COVID DIARIES
Produced by HAI Films in collaboration with Surgo Ventures
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with people across the U.S. to document their daily challenges navigating life through its harshest days, particularly in some of the most vulnerable areas of the country. The project brought real voices and stories to the Surgo Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index, which uses data to understand why communities are vulnerable and develop solutions to help them. Below are some examples of the video we produced.
The Brooks | New York
The Brooks family of four, living in Sullivan County, New York, share their response to the pandemic’s initial impacts. The loss of income, low available resources, and limited access to medical facilities inspires them to become self-sustaining, live off the land, and take all possible pandemic precautions.
Sarah French | Arkansas
Sarah French, a wife and mother in Perry County, Arkansas, reflects on how her perspective on COVID-19 isolation changes when her father dies suddenly of natural causes and she needs human connection. During her road trip to be with family in New Mexico, she observes how differently mask and social distancing mandates are implemented from state to state.
Sarah’s Grandmother | Florida
Sarah Feliz shares the emotional toll and practical challenges of caring for her 89 year old, Spanish-speaking grandmother who contracts COVID-19. When her grandmother is admitted to the hospital, Sarah cannot easily advocate for her remotely to ensure her grandmother understands what is happening and receives proper care for her diabetes.
