Preparation: Write A Two-Page Letter Exercise ✓ Solved

Preparation In this exercise, you will write a two-page letter

In this exercise, you will write a two-page letter to your state or federal representative about a current health care issue being discussed in the U.S. View Healthy People 2020 - Topic Areas at a Glance on the CDC website and select a topic from the list provided. Research where your representative stands on your chosen health care issue as well as where the medical profession (professional organizations, practicing medical professionals, patients, and other advocates) stands on the issue.

In your letter, please include the following:

  • Identify a health care issue that is currently being discussed at the state or national level.
  • Summarize your representative's position on your selected health care issue.
  • Explain why you agree or disagree with your representative’s position.
  • Include data and evidence to align your position from the CDC’s Healthy People 2020 - Topic Areas at a Glance and/or other government agencies.
  • Include a title and reference page; these two items should not be included in your total page count.
  • Use two sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate.
  • Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is: Determine if a representative’s position on a health care issue is aligned with personal and current People goals.

Paper For Above Instructions

Dear [Representative's Name],

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen regarding a pressing health care issue that has emerged in recent discussions at both state and national levels. The ongoing debate on healthcare access and affordability is critical, and it directly impacts the overall well-being of our community. As a health advocate and a member of society, I feel compelled to express my thoughts on this matter, particularly as it relates to the positions held by influential lawmakers, including yourself.

The topic I would like to address is the accessibility of mental health services, which is becoming increasingly significant as we see a rise in mental health disorders across the United States. According to the CDC’s Healthy People 2020 initiative, one of the primary goals is to improve mental health services and address the gaps in care faced by individuals seeking help (CDC, 2020). Your recent statements regarding this issue suggest a commitment to enhancing mental health services, yet there seems to be a disconnect between proposed policies and the actual needs of constituents.

Specifically, I have researched your position on initiatives to increase funding for mental health programs and expand access to care through insurance reforms. While your advocacy for the integration of mental health services into primary care is commendable, there are critical areas where I believe your approach could be improved. For instance, your support for maintaining current funding levels does not adequately address the escalating demand for mental health services revealed in multiple studies, including the one from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2021).

As I analyzed your stance, I found substantial evidence that converting mental health care into a systemic priority is not only beneficial for individuals but also economically advantageous for our society. The American Medical Association (AMA) reports that untreated mental illness leads to inefficiencies costing the government billions in lost productivity and increased healthcare spending (AMA, 2022). Therefore, I urge you to reconsider your position and advocate for stronger policies that prioritize mental health.

Moreover, I believe that the standards set forth by Healthy People 2020 can offer a guideline for developing effective strategies aimed at improving access to mental health care. Increasing the funding for community-based mental health programs and ensuring that insurance coverage adequately addresses mental health services must become policy priorities. This would demonstrate our collective commitment to addressing mental health care disparities which often disproportionately affect lower-income populations and marginalized communities.

While it is clear that some progress has been made, the current landscape of mental health care remains troubling. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, 2022) has reported that more than 50% of individuals with mental illness still do not receive the treatment they need. This reality starkly contrasts with the legislative progress that has been made, indicating a gap between intentions and outcomes.

It is essential that your office takes a measured approach to addressing these challenges by actively working with health care professionals, patients, and advocacy groups. I encourage you to host town halls or forums to listen directly to the concerns of your constituents and gather insights into their experiences with mental health care. Collaboratively addressing these issues can facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the true state of mental health care in our community.

In conclusion, I am grateful for your current efforts to improve mental health access but urge you to consider more comprehensive strategies that align with the goals of Healthy People 2020. Enhanced funding, effective policies, and genuine engagement with our community can create a robust framework for mental health support. I look forward to your continued efforts in advocating for all constituents and am hopeful that together, we can advance health care policies that truly benefit our community.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

References

  • American Medical Association (AMA). (2022). Mental health policy initiatives. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Healthy People 2020: Topic Areas. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2022). Mental health facts. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). Mental illness. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Mental health and substance use. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2021). Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • Pew Charitable Trusts. (2021). Improving access to mental health care. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • The Lancet Psychiatry. (2021). Mental health care systems: How do they compare? Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • American Psychological Association (APA). (2021). Therapeutic alliance in mental health treatment. Retrieved from [insert URL]
  • Harvard Medical School. (2022). Addressing mental health systems. Retrieved from [insert URL]

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