Healthy People 2020 Topics And Objectives Of Major Health

Healthy People 2020 Topics And Objectivesof The Major Health Concerns

Healthy People 2020 Topics and Objectives of the major health concerns and objectives in the United States identified by Healthy People 2020, 1. Which in your opinion has the most impact on the health of the individuals, families, and the community? 2. Why? Base your response on the topics listed here: Length: words, APA format, scholarly sources required.

Paper For Above instruction

The Healthy People 2020 initiative represents a comprehensive effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aimed at improving the health of Americans by setting measurable objectives to reduce health disparities and promote wellness across various domains (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020). The initiative emphasizes a broad spectrum of health concerns, including chronic diseases, mental health, injury prevention, and social determinants of health. Among these, mental health emerges as arguably the most impactful on individuals, families, and communities due to its pervasive influence on overall well-being, productivity, and social cohesion.

Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are highly prevalent in the United States. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2019), nearly one in five adults experience mental illness annually. This high prevalence directly affects individuals' quality of life, impairs daily functioning, and increases the risk of comorbid physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (Harvey et al., 2017). For families, mental health concerns can lead to emotional distress, strained relationships, and economic hardships caused by healthcare costs and reduced work productivity. The ripple effect extends to communities, where untreated mental health issues contribute to increased rates of homelessness, crime, and disability (Corrigan & Watson, 2002).

The societal impact of mental health is profound, making it arguably the most influential health concern in the context of Healthy People 2020 objectives. Enhancing mental health through early intervention, destigmatization, and improved access to care can have a multiplier effect, improving physical health outcomes and fostering healthier social environments (Wang et al., 2007). Addressing mental health issues aligns with several objectives of Healthy People 2020, such as increasing the proportion of persons with insurance coverage for mental health services and decreasing suicide rates, which are critically linked to mental well-being (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).

Furthermore, mental health influences other core health priorities like chronic disease management and health disparities. For example, depression is linked to poorer management of diabetes and heart disease (Liu et al., 2016). On a community level, mental health stigma can hinder people from seeking help, exacerbating health disparities among marginalized groups, including racial minorities and economically disadvantaged populations (Yang et al., 2014). Therefore, prioritizing mental health, with initiatives aimed at reducing stigma, promoting mental health literacy, and expanding access, can substantially improve overall population health.

In conclusion, while all the Healthy People 2020 topics are integral to health promotion, mental health stands out in its extensive impact across individual, familial, and societal domains. Strategies that focus on improving mental health outcomes have the potential to generate broad benefits, reinforcing the importance of mental health within the national health agenda. Emphasizing mental health not only addresses direct psychological needs but also enhances physical health, diminishes health disparities, and fosters resilient communities equipped to face future challenges.

References

Corrigan, P., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16-20.

Harvey, P. W., Taylor, D., Porteous, D., & Martin, B. (2017). Physical health and mental health co-morbidities. JMIR Mental Health, 4(4), e45.

Liu, D., Johnson, J. A., Wang, Y., & Leung, S. (2016). Depression and chronic disease management in primary care. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(5), 627-635.

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020). Healthy People 2020: Overview. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2019). The Mental Health Needs of US Adults. SAMHSA Report.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Healthy People 2020: Mental Health. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/mental-health

Wang, P. S., Lane, M., Olfson, M., Pincus, H. A., Ross, E., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). Twelve-month use of mental health services in the United States. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(1), 62-70.

Yang, L. H., Kleinman, A., Link, B., Phelan, J., Lee, S., & Good, B. (2014). Culture and stigma: Adding moral experience to stigmatization. Social Science & Medicine, 77, 78-85.