Interview with Deirdre Healion

Interviewer

Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight

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Abstract

This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon McKnight and Michaela Bessinger with Deirdre Healion as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. In the interview, Healion reflects on her experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical year 2020, often touching on topics such as social isolation and the digitization of everyday life (virtual activities, Zoom, etc.). She also discusses her military background and its influence on her response to the pandemic, notably in terms of the vaccine. Other notable topics of conversation include social unrest, religious services, and the gradual return to normalcy.

Deirdre Healion (b. 1950), a native of New York City, is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer who now resides in the Sun City Carolina Lakes community of Indian Land, SC. Following twenty years of military service, Healion worked for a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor before retiring. She is 1972 graduate of Molloy University.

Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."

Publication Date

2-18-2022

Unique Identifier

OH 735

Format

MP4; M4A

Length

00:37:46

Restrictions

This interview is open for use.

Keywords

COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020, Social Isolation, Vaccination, Social Unrest, Religion, Sun City Carolina Lakes

Interview with Deirdre Healion

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