The Agenda Comparison Grid Template Found In Learning Resour
The Agenda Comparison Grid TemplateFound In The Learning Resource
Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the previous president, and their agendas related to the population health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following: Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected. Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue. Identify the allocation of resources that the presidents dedicated to this issue.
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following: Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OSHA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected and why is this agency the most helpful for the issue? How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there? An entrepreneur/champion/sponsor helps to move the issue forward. Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected and why would this person be a good entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor?
An example is Michael J. Fox is champion for Parkinson’s disease.
Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page fact sheet that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue. Be sure to address the following: Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation. Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.
Paper For Above instruction
The selected population health concern for this analysis is opioid addiction, a pressing issue in the United States characterized by widespread misuse of and dependence on opioids, leading to increased mortality rates, economic burden, and social consequences. The opioid epidemic has garnered considerable attention from policymakers due to its devastating impact on individuals and communities across the nation.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Under the administration of President Barack Obama, the approach to the opioid crisis shifted towards expanded access to treatment, increased funding for prevention programs, and a focus on public health strategies. The Obama administration allocated resources towards establishing Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), expanding Medicaid to cover addiction treatment, and promoting education campaigns aimed at reducing misuse.
In contrast, the Trump administration prioritized law enforcement alongside prevention efforts, with policies emphasizing cracking down on pill mills and illegal distribution networks. The Trump administration increased funding for opioid withdrawal management facilities and enacted measures to reduce overprescription. Notably, the Trump administration declared the opioid epidemic a national public health emergency, which facilitated the allocation of federal resources to combat the crisis.
Both administrations recognized the significance of addressing opioid misuse but differed in emphasis: the Obama administration leaned more towards public health initiatives, while the Trump administration focused heavily on enforcement and emergency response strategies. Resource allocation reflected these priorities: Obama’s focus was on prevention and treatment, while Trump’s was on law enforcement, treatment expansion, and emergency declarations.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would likely be the primary agency responsible for addressing the opioid epidemic due to its overarching role in public health initiatives and funding mechanisms. HHS encompasses agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), both critical in implementing prevention, treatment, and policy measures.
The opioid epidemic might gain national prominence through public health reports, media attention, and advocacy. The issue remains on the presidential agenda via ongoing federal funding priorities and the declaration of emergencies that elevate its importance. Champions such as health officials or bipartisan legislators advocating for funding and sustained policy efforts serve as sponsors to keep the issue at the forefront.
An ideal champion for the opioid crisis would be a prominent health advocate like Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, whose credibility in public health would lend weight to the issue. As a recognized leader in health promotion, Dr. Murthy can effectively mobilize public opinion and influence policymakers, making him a compelling champion to sustain focus and action on opioid addiction.
Fact Sheet: Addressing the Opioid Crisis
Importance of the Issue: Opioid addiction significantly impacts public health, with over 100,000 deaths annually related to opioid overdose (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). It affects individuals across demographics, causes economic strain estimated at over $78 billion annually, and devastates families and communities. Therefore, it must be prioritized legislatively to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies.
The Role of Nurses in Agenda Setting: Nurses serve as frontline providers, educators, and advocates. Their direct interaction with patients allows them to identify early signs of substance misuse, educate communities, and support policy initiatives. Nurses' involvement in policy advocacy can ensure that legislation reflects clinical realities and addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.
Engaging nurses in agenda setting enhances the development of evidence-based policies, mobilizes community support, and sustains momentum for long-term solutions. As trusted health advisors, nurses can influence policymakers through testimony, participation in advisory boards, and community outreach programs, thus shaping the legislative agenda around opioid addiction.
In conclusion, combating the opioid epidemic requires coordinated efforts across government agencies, sustained political will, and active engagement from healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, who are central to prevention, education, and policy advocacy. Strategic advocacy, led by effective champions and informed by frontline healthcare experiences, can drive legislative action to curb this public health crisis.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Drug Overdose Deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html
- Guedes, A., et al. (2020). The Role of the Department of Health and Human Services in Controlling the Opioid Epidemic. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(3), 324-338.
- Kolodny, A., et al. (2015). The Prescription Opioid and Heroin Crisis: A Public Health Approach. American Journal of Public Health, 105(8), e64–e71.
- Veach, C., & Campbell, C. (2019). Policy Strategies for Combating the Opioid Crisis. Health Policy and Planning, 35(5), 659-668.
- United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Strategic Plan for Combating the Opioid Crisis. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/strategic-plan/index.html
- New York State Department of Health. (2020). Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Role of Public Policy. https://health.ny.gov/press/releases/2020/2020-10-15_opioid.htm
- Szep, M., & Johnson, S. (2021). Federal Funding and Policy Mechanisms in the Opioid Crisis. Public Administration Review, 81(2), 253-262.
- Vanderklippe, N. (2019). The Role of Community-Based Initiatives in Combating Opioid Addiction. Community Medicine, 37(4), 221-229.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use Disorders. WHO Publications.
- Wheeler, E., et al. (2018). Impact of Government Policies on the Opioid Crisis. Health Affairs, 37(4), 620-628.