--by Yvonne Goldsberry, Ph.D., Endowment for Health President

There’s no doubt that we’re living through a challenging and historic chapter. The stress of the pandemic on our communities from both our ailing health and economy is creating extreme inconveniences for some and near catastrophic circumstances for many. The myriad organizations that make up our health, housing and social service systems are caught in the fire of the pandemic. And those that operate under perpetual strain are even more tenuous now as this vulnerable structure rapidly changes and flexes to meet the needs of the residents of our state.

We stand with families and communities working hard to respond to COVID-19. To our state's public health experts, social service providers, health-care professionals, and grocery, utility, and delivery workers, we extend heartfelt thanks for your courage and service. And to our many community partners who are doing amazing and heroic work, we send our gratitude and respect.

Emergency grants to four New Hampshire United Way agencies are already showing results. Their efforts support the collection, preparation and distribution of food and hygiene supplies -- right to individual doorsteps in many cases. These efforts ensure that people can stay safely in their homes wherever possible.

For those bravely serving on the front lines, response funds ensure that protective equipment is provided to nonprofits who serve vulnerable populations, including the homeless. Resources are also being used to ensure that vulnerable people do not become victims of exploitation. And volunteers strive to ensure that families, friends and neighbors are getting the support they need.

All of these supports are crucial to kids who previously relied on school meals, to hard-working people suddenly without a job, to families who are balancing work and family commitments, and to individuals risking their health to serve and heal others.

New Hampshire communities have been working to make the Granite State a great place to grow up and grow older. That work serves us well during the current crisis as our communities are supported by the resiliency of relationships and partnerships previously developed. We believe in a future where all people who call New Hampshire home are happy, healthy, and thriving, a future where healthy aging is easy, and every child has what they need to grow to be their best self. A future where differences among our people are welcomed and celebrated. A future where geography and circumstance do not define our well-being.

While this pandemic is not yet relegated to the history books, we will see many lasting innovations as a result of it. We will perfect ways to respond to future public health emergencies. The networks energized now will strengthen the overall safety net of the future. Most importantly, we will come to appreciate many things previously taken for granted. We may be forever changed by this experience, but transformation forged in fire, will bring out our best in so many ways.