Hundreds of veterans throughout the nation called on The American Legion for direct assistance after participating in a COVID-19 survey between mid-April and June 15. Nearly 24,000 took the survey – 95.4% veterans – indicating their concerns over the pandemic, their well-being as a result of it and economic strains it has placed on them.
Respondents were offered opportunities to seek direct help from The American Legion in four areas. The most frequent request for assistance came in the area of VA benefits, with 1,030, who were connected to American Legion service officers. Personal contact for general support was requested by 553 respondents, followed by requests for help on emotional wellness at 411 and employment assistance at 270.
Nearly 30% indicated that the pandemic had caused a major impact in their lives, and over 38% said stay-at-home orders had negatively affected their emotional well-being.
The American Legion’s Buddy Check program proved to be on target for veterans, 40.58% of whom reported that communication with friends and family is the most important resource to address their emotional well-being. Physical activity was second among the choices at 25.26%.
While most veterans who responded to the survey said they receive health care from primary physicians, 32.84% said they were “fully confident” and 57.79% were “somewhat confident” with VA’s response to the crisis.
“VA has tackled this difficult situation as well or better than any other health-care providers,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “And we are not surprised. We all share in the challenge to deliver the best care anywhere and know that VA is working hard to set a standard for all health-care operations. As we deal with this historic time as a nation, The American Legion stands strong in support of all who provide care for our nation’s veterans and citizens.”
The economy and personal financial effect of the pandemic weighed on the minds of the respondents. The threat the coronavirus presents to the U.S. economy was rated as “large” by 87.05% and over 76% indicated the pandemic presents “some threat” or a “large threat” to their personal financial situation. A nearly equal percentage (35.6%) of respondents indicated they were “very concerned” about contracting the coronavirus as well as their ability to buy groceries because of it.
Survey respondents were predominantly male (91.98%) Vietnam War veterans (67.93%). Just over 90 percent of the respondents indicated they are members of The American Legion.
Following are some highlights from the survey:
How much has the coronavirus pandemic changed your life?
o Major change: 29.22%
o Some change: 65.59%
o No change: 5.19%
How concerned are you about the following topics?
JOB SECURITY:
o Very: 11.37%
o Somewhat: 17.54%
o Not at all: 71.09%
PAYING MORTGAGE/RENT:
o Very: 7.81%
o Somewhat: 17.54%
o Not at all: 73.44%
PAYING OTHER BILLS:
o Very: 9.53%
o Somewhat: 27.76%
o Not at all: 62.71%
BUYING GROCERIES:
o Very: 35.65%
o Somewhat: 41.63%
o Not at all: 44.38%
CONTRACTING CORONAVIRUS:
o Very: 35.66%
o Somewhat: 49.03%
o Not at all: 15.32%
Given the pandemic and social distancing, how likely are you to:
VISIT A CLOSE FRIEND OR RELATIVE AT THEIR HOME:
o Not at all: 57.61%
o Somewhat: 29.88%
o Very: 12.51%
SHOP AT A GROCERY STORE:
o Not at all: 8.39%
o Somewhat: 39.34%
o Very: 52.27%
VOTE AT A POLLING LOCATION:
o Not at all: 39%
o Somewhat: 26.81%
o Very: 34.19%
How has coronavirus impacted your employment status?
o Not applicable: 53.35%
o Not at all: 26.77%
o Working from home: 7.99% (1,826)
o Working reduced hours: 4.30% (982)
o Furloughed: 2.56% (584)
o Laid off: 2.24% (512)
o My employer shut down: 2.8% (639)
How have stay-at-home orders affected your emotional well-being?
o Positive impact: 8.23%
o No impact: 53.36%
o Negative impact: 38.41%
What resource are you finding most helpful to address your emotional well-being?
o Telehealth services: 2.74%
o Crisis hotline services: 0.12% (27)
o Communication with friends and family: 40.58% (9,266)
o Physical activity: 25.26%
o Spiritual outlets: 9.36%
o Self-medicating: 2.74%
o None: 19.2%
How closely have you been following news about the outbreak?
o Not at all: 2%
o Somewhat: 34.41%
o Very: 63.59%
What is your opinion of any media coverage you have followed related to the pandemic?
o Media has underestimated the situation: 11.12%
o Media has accurately reported the situation: 35.24%
o Media has over-exaggerated the situation: 53.64%
What is your confidence level in VA’s response to the pandemic?
o Fully confident: 32.84%
o Somewhat confident: 57.79%
o Not at all confident: 9.37%
How much do you believe the coronavirus pandemic presents a threat to the following:
THE HEALTH OF THE U.S. POPULATION:
o No threat: 3.06%
o Some threat: 46.15%
o A large threat: 50.79%
YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH:
o No threat: 11.77%
o Some threat: 60.47%
o A large threat: 27.76%
THE U.S. ECONOMY
o No threat: 0.64%
o Some threat: 12.31%
o A large threat: 87.05% (19,267)
YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL SITUATION:
o No threat: 23.71%
o Some threat: 53.91%
o A large threat: 22.38%
American Legion posts in many communities have stepped up to help in many ways. How helpful do you think the following initiatives are during this time?
ORGANIZE COMMUNITY BUDDY CHECKS:
o Not helpful: 7.64%
o Somewhat helpful: 49.28%
o Very helpful: 43.08%
ORGANIZE BLOOD DRIVES:
o Not helpful: 10.85%
o Somewhat helpful: 49.28%
o Very helpful: 45.12%
ORGANIZE DONATION DRIVES FOR HEALTH-CARE WORKERS:
o Not helpful: 10.45%
o Somewhat helpful: 44.03%
o Very helpful: 42.48%
ORGANIZE DONATIONS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED OF EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
o Not helpful: 7.15%
o Somewhat helpful: 39.23%
o Very helpful: 53.62%
