After the surge: how we are moving forward with families

Earlier this year, I shared with you our commitment to keep hope, equity and inclusion alive, despite what’s happening in the world around us. Not just in what we say, but in what we do.

That commitment means moving forward with all kids and families, including those still living with the effects of Operation Metro Surge.

The surge disrupted learning, healthcare and employment. Families lost income. School districts lost students and revenue. Many children and parents became afraid to go to school, work or the doctor. Those consequences did not end when the surge did.

To understand what our community needs now, Children’s Minnesota has been listening to families and nine metro-area organizations, including school districts and community groups serving Latino, East African and Southeast Asian communities.

Here is what we heard, what we are doing in response and how we will know whether our efforts are working.

What we heard

Every organization we spoke with raised concerns about children’s mental health, even among preschoolers. They described anxiety, emotional distress, fear of family separation and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. Schools reported children experiencing stomachaches and making frequent visits to the nurse.

Families continue to question whether hospitals, schools and public services are safe places to seek help. They are reluctant to share personal information or apply for benefits. Some delayed healthcare. At Children’s Minnesota, missed appointments among Spanish-speaking families increased 80% during the surge compared with previous years.

The effects extend beyond healthcare. Community organizations described lost income, difficulty paying rent and utilities, and growing food and housing needs.

We also heard that many families feel safer turning to community organizations than to larger institutions. These organizations are helping connect families with food, legal resources, healthcare and emotional support.

What we are doing

Our clinics are following up with families who have missed appointments to identify ongoing barriers to accessing medical care. They are listening to families’ experiences and helping them reconnect with the services they need. Our clinicians are studying how the surge is affecting children’s health and their continued access to care.

We are continuing to work with community organizations that families already trust. These partnerships can help us understand families’ needs and make care feel safer and more accessible.

We are also reviewing our own response to the surge. We are asking ourselves what worked, what didn’t and how we can respond more effectively in the future.

Finally, we have added the role of clinical vice president of health equity strategy and community impact to our team. This role will build health equity strategies that are centered on our patients. These strategies will help our clinical teams improve outcomes for children and families affected by Operation Metro Surge.

How we will know it is working

We will know we are making progress when we see more children receiving care, fewer families missing appointments because they are afraid, and families feeling safer coming to Children’s Minnesota. All of this will result in healthier kids, which is always our ultimate goal.

That is how we are moving forward with families and providing equitable care. We know that the six domains of quality for patient care must have equity and inclusion as the foundation for an excellent patient experience.

Rebuilding trust will take time. It requires us to listen carefully to what families need, respond thoughtfully and follow through consistently. Please continue to share how we can be a better partner with our community to make the well-being of children a priority in Minnesota.