Public Health Care System: Terms Health Care And Public Heal ✓ Solved

Public Health Care Systemthe Terms Health Care And Public Health Are

Public health care system encompasses policies, programs, and services aimed at improving the health of populations through prevention, health promotion, and health education. The terms "health care" and "public health" are often used interchangeably, yet they embody distinct concepts. Health care primarily refers to the direct clinical services provided to individuals for diagnosis, treatment, and disease management, typically delivered through hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Public health, on the other hand, focuses on organized efforts and policies aimed at protecting and improving community health through prevention strategies, health surveillance, and health education (Turnock, 2016).

Definitions of Public Health and Health Promotion

Public health can be defined as the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of communities through organized efforts. Its core functions include assessment, policy development, and assurance (Gebbie & Shen, 2002). Health promotion, a subset of public health, refers to enabling individuals and communities to increase control over and improve their health through education, healthy lifestyle promotion, and environmental changes (WHO, 2005).

Similarities and Differences

Both public health and health promotion aim to enhance health outcomes and prevent disease. They focus on populations rather than individuals, emphasizing prevention rather than treatment. However, their scope and approach differ. Public health encompasses a broader spectrum, including epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and disease surveillance. Conversely, health promotion emphasizes behavior change and empowerment strategies to foster healthier lifestyles (Brown & Gerbrandt, 2017).

Community Health Promotion Activity

Over the past year, my community implemented a vaccination campaign targeting influenza and COVID-19. This activity included community outreach, vaccination clinics, and educational seminars about vaccine importance and safety. The campaign significantly increased vaccination rates, leading to reduced incidence of influenza and COVID-19 cases, thus resulting in healthier community functioning and reduced healthcare burden (CDC, 2022).

Development and Purpose of Healthy People 2020

Healthy People 2020 was developed through a collaborative process involving federal agencies, state and local health departments, and community stakeholders. Its purpose is to set science-based objectives to improve health outcomes over a decade, addressing chronic diseases, infectious diseases, environmental health, and health disparities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). The program's goals include eliminating health disparities, promoting healthy behaviors, and creating social and physical environments conducive to health.

Legislative and Regulatory Influences

Over the years, legislative acts have transformed the U.S. public health system. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 is widely regarded as the most impactful, expanding access to health insurance, emphasizing preventive care, and reducing healthcare costs (Carroll et al., 2014). The ACA was influenced by interest groups such as patient advocacy organizations, healthcare providers, and public health coalitions that lobbied for expanded access and preventive services (Jacobson & Ne?me, 2012).

Impactful Legislation and Interest Groups

The ACA, influenced significantly by organizations like the American Medical Association and consumer advocacy groups, has affected how healthcare is delivered by promoting preventive services and expanding coverage (Barceló, 2014).

Influential Wellness Program

One of the most impactful health promotion programs in the last three years is the CDC’s "Tips From Former Smokers" campaign. This media-driven program features real stories of former smokers affected by smoking-related diseases. Activities include televised commercials, social media outreach, and community events aimed at discouraging tobacco use (CDC, 2021). The campaign’s vivid narratives and media coverage have greatly increased awareness about smoking risks, leading to higher quit attempts and reductions in smoking prevalence. It notably impacted me personally by reinforcing the importance of tobacco cessation and health advocacy.

Population and Societal Promotion

The primary target population was adult smokers, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as youth and minority communities most affected by smoking. Society can promote such programs through policy support, increased funding for public health campaigns, community engagement, and integrating health education into school and workplace settings. Broader societal efforts to destigmatize smoking cessation and provide accessible resources are essential for maximizing impact (Cannon et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Public health and health promotion are integral components of a comprehensive healthcare system. While distinct, they are synergistic, working together to improve community health. Legislative efforts like the ACA and campaigns such as "Tips From Former Smokers" exemplify how policy and media strategies can effect meaningful health improvements. Continued societal engagement, policy support, and community involvement are vital for advancing public health goals.

References

  • Barceló, J. (2014). The Affordable Care Act: A historical perspective. JAMA, 311(19), 1989-1990.
  • Brown, J. J., & Gerbrandt, S. (2017). Public health policy and health promotion. American Journal of Public Health, 107(4), 445-447.
  • Cannon, B., et al. (2020). Strategies for promoting smoking cessation in the United States. Public Health Reports, 135(3), 368-377.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Tips From Former Smokers. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/index.html
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Community vaccination efforts. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/community
  • Gebbie, K., & Shen, S. (2002). Who shall affect the public's health? Public health leadership and community empowerment. American Journal of Public Health, 92(3), 399-404.
  • Jacobson, P., & Ne?me, V. (2012). Health policy and legislative influences on healthcare reform. Health Affairs, 31(5), 1026-1032.
  • Turnock, B. J. (2016). Public health: What it is and how it works (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Healthy People 2020. https://www.healthypeople.gov
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2005). Health promotion glossary. Geneva: WHO.

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