Now That You Have Reviewed The General History Of Public Hea ✓ Solved

Now that you have reviewed the general history of public he

Now that you have reviewed the general history of public health and reviewed some of the organizations that have influence at the national, state, and local levels, what do you feel is the biggest health issue facing your community? Present an assessment, policy, and assurance scan for this health issue. In your post, explain what has been the historical progression of the health issue you have chosen (e.g., is it improving, worsening, reaching a plateau?). List approximately how many are affected. Describe the demographic information of those affected.Explain if there are any policies in place to address this health issue. Describe if the policies have been effective. Explain what policies you would implement to cause a positive change. Explain what assurances you would utilize to maintain the positive change from your proposed policy.

Paper For Above Instructions

Public health issues are ever-evolving, influenced by a range of factors including socio-economic status, education level, and access to healthcare services. Among these emerging challenges, one significant health issue facing many communities today is mental health. The historical progression of mental health awareness has seen a gradual shift from stigma and neglect to a growing recognition of its importance in overall health and well-being. In recent years, mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, have been on the rise, compounded by socio-economic factors and exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prevalence of mental health issues in the community is alarming, with studies indicating that approximately 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022). Furthermore, data suggests that between 13-20% of youth aged 13-18 experience a severe mental disorder at some point during their life (Merikangas et al., 2010). This demographic includes individuals from various backgrounds, but certain groups—such as minority populations—often face greater challenges due to systemic barriers, leading to disparities in access to care (Snowden, 2001).

The historical progression of mental health awareness has moved through several phases. Initially, individuals struggling with mental health issues were often isolated or institutionalized, reflecting societal stigma and misunderstanding. Over the last few decades, this perception has begun to shift. Research highlighting the biological and psychological underpinnings of mental health disorders has facilitated a broader understanding and acceptance of these issues. Public campaigns promoting awareness and education have also contributed to reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help (Hinshaw, 2005).

Despite the advancements in awareness and understanding, mental health issues are still worsening in many areas, showing an increasing prevalence among both adults and adolescents. The National Institute of Mental Health reported that the rate of diagnosed mental health conditions has escalated, with specific concern over rising rates of anxiety and depression among teenagers during the recent pandemic (NIMH, 2021). These trends raise critical questions about the effectiveness of current policies aimed at mitigating these issues.

Existing policies to address mental health often include legislative measures such as the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which mandates that mental health benefits should be equal to physical health benefits. While this law represents significant progress in mental health care, there remain gaps in access and efficacy. Many individuals, particularly underinsured or uninsured populations, still struggle to receive appropriate care due to financial constraints or lack of available resources. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation noted that nearly 60% of adults who attempted to get mental health care were unable to do so due to cost (KFF, 2021).

To facilitate positive change, a multi-faceted policy approach is essential. First, bolstering existing funding for mental health services is crucial. This funding should prioritize community-based mental health services, which have proven effective in increasing accessibility and reducing inpatient care requirements (Dixon et al., 2016). Additionally, expanding telehealth services can further lower barriers to entry for patients seeking care, especially in underserved areas.

Another effective policy could involve the integration of mental health education into primary and secondary school curriculums. Early education can help destigmatize mental health issues among youth while providing them with vital coping skills and knowledge about available resources. These educational initiatives must be culturally competent and informed by the demographics of the population served to be truly effective.

To ensure these policies bring about long-lasting change, assurances must be in place to monitor their implementation and efficacy. This can be achieved through the establishment of community coalitions that include mental health professionals, policymakers, and community representatives. These coalitions can regularly evaluate access to care, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction, ensuring that services continually adapt to meet community needs (Chamberlain et al., 2016).

In conclusion, mental health represents a significant health issue affecting many communities today, with rates of anxiety and depression continuing to rise. Through historical progression toward greater awareness and acceptance, there remains a substantial need for effective policy implementation and assurance mechanisms to facilitate meaningful change. By increasing funding for mental health services, expanding education, and ensuring community involvement in oversight, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective mental health care system.

References

• Chamberlain, J., Hetrick, S. E., & van Os, J. (2016). Improving access to mental health services for young people: What works? Journal of Public Mental Health, 15(1), 20-27.
• Dixon, L., Goldman, H. D., & McGrew, J. H. (2016). The effectiveness of community treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 67(10), 1095-1097.
• Hinshaw, S. P. (2005). The stigma of mental illness: Concepts, consequences, and initiatives to diminish stigma. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 255(5), 290-299.
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Mental health care: What’s the role of insurance? Retrieved from https://www.kff.org.
• Merikangas, K. R., He, J. P., Brody, D., et al. (2010). Prevalence and treatment of mental disorders among U.S. adolescents. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(1), 36-44.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2022). Mental health by the numbers. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov.
• Snowden, L. (2001). Barriers to effective mental health services for African Americans. Mental Health Services Research, 3(4), 206-213.