Amish

In this “Sound of Us” story, an Amish farmer in Wayne County shares his journey of stuttering as a child. Eventually he became a bishop and public speaker.

Over the past six months, I have been learning about and building relationships within the Plain community. Get a behind-the-scenes look at my process, what I've learned through my reporting and what I'm pursuing next.

There are only three residential mental healthcare facilities serving Plain people, Amish and some Mennonites, in the U.S., and one is in Dundee, Ohio. Learn about how one Amish man serves as a liaison to others in the Plain community for services at the in-house program Woodside Rest.

Women who leave their Amish community often face employment, culture and mental health challenges as they transition to non-Amish American or "English" culture. Mission to Amish People, Spring Haven Counseling and Amish Heritage Foundation offer support and guidance.

Ohio’s idyllic Amish country, which includes several northeast Ohio counties, looks like a snapshot from the past. Cars navigate around buggies traveling on the winding roads while large billboards lure tourists with homemade cheeses and expertly sewn quilts. But many in this community are resistant to modern medical interventions and are also hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, even as the pandemic has sickened and killed local residents.

Holmes County is home to 23,000 Amish citizens — nearly half of its total population. The county’s health department is getting the word out to this community about social distancing and COVID-19. Health Commissioner of the Holmes County General Health District Michael Derr said Amish citizens in the area tend to be more progressive, and they are following media reports about the virus and protective measures. He said his department sends out mailings with updated COVID-19 information every week to leaders in the community.

Medical personal protective equipment (PPE) is in short supply nationwide due to a surge of COVID-19 patients. Companies have shifted production to make equipment for the crisis, and individuals are stepping up to sew homemade masks. One community highly equipped to help meet this need is the Amish.

Here are your morning headlines for Tuesday, March 24:Ohio COVID-19 deaths rise to 6;Stay-at-home order in effect;Kent State cancels May 4…

Here are your morning headlines for Monday, Feb. 17:School district cancels events amid threat;Dan Gilbert back to work;Ohio bill would require flashing…

The Amish are an anachronism in modern America.They don’t own cars, they’re not on the grid, but researchers at the College of Wooster find that the Amish…