Five Years Post-COVID-19: Key Insights from Humboldt County Health Leaders on Pandemic Lessons Learned

Reflections on the Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Five years ago, the world as we knew it changed dramatically due to a new, highly infectious virus. Dr. Candy Stockton vividly remembers the moment she learned about the first COVID-19 case in Humboldt County. It was surreal for her, both as a healthcare professional and on a personal level. "I felt a mix of panic and shock when I got the call,” she shared. It was a significant moment—a reminder of how quickly everything could change.

At the time, Dr. Teresa Frankovich was Humboldt County’s health officer. Just two months into her role, she had to declare a county-wide emergency—a decision met with both support and criticism. Stockton, who then served as the chief medical officer for the Humboldt County Independent Practice Association, faced tough choices right from the start, including how to care for COVID-19 patients safely. The anxiety was palpable; hospitals worldwide were reporting that doctors were getting sick and even dying at alarming rates. The fear was real.

Tory Starr, the CEO of Open Door Community Health Centers, had just taken his position when COVID-19 started to escalate. He was in Sacramento negotiating funding when the reality of the pandemic hit him. High-profile events like the NBA suspending its season made it clear that COVID-19 was a major threat. “When schools close, the world stops,” Starr recalled, highlighting the cascading effects of the pandemic on everyday life.

The early days of the pandemic weren’t just about physical health; mental health also took a significant hit. Social isolation, fear, and uncertainty led to rising anxiety. A report from the CDC showed that anxiety levels among Americans nearly tripled during the pandemic’s peak.

In a historical context, it’s striking to see how this virus changed our response to health crises. For example, the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic took years for vaccines and treatments to develop. In stark contrast, scientists quickly created a COVID-19 vaccine in under a year using RNA technology—a groundbreaking achievement that’s changed how we approach infectious diseases. This rapid development raised public expectations but also created skepticism around vaccines, signaling a troubling trend of misinformation.

Today, as Stockton and Starr reflect on the early challenges, they emphasize newfound lessons in the importance of community trust and preparedness. “Living through a prolonged emergency changes your perspective on public health,” Stockton remarked. The pandemic built a “muscle memory” for dealing with health emergencies.

The response to COVID-19 was not just about healthcare but also protecting livelihoods. Many businesses struggled to adapt, and as Starr mentioned, taking care of healthcare workers became vital. “One big takeaway is the importance of supporting our people both at work and outside of it," he said.

While the situation has improved, vaccine hesitancy and politicization of health issues remain ongoing challenges. Starr warned that this diminished trust in science threatens future public health efforts.

As we reflect on these challenging times, we’re reminded of the resilience of both healthcare workers and communities. The lessons learned during this pandemic will shape our response to future health crises for years to come.

For more on the evolving landscape of public health, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 page.

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