Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic pain and heart issues now plague David Chenault and he is required to see a list of specialists, but none of them are in that part of the Delta.
Dr. Valencia Andrew-Pirtle began working in Blytheville more than 20 years ago as a family medicine specialist and, over time, she has learned the most dangerous disease Mississippi County faces is one she wouldn't have thought about decades ago.
This project was produced by Dan Levin as part of the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s 2020 National Fellowship.
This zip code has more poor households than anywhere else in Florida. The coronavirus outbreak has only made it worse.
"My grief and frustration over JJ’s fate were compounded by all I learned about the effects of toxic stress on a developing brain."
"Momentum seemed to be building. And then … nothing."
Lacking access to a primary doctor or not having a car has been has prevented many poor residents from getting tested so far. The result, local experts say, is cases flying under the radar.
"Ag workers are uniquely vulnerable to this virus because of the close proximity they often work and live," said California Assemblymember Robert Rivas.
In Salinas, overcrowded, unhealthy conditions are common for tens of thousands of farmworkers.
San Luis Obispo County’s beaches and vineyards make it an ideal destination for vacationers and wealthy Californians — but the workers who power the region’s economy don’t share that wealth.
