The Assignment: 1- To 2-Page Comparison Grid, 1-Page Analysi

The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid, 1-Page Analysis, and 1-page Fact Sheet)

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 two previous presidential administrations and their agendas related to the public health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following: Select an issue related to healthcare that was addressed by each of the last three U.S. presidential administrations. Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected and the factors that contribute to it. Describe the administrative agenda focus related to the issue you selected.

Identify the allocations of financial and other resources that the current and two previous presidents dedicated to this issue. Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the 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 would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected? How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the agenda for the current and two previous presidents? How does it stay there?

Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue you selected for the current and two previous presidents?

Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page narrative 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 landscape of healthcare policy in the United States is shaped significantly by presidential administrations, each influencing the national agenda concerning critical health issues. Analyzing how these administrations prioritize, allocate resources, and sustain focus on particular health concerns offers valuable insights into policy evolution and pushes for systemic change. This paper compares the healthcare agendas related to a specific public health concern across the current and two previous presidential terms, highlighting agency responsibilities, the processes by which issues gain prominence, and the nurse's role as an advocate and policy influencer.

Introduction

Healthcare policies are primarily driven by political priorities, societal needs, resource availability, and advocacy efforts. Identifying a recurring health concern across different presidential administrations reveals patterns of attention, gaps, and opportunities for nurse leaders to influence policy agendas. For this comparative analysis, the selected health issue is the opioid epidemic, a pervasive public health challenge in the U.S. that has garnered escalating attention over recent administrations.

Population Health Concern and Contributing Factors

The opioid epidemic refers to the widespread misuse of, addiction to, and overdose deaths related to opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Contributing factors include over-prescription of pain medication, socioeconomic disparities, mental health issues, and inadequate addiction treatment access. The epidemic has resulted in substantial morbidity, mortality, and social economic costs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy action.

Presidential Agendas and Resource Allocation

Under the Obama administration, efforts focused on improving prescription drug monitoring programs, expanding treatment access, and increasing funding for research and prevention. The Trump administration emphasized law enforcement, border control, and expanding treatment through criminal justice pathways, with substantial investments dedicated to naloxone distribution and treatment facilities. The Biden administration has prioritized comprehensive strategies—combining prevention, treatment, and recovery—along with increased federal funding for community-based programs and data collection efforts. Resource allocations have reflected these policy focuses, with varying emphasis on public health versus law enforcement approaches.

Approach of Each Administration

Obama’s approach was characterized by a shift from punitive measures to public health solutions, promoting federal-state collaborations and evidence-based practices. The Trump administration leaned toward criminal justice, including stricter regulations on opioid manufacturers and expanded use of law enforcement tools. The Biden administration has moved toward integrating health and social service systems, emphasizing equity and community engagement, accompanied by substantial funding boosts for initiatives like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and harm reduction strategies.

Agency Responsibilities and Issue Agenda Formation

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is chiefly responsible for addressing the opioid crisis, coordinating prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. Issues traditionally gain agenda status through data-driven advocacy, media attention, and lobbying efforts by advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and affected communities. Political attention tends to wax and wane based on overdose rates, public awareness, and advocacy campaigns. The persistence of the opioid epidemic on policy agendas is maintained by ongoing data collection, public outcry, and the visible impact on communities.

Champions and Advocates

Historically, champions include public health officials, clinicians, patient advocacy groups, and policymakers committed to harm reduction. The role of nurse leaders is particularly significant; nurses serve as frontline advocates, educators, and policymakers, translating clinical experiences into effective advocacy. Nurse-driven initiatives have helped shape policies on prescribing practices, naloxone distribution, and community education programs, strengthening the case for their inclusion as champions in the policy process.

Conclusion

Understanding how healthcare issues like the opioid epidemic are prioritized and sustained on presidential agendas is vital for advancing policy change. Nurses, with their clinical expertise and advocacy skills, play a pivotal role in elevating health concerns onto political agendas and ensuring effective, evidence-based interventions are implemented. As the landscape continues to evolve, nurse leaders remain essential in shaping sustainable health policies that address urgent public health needs.

References

• Das, M. R., & Katz, N. (2021). Addressing the opioid crisis: Policy and practice implications. American Journal of Public Health, 111(2), 210–216.
• Florence, C. S., et al. (2018). The economic burden of prescription opioid overdose, abuse, and dependence in the United States. Medical Care, 54(10), 901–906.
• Jones, C. M., & McAninch, J. K. (2017). Emergency department prescribing of opioids to adolescents. JAMA Pediatrics, 171(11), 1128–1134.
• McLellan, A. T. (2017). The opioid epidemic: Overview and policy considerations. Health Affairs, 36(6), 969–974.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Understanding the opioid crisis. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/opioids
• Office of National Drug Control Policy. (2021). National drug control strategy. https://www.ncjrs.gov
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). Opioid epidemic: Response and progress. https://www.samhsa.gov
• Volkow, N. D., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). The role of science in addressing the opioid crisis. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(13), 1214–1216.
• Wakefield, S. E., et al. (2019). The role of nurses in policy formulation and advocacy. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 336–342.
• Zhou, C., et al. (2020). Strategies to address the opioid crisis: Policy implications and program initiatives. Public Health Reports, 135(Suppl 2), 123S–130S.