The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to everyone in our communities, and especially for those who are underserved or burdened by health inequities. Children’s Wisconsin staff who engage directly with families in community settings creatively adjusted their outreach during this unprecedented time. 
Children’s Wisconsin community health teams conducted well-checks with families, helping connect them to community resources and facilitated porch drop offs for items to meet their identified needs. Staff recently delivered more than 200 book bags with school supplies, headphones and personal protective equipment to families in need. 
Children’s school health nurses connected with students and their families to assist and coordinate medication management, school supplies, equipment requests and more. Project Ujima offered its annual summer camp virtually this year for those impacted by violence, enabling participants to connect and engage with one other. Staff provided families with weekly activity boxes, virtual story time, and worked with local vendors to deliver fresh produce, meat and grains for families. Additionally, Children’s Wisconsin’s e-learning programs offered to schools for free are now available to parents and caregivers facilitating virtual learning at home.
Children’s home visitors resumed in-person visits with families this summer, enabling staff to reconnect with families and offer support with basic needs, particularly for those families at higher risk. Children’s Wisconsin staff began providing support with rent payments, gas for transportation to work, and providing diapers and formula. In addition, staff connected families in need with local food pantries and, if needed, delivered groceries.