Benchmark Policy Brief: The Benchmark Assesses The Following

Benchmark Policy Briefthe Benchmark Assesses The Following Competenc

Describe the policy health issue, including the affected population, the level at which it occurs (local, state, or national), and supporting evidence. Develop a problem statement. Provide suggestions for addressing the health issue, including steps to initiate policy change, necessary stakeholders, and funding considerations. Discuss the impact on the healthcare delivery system. Write a 750-1,000-word policy brief following APA style, incorporating at least three peer-reviewed sources and two additional credible references. No abstract is required.

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between environmental issues such as climate change and public health has grown increasingly prominent in recent years. Within the American healthcare system, understanding these implications is critical to advancing nursing practice and informing policy development. This paper explores the public health impact of climate change on vulnerable populations in the United States, demonstrates the necessity for policy intervention, and proposes strategies to address this pressing issue.

Climate change appears as an overarching environmental threat impacting numerous facets of health—including increased frequency of heatwaves, extreme weather events, vector-borne diseases, and air quality deterioration (Watts et al., 2018). These issues disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as the elderly, low-income communities, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Specifically, older adults living in urban areas subjected to heat islands experience heightened risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality. Moreover, low-income families often reside in substandard housing with limited resources to adapt to climate-related health threats. The level at which this issue manifests spans local, state, and national domains, requiring integrated policy responses.

The urgency of addressing climate change as a health policy issue is grounded in strong evidence linking environmental conditions with adverse health outcomes. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2021) reports that climate-related health risks are escalating, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizing that climate change threatens to reverse years of public health progress. Furthermore, healthcare costs associated with climate-induced illnesses strain both local and national health services, emphasizing the need for proactive policy measures.

The core problem stems from inadequate policies or insufficient implementation of existing policies to mitigate climate-related health risks. For example, urban heat island effects are compounded by limited green space and urban planning policies lacking climate resilience considerations. Consequently, vulnerable populations face increased health disparities, which demand policy interventions that address environmental and social determinants of health.

To address this health policy issue, several steps are essential. First, establishing comprehensive climate and health policies that integrate environmental and public health sectors is vital. These policies must prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing green infrastructure, and enhancing community resilience. Stakeholders include federal and state environmental agencies, public health departments, nursing organizations, urban planners, community advocacy groups, and policymakers. Engaging these groups ensures coordinated efforts and resource allocation.

Funding considerations involve reallocating existing health and environment budgets, applying grants for green infrastructure projects, and incentivizing sustainable urban development. Establishing public-private partnerships can also mobilize additional resources. Policy advocacy efforts should focus on incorporating climate adaptation measures into existing public health frameworks and securing legislative support for climate resilience initiatives.

The impact of climate change on the healthcare delivery system is profound. Increased health emergencies such as heat strokes, respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution, and vector-borne diseases strain hospitals and public health infrastructure. Health professionals must adapt by enhancing emergency preparedness, training nurses in climate-related health issues, and implementing community outreach programs. Telehealth services can mitigate access issues during extreme weather events, ensuring continuous care for vulnerable populations (Haines et al., 2019). Additionally, climate-friendly policies can reduce future healthcare costs by preventing avoidable illnesses associated with environmental hazards.

In conclusion, addressing climate change as a public health priority requires robust policy development and multisectoral collaboration. Developing targeted policies that protect vulnerable populations, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and promote sustainable urban planning are vital steps. By integrating environmental considerations into health policy frameworks, nurse leaders can influence change and contribute to a healthier, more resilient society.

References

  • Haines, A., Ebi, K., & McGregor, G. (2019). Climate change and health: Impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation. The Lancet, 394(10168), 592-602.
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Sixth Assessment Report. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report/
  • Watts, N., Amann, M., Ayeb-Karlsson, S., et al. (2018). The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: From 25 years of inaction to a global transformation for public health. The Lancet, 391(10120), 581-603.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Climate effects on health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects.htm
  • Smith, K. R., Woodward, A., Campbell-Lendrum, D., et al. (2014). Human health: Impacts, adaptation, and co-benefits. In: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. IPCC.
  • Romero-Lankao, P., & Dodman, D. (2016). Cities and climate change: A review of pathways and a research agenda on urban resilience. Urban Climate, 17, 101-113.
  • Friel, S., Malambo, P., de Araujo, A., et al. (2019). Urban health inequities and the role of urban planning. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 97(8), 590-595.
  • Barnett, J., & Adger, W. N. (2007). Climate change, human security, and violent conflict. Weather, 62(5), 239-244.
  • McMichael, A. J., & Woodward, A. (2017). Climate change and health: Impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation. Global Environmental Change, 43, 60-70.
  • Suarez-Balcazar, Y., Harper, M. S., & Lewis, R. (2015). An ecological perspective on health disparities and environmental equity: Implications for community health and social policy. American Journal of Community Psychology, 56(3-4), 320-333.

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