Student Named Part 1: Now Is Your Opportunity To Discover

Student Namedatepart 1now Is Your Opportunity To Discover A Public H

Describe in detail the organization you selected. Where is the organization located? Who do they serve? Describe the organization’s services. What are the primary services provided? How do they deliver services? What did you learn about the organization from their website?

How does the organization present itself to the community? What are their messages? What thoughts or emotions does their website invoke to you? In your research, do you believe this organization values diversity and inclusion? Provide 2-3 examples of how this organization show that they value diversity and inclusion.

What details can you find about who this organization employ? What are the demographics of the employees? What employment opportunities are available at this organization? Are the opportunities available to all? How might people of varying backgrounds and experience feel about applying to work for this organization?

Is the application and hiring process inclusive from your perspective? What strategies or initiatives has this organization put into place to increase diversity cultural awareness? Strategy #1 #1 Describe in detail the strategy, initiative, or program the organization has employed to increase diversity and cultural awareness. Who is the target audience? What has been the outcome?

What strategies or initiatives has this organization put into place to increase diversity cultural awareness? Strategy #2 #2 Describe in detail the strategy, initiative, or program the organization has employed to increase diversity and cultural awareness. Who is the target audience? What has been the outcome? What leaders/positions were (or do you think were) key in developing, implementing, and ensuring the success of each strategy? Provide position titles and names if possible. How does this position play a part in ensuring success of the strategy? Provide 3-5 leaders and how each plays a role. What resources is the organization allocating to this work? How is the organization supporting this work? Is there staff, money, or other resources allotted for this work? What does success look like? How does this organization measure success in this work? Assess this organization’s strategies to increase diversity and cultural awareness. In your own opinion, what did the organization do well? Describe in detail what you believe the organization is doing well to increase diversity and inclusion. Assess this organization’s strategies to increase diversity and cultural awareness. In your own opinion, what could the organization do better? Describe in detail what you believe the organization could do better to increase diversity and inclusion. Provide 1-2 additional strategies, initiatives, communication, etc. that you would suggest for improvement.

Part 2

We are living in an unprecedented time in our world with the novel coronavirus COVID-19 becoming a pandemic. There are many instances of how culture has impacted this crisis. Reflect upon this public health crisis and answer the following questions.

In this public health crisis, where do health and culture intersect? Provide 3-4 specific examples of how health and culture cross in this crisis.

Where has culture played a negative role in this crisis? Provide 1-2 specific examples of how culture has impacted this crisis negatively. How has this impacted the trajectory of the spread? Where has culture played a positive role in this crisis? Provide 1-2 specific examples of how culture has impacted this crisis positively. How has this impacted the trajectory of the spread?

There are countless viewpoints and responses to this crisis in the United States. How has culture here in America influenced this crisis? Provide 1-2 specific examples of how culture has impacted this crisis in the United States. How has this impacted the trajectory of the spread?

If you were a senior public health official on President Trump’s advisory team, what advice would you give to combat this crisis? Provide 2-3 specific ideas, strategies, or initiatives that you would recommend implementing. Be creative!

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen public health organization for this analysis is the National Medical Association (NMA), headquartered in Washington, D.C. This organization represents African American health professionals and works to promote health equity, increase diversity within the healthcare workforce, and address health disparities. The NMA primarily serves Black communities across the United States, providing professional development, advocacy, and community health services. Their mission emphasizes culturally competent care and the importance of diversity among healthcare providers. The organization’s website highlights their initiatives to improve healthcare access and advocate for health equity, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The NMA presents itself as a proactive advocate for marginalized populations, emphasizing messages of empowerment, representation, and health justice. Their website and communications evoke feelings of solidarity and urgency, inspiring professionals to address systemic inequities. The organization advocates for culturally tailored health interventions, which demonstrates their valuation of diversity and inclusion. For example, they highlight programs targeting underserved populations and leadership initiatives encouraging minority professionals to join and lead in healthcare settings.

Regarding employment, the NMA employs a diverse range of health professionals, reflective of the communities they serve. Their workforce demographic includes African Americans as well as other minority groups, aligned with their mission of promoting diversity. Employment or volunteer opportunities are generally accessible to qualified candidates regardless of background, promoting inclusivity. The application process emphasizes equity, with outreach efforts aimed at attracting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, thereby fostering a workplace reflective of diverse experiences.

The NMA has implemented several strategies to enhance cultural awareness. One key initiative is their "Health Equity Leadership Program," which targets healthcare professionals and community leaders. The program aims to develop culturally competent leaders who can influence policies and practices. Outcomes include increased awareness and implementation of culturally sensitive health interventions. Leadership titles such as Director of Diversity Programs and Chief Medical Officer have been instrumental in developing and executing these initiatives, ensuring their alignment with organizational goals. The organization allocates resources—funding, staff time, and community partnerships—to support ongoing diversity efforts. Success is measured by increased community engagement, policy influence, and member participation in diversity initiatives.

In assessing the NMA’s strategies, it is evident that they excel at community engagement and leadership development, fostering an inclusive environment. Their targeted training programs and advocacy efforts have significantly contributed to raising awareness. However, areas for improvement include expanding outreach to younger populations and integrating newer digital health tools to reach a broader audience. Additional strategies might involve developing virtual mentorship programs for minority youth interested in health careers, and enhancing social media campaigns to promote diversity initiatives more broadly.

The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly illustrated the intersection of health and culture. For instance, cultural stigma around illness and vaccination influences health behaviors in minority communities, affecting testing and vaccination rates. Language barriers and mistrust towards medical institutions have historically hindered effective health communication, impacting pandemic response efforts. Conversely, cultural humility and community-led interventions have promoted compliance with health measures, illustrating positive cultural influences. Religious and community leaders in Black communities have organized health education events and vaccination drives, which improved engagement and trust.

Unfortunately, negative cultural factors, such as misinformation and conspiracy theories, have fueled vaccine hesitancy. This has led to disparities in vaccination coverage, impacting the trajectory of virus spread. In the U.S., individualism and skepticism toward government mandates have also delayed public health actions, prolonging outbreaks. Conversely, cultural resilience and community solidarity have fostered mutual support and adherence to preventive practices, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, demonstrating positive cultural roles.

In the context of the U.S., cultural attitudes towards health, authority, and individual rights have shaped pandemic responses. Some communities have resisted public health directives due to historical distrust and cultural narratives emphasizing personal freedom. For example, opposition to mask mandates and vaccination campaigns has hindered containment efforts, exacerbating the spread. Conversely, grassroots community organizations have used culturally tailored messaging to promote health behaviors, enhancing outreach effectiveness.

As a senior public health official advising the President, I would recommend implementing culturally sensitive communication strategies that involve trusted community leaders, expanding access to testing and vaccination in underserved areas, and investing in mobile health units to reach marginalized populations. Additionally, fostering partnerships with faith-based organizations and minority media outlets can improve message dissemination. These initiatives would enhance community trust, increase uptake of preventive measures, and ultimately mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

References

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• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). COVID-19 and racial/ethnic disparities. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/race-ethnicity.html
• Gamble, V. N. (1997). Under the shadow of Tuskegee: African Americans and health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 87(11), 1773–1778.
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