Advocacy Through Legislation: Identify A Problem Or C 928055 ✓ Solved

Advocacy Through Legislationidentify A Problem Or Concern In Your Stat

Identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity to be advocated through legislation. Research the issue and complete the sections below. For each topic that requires the listing of criteria, a minimum of two criteria should be identified and discussed. Add more rows as is appropriate for the topic/proposal.

Problem: In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues.

Idea for Addressing Solution: In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy.

Research the Issue: Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states. Provide at least two supporting pieces of evidence.

Stakeholder Support: Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support. Present at least two stakeholders supporting the proposal, with clear rationale.

Stakeholder Opposition: Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would oppose and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations. Present at least two stakeholders opposed to the proposal, with clear reasoning and strategy.

Financial Incentives/Costs: Summarize the financial impact for the issue and the idea (added costs, cost savings, increased revenue, etc.) in no more than 250 words, with support for your claims.

Legislature: Information Needed and Process for Proposal: Discuss how to advocate for your proposal using legislation. Include the name and contact information for the legislator. Describe steps to present your idea and outline the process if your legislator introduces your idea as a bill.

Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy: In no more than 250 words, discuss how principles of a Christian worldview support legislative advocacy in healthcare without bias. Be specific on how these principles promote inclusiveness and positive health outcomes for all populations, including vulnerable groups, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion, or beliefs.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents is a critical concern in many communities across the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2022), the rate of mental health disorders among youth has risen significantly over the past decade, impacting students, families, and educational institutions. Currently, there is a shortage of accessible mental health services tailored for adolescents, leading to untreated conditions that can exacerbate over time. These untreated mental health issues often result in academic decline, increased risk of substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). The ramifications of ignoring this problem extend beyond individual health, influencing community well-being and increasing long-term societal costs related to healthcare, juvenile justice, and lost productivity.

If these issues continue unaddressed, the mental health crisis among adolescents is likely to worsen, leading to a higher incidence of hospitalizations, suicide rates, and adverse social outcomes. The strain on healthcare systems and educational resources will intensify, potentially overwhelming available mental health services. Moreover, untreated mental health conditions during adolescence can hinder developmental progress, impair social relationships, and reduce future employment opportunities, posing a substantial public health challenge.

One promising solution is legislation that mandates school-based mental health programs with increased funding for adolescent mental health services. Legislation can ensure standardized access to mental health care across schools, reducing disparities. Research indicates that integrated mental health programs in schools improve early intervention, reduce stigma, and enhance overall student well-being (Fazel et al., 2014). Similar legislation has been successfully implemented in states like California and New York, where increased funding and policy mandates have led to more accessible mental health services for students (California Education Code, 2019; New York State Education Department, 2020).

Support for this legislation would likely come from educational institutions, healthcare providers, parents, and mental health advocacy groups. These stakeholders recognize the importance of early intervention and equitable access to mental health care. Conversely, opposition might stem from budgetary concerns by some policymakers or from organizations opposing increased governmental regulation. Addressing such opposition requires clear communication of the long-term cost savings and societal benefits of early mental health intervention.

The financial implications include increased expenditure for school mental health programs and staff training, but these costs are offset by reductions in emergency care, hospitalizations, and juvenile justice expenses related to untreated mental illness (Weist et al., 2014). Implementing such legislation could ultimately lead to significant savings in public health and education budgets, while advancing societal well-being.

To advocate for this proposal legally, I would first identify a supportive legislator such as Senator Jane Doe, whose contact information is available through the state legislative website: jane.doe@state.gov, (123) 456-7890. I would schedule meetings with this legislator and prepare evidence-based presentations highlighting the importance of adolescent mental health. If the legislator introduces the bill, the legislative process involves committee reviews, amendments, and voting, during which advocacy efforts will continue to ensure passage.

From a Christian worldview perspective, advocating for mental health parity aligns with the biblical principles of compassion, justice, and caring for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:40). These principles emphasize the importance of supporting those in need without bias, promoting health equity, and fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of background, can access necessary care. Christian nursing advocacy underscores the moral obligation to serve the vulnerable and advocate for equitable health policies that reflect Christ’s compassion and justice.

References

• California Education Code. (2019). Mental health services in schools. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Youth risk behavior survey. https://www.cdc.gov
• Fazel, M., Hoagwood, K., Stephans, J., & Ford, T. (2014). School mental health services and student outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(2), 113–127.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Youth mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov
• New York State Education Department. (2020). Mental health in schools. Retrieved from https://www.nysed.gov
• Weist, M. D., Bradshaw, C. P., & Beers, S. (2014). Developing comprehensive mental health services in schools. School Psychology Review, 43(4), 379–388.
• Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Hemorrhagic stroke. Harvard Medical School.
• McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2019). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children. Elsevier.
• Ojaghihaghighi, S., Vahdati, S. S., Mikaeilpour, A., & Ramouz, A. (2017). Comparison of neurological clinical manifestation in patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. World journal of emergency medicine, 8(1), 34–38.
• Rink, C., & Khanna, S. (2011). Significance of brain tissue oxygenation in stroke. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 14(10), 1889–1903.