A new study shows 40,000 children in U.S. have lost at least one parent to COVID-19. 

The study published in the JAMA Pediatrics medical journal found Black children are disproportionately affected.

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Black children make up 14% of U.S. children, but 20% of those lost a parent to COVID-19.

Researchers say grieving children and their families need financial, social and emotional support. "Kids who lose a parent are more likely to be depressed or suicidal, they're more likely to drop out of school, they're really long-term implications, even for adulthood, but we don't know how children are dealing with their grief during this really unique period of social isolation," says Social Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Kidman.

Researchers say large, national reforms are needed to address the health, education and economic fallout affecting the orphaned children