Facing Dual Challenges: Public Health Workers Share Their Early Pandemic Experiences in a Sprint and Marathon

Five years ago, the world faced an unprecedented challenge as COVID-19 swept through communities. In Illinois alone, the virus tragically took nearly 37,000 lives. This moment marked a significant turning point for many, including public health workers. Their experiences during this critical time provide insight into the resilience and dedication required to address a public health crisis.

Before the first COVID-19 case in the U.S. on January 20, 2020, the Lake County Health Department was already on high alert. Staff members like Patti Corn, an emergency response coordinator, and Sara Zamor, the associate director of prevention, knew they were up against something extraordinary. The pandemic presented challenges like they had never seen before.

As the situation rapidly evolved, health workers took on various roles to meet the urgent needs of their community. They worked grueling hours, often between 12 to 14 hours daily, delivering vital information and supplies to a scared and confused public. Zamor described the experience as “a sprint and a marathon” — a blend of immediate action and long-term planning.

“There was a strong sense of shared purpose,” Zamor said. “That kept us going.” Even now, five years later, the pandemic’s impact lingers in our lives. Corn highlighted that virtually everyone was affected by the virus in some way. Whether it was illness, loss, or the isolation from lockdowns, the experience transformed many aspects of daily life.

In the early days, securing protective equipment was a monumental task. By January 2020, finding N95 masks was nearly impossible. Testing was a challenge too; it took time for widespread testing to become available. This lack of resources made the already stressful job of public health officials much tougher.

When vaccines became available in late 2020, Corn took charge of their distribution. Alongside colleagues, they opened drive-through vaccination sites. Corn recalled, “For about eight months, I worked out of my car,” emphasizing the flexibility and determination required during that time to meet community needs.

The goal in pandemic response is typically to vaccinate around 80% of the population. By November 2021, over 2 million vaccine doses had been administered in Lake County, an impressive feat considered the circumstances. Zamor and her team anticipated a flood of calls for vaccination appointments, necessitating the addition of personnel to manage over 1,000 inquiries daily.

Statistics show that many Americans have been directly impacted by COVID-19, with a 2023 survey revealing that over 73% of U.S. adults reported negative emotional effects from the pandemic. The stress and strain of the last few years will likely be felt for a long time, especially among healthcare workers who faced heartbreaking stories daily.

“I’m grateful that we were part of something important,” Zamor reflected. She and her colleagues are proud of their contributions during such a tough time, seeing themselves as making a ‘monumental’ difference in many lives. Despite the hardships, their experiences strengthened the public health system. They are now better prepared for future health threats, including diseases like measles and avian flu.

The pandemic was a powerful lesson in resilience. It not only tested health systems but also showcased the critical role of public health professionals. As we look back, it’s essential to recognize their extraordinary efforts amidst chaos and uncertainty.

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