Adults with disabilities are reported to experience more mental distress than those without disabilities. Mental distress in this population is associated with poorer health behaviors, an increase in health services use, mental and behavioral health disorders, and reduced quality of life. In particular, the pandemic has spotlighted a need for improved healthcare delivery systems and public health response strategies as COVID-19 has exacerbated health disparities in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In this podcast episode, Alison Beam (alumni-PA) and Kristin Ahrens (deputy secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Health) offer cross-agency perspectives on the challenges and experiences they faced addressing the complex needs of people with IDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also share strategies to leverage state Medicaid data to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the health of people with IDD, along with how cross-agency data-sharing can provide a more comprehensive look at statewide trends and inform decision-making in current and future pandemic response efforts.

Guests:

• Alison Beam, Former Secretary of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary, Office of Developmental Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - The Mental Health of People with Disabilities

Cross-Agency Partnerships for Health Equity: Understanding Opportunities Across Medicaid and Public Health Agencies (ASTHO)

How COVID-19 impacts people with disabilities

Embedded: When Disaster Strikes for People Living With Disabilities (ASTHO)

Embedded: One Year Review of Disability and Preparedness Specialists Project