Healthy People 2020: Understanding And Improving Health

Healthy People 2020: Understanding and Improving Health

Healthy People 2020 aims to improve the health of Americans by setting specific, measurable objectives that address major health concerns. The mission and goals of Healthy People 2020 are designed to promote health equity, increase quality of life, and eliminate health disparities. Given the significant health challenges facing communities today, such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and health disparities among vulnerable populations, these goals appear reasonable and well-aligned with current public health priorities. The emphasis on prevention, access to care, and social determinants aligns with the need to address root causes of health problems rather than solely treating conditions after they occur (Masic, 2018). The focus on social determinants, such as socioeconomic status, environment, and education, reflects an understanding that many health issues are interconnected and require comprehensive strategies to improve overall community well-being (Hardy et al., 2013).

Among the numerous topics addressed in Healthy People 2020, Hearing and Other Sensory or Communication Disorders constitute a critical area due to their profound impact on public health. These disorders can affect communication, development, academic achievement, social integration, and employment opportunities, especially among children and older adults. For instance, hearing impairments in children can delay speech and language development, leading to educational challenges and long-term social disadvantages (Brush et al., 2005). Moreover, untreated sensory disabilities can result in isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life among elders (Hearing and Other Sensory or Communication Disorders, n.d.). Public health initiatives targeting early detection, intervention, and support services are essential for mitigating these impacts. Klein et al. (2019) highlight that access to hearing services and proper management significantly influence children’s responsibility in maintaining their hearing aids, which in turn affects their health outcomes. This underscores the need for accessible services, education, and policy support to ensure effective management of sensory disorders.

When comparing Healthy People 2010 and Healthy People 2020, both focus on broad health improvement goals, including disease prevention and health promotion. The core similarities lie in emphasizing the importance of access to health services, health equity, and behavioral change to improve public health outcomes (Healthy People - Healthy People Homepage, 2020). Both initiatives recognize social determinants as fundamental drivers of health disparities and prioritize policies to address these issues. However, Healthy People 2020 expanded its focus beyond traditional health outcomes to include social determinants and environmental factors, reflecting a more holistic approach. It also incorporated new topics such as genomics and global health, emphasizing the evolving landscape of public health challenges (Healthy People - Healthy People Homepage, 2020). These differences demonstrate an increased emphasis on comprehensive strategies and the interconnectedness of health factors in the updated framework.

In my opinion, given the current health trends characterized by rising chronic diseases, health disparities, and barriers to healthcare access, “Access to Health Services” remains the most critical focus for Healthy People 2020. Without equitable access to quality healthcare, efforts to prevent disease, promote health, and manage chronic conditions are compromised. Barriers such as socioeconomic status, insurance coverage gaps, geographic location, and language barriers disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating health disparities (Hardy et al., 2013). Improving access ensures timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive care, which are essential for addressing public health challenges comprehensively. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of access, revealing how systemic inequities can lead to disparities in health outcomes and highlighting the urgency of prioritizing accessible and equitable health services for all populations (Masic, 2018).

Paper For Above instruction

Healthy People 2020 was launched as a comprehensive framework aimed at improving the health of Americans by setting clear, measurable goals across various health domains. The mission emphasizes reducing health disparities, promoting wellness, and enhancing health equity. Given the pressing health concerns such as increasing chronic disease prevalence, mental health issues, and social inequalities, the goals set forth by Healthy People 2020 are both timely and feasible. They reflect a strategic approach that recognizes the importance of social determinants, community engagement, and policy intervention to foster healthier populations (Masic, 2018). For example, initiatives targeting obesity, tobacco use, and infant mortality are aligned with the major health challenges encountered nationwide. These goals are vital because they push healthcare systems, policymakers, and communities toward prevention-focused strategies that could lead to sustainable health improvements (Hardy et al., 2013).

Among the many health issues addressed, Hearing and Other Sensory or Communication Disorders are particularly impactful within the context of public health. Sensory impairments can significantly hinder communication, learning, social participation, and employment, especially in children and the elderly. These disorders—such as hearing loss—may induce developmental delays, academic difficulties, and social isolation. Early detection and intervention are critical to mitigating these adverse outcomes. Research by Brush et al. (2005) emphasizes that policy interventions, such as screening programs and family education, are instrumental in addressing these challenges. Similarly, Klein et al. (2019) demonstrate that school-based services, including proper management of hearing aids, positively influence children’s responsibility for their health and improve compliance with treatment. Additionally, untreated sensory disabilities among older adults can accelerate social isolation and mental health decline, further emphasizing the importance of accessible health services and effective policy support.

When comparing Healthy People 2010 and Healthy People 2020, both frameworks prioritize similar focus areas such as access to quality healthcare, health education, and social determinants influencing health outcomes. The focus areas of Healthy People 2010 concentrated on disease prevention, health promotion, and reducing health disparities, laying the groundwork for subsequent initiatives (Healthy People - Healthy People Homepage, 2020). In contrast, Healthy People 2020 expanded these focus areas to include newer topics like genomics and global health, and placed a stronger emphasis on social determinants and environmental factors, reflecting a maturation of public health understanding. This evolution underscores a shift from disease-specific targets to a more holistic approach that looks at underlying societal influences on health (Healthy People - Healthy People Homepage, 2020).

In my opinion, access to health services is the most crucial topic for Healthy People 2020, particularly given the current health landscape marked by health inequities. Access to quality healthcare directly influences the ability to prevent, detect, and manage health conditions effectively. According to Hardy et al. (2013), addressing social determinants via policy and community-engaged research can significantly reduce disparities and improve health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic vividly exposed how systemic barriers undermine health equity, as vulnerable populations faced higher risks of infection and poorer health outcomes due to lack of access. Ensuring universal and equitable access remains paramount because it forms the foundation for all other health initiatives—preventive services, chronic disease management, and mental health support. Without it, other health interventions are unlikely to achieve their full potential, making access the most critical focus for future public health efforts.

References

• Brush, C. A., Kelly, M. M., Greene, D., Gaffney, M., Kattwinkel, J., & French, M. (2005). Meeting the challenge: Using policy to improve children’s health. American Journal of Public Health, 95(11), 1904. Retrieved from ProQuest.
• Hearing and Other Sensory or Communication Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved from [source URL].
• Klein, K. E., Spratford, M., Redfern, A., & Walker, E. A. (2019). Effects of grade and school services on children's responsibility for hearing aid care. American Journal of Audiology, 28(3). doi: [doi link]
• Hardy, L. J., Bohan, K. D., & Trotter, R. T. (2013). Synthesizing evidence-based strategies and community-engaged research: a model to address social determinants of health. Public Health Reports, 128(6_suppl3), 68-76.
• Masic, I. (2018). Public health aspects of global population health and well-being in the 21st century regarding determinants of health. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 9(1), 4.
• Healthy People - Healthy People Homepage. (2020, September 25). Retrieved from [URL]