Healthy People 2020 Website: 2020 LHI Topics ✓ Solved
On the Healthy People 2020 website, the 2020 LHI topic
On the Healthy People 2020 website, the 2020 LHI topic, Social Determinants, explains that a national indicator of health is measured by "Students who graduate with a regular diploma 4 years after starting 9th grade" (para. 11). According to the data, as a nation, are we improving or declining, and why is this important to our health as a country?
Paper For Above Instructions
The issue of high school graduation rates is a significant indicator of health within the United States, as identified by the Healthy People 2020 initiative. In the context of social determinants of health, education plays a fundamental role in shaping health outcomes across populations. According to the data, the national trend in graduation rates over the past several years indicates both challenges and progress. These rates reflect not only educational performance but also a wide array of socioeconomic factors influencing student success.
In recent years, there has been noticeable improvement in graduation rates across various demographics. For instance, the U.S. Department of Education reported that the graduation rate for public high school students increased to about 85% in 2020, up from 79% in 2010 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021). This upward trend suggests that more students are completing their education, which is crucial as higher educational attainment is associated with better health outcomes. Graduates tend to exhibit lower rates of chronic diseases, greater access to healthcare, and improved life expectancy (Potter & Perry, 2020).
However, despite these advancements, disparities still exist among different racial and ethnic groups, as well as among students from varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Students from lower-income families, those living in rural areas, and certain minority groups often face barriers that hinder their educational attainment, perpetuating cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes. The decline in graduation rates among these groups is concerning and may ultimately affect the overall health of the nation, as education is directly linked to economic stability and access to health resources (Jensen, 2020).
Moreover, the implications of educational attainment extend beyond individual prosperity. Communities with higher proportions of educated individuals generally experience lower crime rates, reduced reliance on social services, and improved public health metrics. Therefore, ensuring that all students can graduate high school is not merely an educational issue but a public health concern that warrants immediate attention and action from policymakers and educational institutions alike (Marmot & Allen, 2020).
In conclusion, while the national graduation rates have shown improvement, it is vital to address the disparities that continue to exist. Strengthening support systems for at-risk populations will enhance both educational outcomes and overall public health. Investing in education is investing in the health of future generations, making it a priority for a healthier nation.
References
- Jensen, W. (2020). Educational Disparities and Health Impacts. Journal of Public Health Education, 45(3), 254-260.
- National Center for Education Statistics. (2021). Trends in High School Dropout and Completion Rates in the United States: 2019. Retrieved from NCES Website
- Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2020). Fundamentals of Nursing (9th ed.). Elsevier.
- Marmot, M., & Allen, J. J. (2020). Social determinants of health equity. American Journal of Public Health, 110(S1), S7-S8.