Assignment: Population Health Advocacy Human trafficking, extreme poverty, preventable diseases, the opioid crisis, and the lack of adequate low-income housing are a few current societal concerns worth
Assignment:
Population Health Advocacy
Human trafficking, extreme poverty, preventable diseases, the opioid crisis, and the lack of adequate low-income housing are a few current societal concerns worthy of social change. Nurses and healthcare leaders are in a good position to shape and influence health care policy.
Think of a cause you believe in strongly. Access the website of your elected officials either at the local, state, or federal level using the following link: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/ or use the website of your choice. Explore some of the issues and committees your legislators are involved in and select at least one that interests you or aligns with your beliefs. You may also contact your legislator’s office and speak to his or her legislative assistant by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard operator at (202) 224-3121 for the Senate and (202) 225-3121 for the House. Legislator assistants are very knowledgeable about the legislator’s agenda and can provide a wealth of information.
This assignment will be at least 1500 words or more. This week reflect on advocacy, collaborative partnerships with other health care practitioners and stakeholders, and the policy making process and write a paper that addresses the following:
- Describe the policy issue, policy problem of interest or a particular bill that your legislator has introduced
- Elaborate on why the policy matters and what you can possibly do to strengthen the policy?
- Briefly define the role you would play as an advocate for the healthcare consumer and healthcare professionals.
- Explain how the policy impacts the public at large or a particular population.
- What stakeholders would you collaborate with to promote the cause?
Assignment Expectations
Length: 1500-2000 words in length
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word amount for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of two (2) scholarly sources are required for this assignment.
Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
Expert Solution Preview
Assignment: Population Health Advocacy
Introduction:
The purpose of this assignment is to explore the topic of population health advocacy and its importance in addressing current societal concerns. As nurses and healthcare leaders, we have the ability to shape and influence health care policy. In this assignment, you will choose a cause that you believe in strongly and research the policy issues surrounding it. You will also examine the role of advocacy and collaborative partnerships in promoting change and discuss how the policy impacts the public or a specific population.
Answer:
The policy issue that I have chosen to focus on is the opioid crisis. This is a significant problem in our society, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. The opioid crisis has resulted in a significant increase in opioid-related deaths, addiction rates, and social and economic burdens.
The policy matters because it directly affects the health and well-being of individuals. It is important to strengthen this policy to ensure access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those affected by the crisis. This can be accomplished by advocating for increased funding for prevention programs, expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, and reducing barriers to naloxone distribution.
As an advocate for healthcare consumers and professionals, my role would be to raise awareness about the opioid crisis and its impact on individuals and communities. I would educate the public and policymakers about evidence-based interventions, promote harm reduction strategies, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize prevention and treatment over punishment.
The opioid crisis impacts the public at large, as it affects individuals from all walks of life and across all age groups. However, certain populations are particularly vulnerable, such as individuals with chronic pain, veterans, and pregnant women. It is crucial to consider the unique needs and challenges faced by these populations in developing and implementing effective policies and interventions.
To promote the cause, I would collaborate with various stakeholders. This includes healthcare professionals, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and individuals in recovery. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to create comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the opioid crisis.
In conclusion, population health advocacy plays a crucial role in addressing current societal concerns. The opioid crisis is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. By advocating for evidence-based policies, raising awareness, and collaborating with stakeholders, we can work towards reducing the burden of the opioid crisis and improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
