Know Your Health Care Resources
Know Your Health Care Resourceshcs120 Version 51university Of Phoenix
Know Your Health Care Resources HCS/120 Version University of Phoenix Material Know Your Health Care Resources Complete the following chart with resources that support your health as well as the health of the community. Research two resources at the federal, state, and local community level. Resource title Resource Level (Federal, State, Local Community) Resource Website Describe the resource identified. Identify the contribution the resource makes to the health of the community. Federal Federal State State Local Community Local Community *Indicate the specific state and local community you have used to find resources. Cite at least 5 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar resources.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Access to comprehensive healthcare resources is vital for maintaining individual and community health. These resources—spanning federal, state, and local levels—offer essential services, information, and support systems that contribute significantly to public health outcomes. Understanding the scope and contribution of each level is crucial for effectively navigating healthcare options and advocating for community health improvements.
Federal Level Resources
At the federal level, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a primary entity responsible for protecting the health of Americans through various programs and initiatives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a division of HHS, provides vital statistics, disease prevention guidance, and health promotion programs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). For example, the CDC’s vaccination programs and health education campaigns serve to prevent disease outbreaks and promote healthy behaviors nationwide. These initiatives help reduce health disparities, control infectious diseases, and improve overall community health on a broad scale.
Another vital federal resource is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which conducts and funds medical research to advance healthcare treatments and disease understanding (National Institutes of Health, 2019). NIH’s research outcomes lead to evidence-based guidelines, innovative therapies, and improved health outcomes across populations, demonstrating the federal government’s role in enhancing health through scientific discovery.
State Level Resources
At the state level, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) exemplifies a crucial resource. The CDPH develops policies, conducts public health initiatives, and manages health data within California, the most populous state in the US. It provides resources for disease prevention, maternal and child health, and chronic disease management (California Department of Public Health, 2021). For instance, California’s statewide immunization registry ensures high vaccination coverage, contributing to herd immunity and reducing disease incidence.
The state health department also collaborates with local entities to implement health programs tailored to community needs, such as mental health support and substance abuse prevention. These targeted efforts address specific health challenges faced by California residents, demonstrating how state resources help reduce health disparities and promote wellness at the community level.
Local Community Resources
Locally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) provides a comprehensive array of health services tailored to residents of Los Angeles County. The department offers immunizations, health education, and screenings, along with targeted programs for underserved populations (Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 2022). For example, LACDPH operates clinics that provide free or low-cost health services, greatly improving access to care in diverse, often economically disadvantaged communities.
Additionally, LACDPH engages in community outreach to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent chronic diseases, and respond to emergencies like COVID-19. These local efforts are essential for addressing unique community health challenges, reducing barriers to care, and fostering healthier environments. By focusing on specific neighborhood needs, local resources directly contribute to reducing health disparities and improving overall community well-being.
Community and State Specifics
For this analysis, the specific community examined is Los Angeles, California. As a major urban center with diverse populations, Los Angeles faces unique health challenges that necessitate tailored interventions at all levels of government. The collaboration between federal, state, and local health agencies ensures comprehensive coverage and targeted efforts to meet community needs.
Conclusion
Federal, state, and local healthcare resources each play a pivotal role in supporting individual and community health. Federal agencies provide broad prevention and scientific research initiatives, while state agencies develop localized policies and programs. Local community organizations and departments deliver direct services, address neighborhood-specific issues, and promote health equity. Recognizing and utilizing these resources effectively enhances community resilience, health outcomes, and the collective well-being of populations.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). About CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/aboutcdc/overview.htm
National Institutes of Health. (2019). NIH Mission and Goals. https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/mission-goals
California Department of Public Health. (2021). About CDPH. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/About-CDPH.aspx
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2022). Public Health Services. https://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
World Health Organization. (2018). Health systems strengthening. https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-systems#tab=tab_1
Smith, J., & Lee, R. (2020). Impact of federal health initiatives on community health outcomes. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(2), 150-159.
Johnson, A. M., et al. (2021). State-level public health strategies for COVID-19 mitigation. American Journal of Public Health, 111(7), 1240-1248.
Martinez, P., & Williams, S. (2019). Local health departments' role in managing infectious disease outbreaks. Journal of Community Health, 44(4), 773-780.
Lee, K., & Hernandez, D. (2020). Addressing health disparities through localized health services..Health Services Research, 55(3), 377-386.
Note: All references listed are illustrative; for real submission, ensure they are accurate, current, and peer-reviewed.