Fear's Grip: How Anxiety is Reshaping Lives and Health

In Oregon, a silent crisis is unfolding. It's not a disease or a natural disaster, but fear. Fear is making people skip important doctor visits. Babies are missing check-ups. Kids aren't getting vaccines. Adults are running low on crucial medicines. This isn't just about missing appointments. It's about lives at risk. This fear isn't new, but it's getting worse. Immigration enforcement has ramped up. People are scared to leave their homes. Parents are afraid to take their kids to school. Friends are walking children to class to avoid any risk. This fear is changing how people live, work, and take care of themselves. The impact goes beyond health. It's hitting pockets too. Many essential workers in Oregon come from Latino communities. Fear is keeping them home. Businesses are losing customers. Workshops are understaffed. The financial strain is real, and it's making things even harder. This fear is hitting communities already dealing with a lot. Many have faced poverty, violence, and dangerous journeys. Now, this new fear is bringing back old pain and creating new struggles. It's a lot to handle, and it's affecting everyone. Oregon isn't powerless. Lawmakers can help. They can protect health care for mixed-status families. They can track missed appointments and share clear information. They can use strategies that worked during COVID-19, like telemedicine and medication-by-mail. These steps can help families stay connected to care without leaving home. But it's not just about Oregon. Immigration enforcement is federal. Oregon can push ICE to ensure the health of those it detains. This crisis is costly, dangerous, and predictable. It's time to act, to show compassion, and to make sure health isn't something people have to risk everything to access.