity to constructively engage with each other and put into place new systems and policies that will improve circumstances for everyone going forward. That’s what keeps me optimistic,” he said.