Your Morning Matters: Readers weigh in on obituaries
Good morning and welcome to your Morning Matters.
It's Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, and last week I discussed our obituaries and wondered whether it would make any difference if families chose to disclose COVID-19 death causes instead of euphemisms like "died after a short illness." I referenced a trend in 2017 when families used their loved ones' obituaries to disclose heroin overdoses and their hope to remove the stigma surrounding the heroin epidemic.
And, as always, readers shared some great insights.
Eric writes: "Maybe I'm a glass half empty kind of guy but I think there's plenty of evidence out about COVID-19. If people continue to deny the impact, that's because that narrative fits what they already believe. For those who say, 'I don't know anyone who died from it,' you're not changing their mind with an obituary."
He adds: "You did not note if the statements about overdose deaths had any actual effects, just the intent of changing minds." Great question, Eric, but I don't have an answer. I have noted in the past few years that folks seem less judgmental about the heroin crisis, so maybe?
Alan writes: "It can be helpful to break down stigmas, as you suggest. Along those lines, I heard yesterday on Fresh Air about a new book, 'Dopamine Nation' by Anna Lembke who spells out some helpful and groundbreaking resources. ... I was astounded to learn that one in 4 Americans takes psychotropic meds. The pandemic has caused great stress and people need to feel OK about 'telling the truth' as part of the road to recovery."
That's a link I had not considered. Thanks!
Sara writes: "My brother died of Covid in April, 2020, and his wife made sure that the cause of death was given. I, too, wish that the obituaries of everyone who died of Covid-related illnesses would state this. It would definitely give pause to some, perhaps even to those who think this is all a hoax and that the number of deaths has been exaggerated. ... I also wish that the families of those who have died from gun violence would state this in their obituaries."
I am so sorry for your loss, Sara. There was a time decades ago when obituaries were written in newsrooms and there was more journalism used: The who, what, when, where, why and how. As obituaries became paid content, that control reverted to funeral homes and families, and details gave way to tributes, mentions of beloved pets, hobbies, etc.
Margaret touched on this, noting "... I don't think that whoever writes the obits [funeral homes] would do that. Respecting the dead is one thing, and not always compatible with 'the truth being told.' A Catch-22, I guess."
I had many, many comments from readers and I appreciated them all. Thanks for the input! Let's all go and make today count!
Here's what you need to know about the Mahoning Valley today:
In the beginning of the pandemic, health care workers were hampered by their lack of personal protective equipment. During the fall surge of 2020, health care workers struggled with staffing as their own came down with COVID-19.
Now, health care workers are leaving the field altogether. That, combined with the rise in COVID-19 cases, is leaving Ohio's hospitals strapped, health officials say. In about seven weeks, Ohio's COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions have increased tenfold. Reporter Jess Hardin has the details in this week's look at coronavirus trends.
Other matters
This week, columnist Liz Dreier admits: "You can take the girl out of West Virginia, but you can't take West Virginia out of the girl." What brought this on? It turns out, it all began as a discussion of regional colloquialisms. And she warns: "Ohioans and Pennsylvanians aren't exempt from creative language, either." Mahoning Matters
It's another busy week in the Valley, from the Canfield Fair to the final Austintown Farmers Market to the Youngstown State University football team kicking off its season Thursday. Mahoning Matters
Among the Valley notables featured in today's Business Updates are Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, Truth Fashion Boutique and Blooming Crazy Flowers and Gifts. Mahoning Matters
As federal stimulus legislation that created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits ends, PUA and PEUC programs are ending in Ohio on Sept. 4. The Business Journal [May encounter paywall.]
Without a major federal financial grant, the city-owned Covelli Centre and Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre — largely shut down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic — would have lost $442,002 in operating costs for the first six months of the year. But with a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, the facilities had a $22,124 operating loss as of June 30.The Vindicator [May encounter paywall.]
The Poland Village Police Department announced the death of Chief Russell Beatty in the form of a Facebook post Sunday morning. WKBN
The United Local School District held its marching band back from attending Friday's football game against East Canton due to reports of several positive cases of COVID-19 among band members. WFMJ
Movers and Makers
Twister Display, a local amusement and carnival game manufacturer, is on track to sell its 10,000th dunk tank this week. The East Liverpool business also sells a variety of amusement games and rentals like high striker bells, cash-grab machines, Tic-Tac-Toss and various portable sports games. Mahoning Matters
This story was made possible by Farmers National Bank.
Your comments matter
"RIP. God bless this hero!"
— Maureen Salupo, on Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak of Ohio, who was one of the 13 U.S. service members killed Thursday while supporting noncombatant evacuation operations in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Registered readers can comment on a selection of our stories, and all readers can comment on stories on our Facebook page. Opinions published here do not reflect the views of Mahoning Matters.
Event of the day
Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown will host The Pubcade Monday Edition at 6 p.m.
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This story was originally published August 30, 2021 at 6:55 AM with the headline "Your Morning Matters: Readers weigh in on obituaries."