Approximately 1,250 children under age six lived in the flood affected areas of Linn County. Based on national research, it is reasonable to expect that between 200 and 300 of these children may experience on-going anxiety, depression and other behaviorial changes as a result of the flood.
Research also confirms that about 2% of this population may develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is particularly noteworthy in children as 90% of brain development occurs before the age of six.
Linn County responded well to the flood by setting up needed emergency shelters and support services. Now we need to move forward as a community to restore lost child care capacity and promote policies that assure healthy child development for children 0 to 5 years of age.
The flood waters have receded, but the restoration of our communities continues. The growth and development of our children may be permanently impacted by the 2008 flood unless we act decisively.
For a copy of the report click on the Forms tab on our main page or visit Five Giant Steps at http://www.fivegiantsteps.org/.
Five Giant Steps is an early childhood initiative in Linn County and Idea #14 of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation's Fifteen in 5 Community Planning Process.