Symptom Of A Larger Problem

The recent scare of Swine Flu, and it’s possible fatal consequences, has lead to a panic among office workers, food industry workers and many other occupations that put people in close contact with one another.  Workers have been advised to stay home, parents forced to find childcare for days and sometimes more than a week when confirmed cases are reported at their children’s schools.

For many however, calling in sick is not an option. Swine Flu serves as one broad example of the pervasive problem that so many low-income and underemployed workers face. For the 49% of workers without paid sick days calling in does not only mean losing income, but could mean losing their jobs. Additionally, for families who do not have the extra money to for childcare have to choose between leaving their children unsupervised or losing a day’s pay and possibly jeopardizing their jobs to stay home and look after them.

Swine Flu is just one example of this problem which manifests in many ways. Low-income families often have to make difficult decisions that affect their families health and stability: deciding what bills to pay when money is tight, what groceries to buy knowing that what is most nutritious is not usually what is most affordable, and even having to decide what medicines can and cannot be afforded.

St. Anthony Foundation’s network of programs provide services that help support families through unstable times and the educational tools and resources to help parents make the most beneficial choices possible when faced with these tough decisions.