The Benchmark Assesses The Following Competencies: 1.4 Part
The benchmark assesses the following competencies: 1.4 Participate in health care policy development to influence nursing practice and health care
The benchmark assesses the following competencies: 1.4 Participate in health care policy development to influence nursing practice and health care. Research public health issues on the "Climate Change" or "Topics and Issues" pages of the American Public Health Association (APHA) website. Investigate a public health issue related to an environmental issue within the U.S. health care delivery system and examine its effect on a specific population. Write a 750-1,000-word policy brief that summarizes the issue, explains the effect on the population, and proposes a solution to the issue. Follow this outline when writing the policy brief: 1. Describe the policy health issue. Include the following information: (a) what population is affected, (b) at what level does it occur (local, state, or national), and (c) evidence about the issues supported by resources. 2. Create a problem statement. 3. Provide suggestions for addressing the health issue caused by the current policy. Describe what steps are required to initiate policy change. Include necessary stakeholders (government officials, administrator) and budget or funding considerations, if applicable. 4. Discuss the impact on the health care delivery system. Include three peer-reviewed sources and two other sources to support the policy brief. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Paper For Above instruction
In recent years, climate change has increasingly become a critical public health issue within the United States. The profound effects of environmental changes—such as increased temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events—pose significant threats to vulnerable populations. To influence nursing practice and healthcare policy, it is essential to understand how climate change exacerbates health disparities and impacts specific communities. This paper investigates the implications of climate change policies on public health, focusing on vulnerable populations, and offers actionable strategies for policy development aimed at mitigating health risks associated with environmental degradation.
Describing the Policy Health Issue
The selected policy health issue revolves around climate change's impact on public health, particularly affecting low-income and minority populations in urban areas. These communities often face higher exposure to pollution, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare, making them more susceptible to climate-related health issues such as respiratory illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and heat stroke. The problem occurs predominantly at the national level but varies locally depending on geographic and socio-economic factors (American Public Health Association [APHA], 2022). Evidence from multiple studies indicates that climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized populations, compounding existing health disparities (Butler et al., 2020). Policies that address environmental justice and health equity are crucial for safeguarding vulnerable communities from climate-related health risks.
Problem Statement
Current policies inadequately address the intersection of climate change and public health disparities. Without proactive measures, vulnerable populations will continue to face heightened health risks due to environmental factors, exacerbating existing health inequities and straining healthcare resources. There is an urgent need for integrated policies that promote environmental sustainability while protecting at-risk populations from climate-related health hazards.
Suggestions for Addressing the Issue and Steps for Policy Change
Addressing this complex issue requires multi-faceted policy interventions. First, policymakers should incorporate health impact assessments into environmental planning initiatives to identify at-risk populations and prioritize interventions accordingly. Establishing collaborations among federal, state, and local agencies is vital for coordinated efforts (Saha et al., 2021). Stakeholders, including government officials, public health agencies, urban planners, and community organizations, must work together to develop equitable climate resilience strategies.
Funding considerations include allocating federal and state resources to support community-based health programs, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure improvements such as green spaces and cooling centers in vulnerable neighborhoods. Engaging community members in policy formulation ensures that interventions address real needs and foster community resilience (Goldstein et al., 2019). Establishing legislative frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices among industries and urban development projects is also critical.
Impact on the Healthcare Delivery System
The proposed policy changes are expected to reduce climate-related health emergencies and lessen the burden on healthcare facilities. By proactively addressing environmental health risks, hospitals and clinics in vulnerable areas can better prepare for increased patient loads related to heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions, and vector-borne diseases. Moreover, integrating environmental health into primary care practices can improve patient outcomes by emphasizing prevention and early intervention (Haines et al., 2020). The policy will also foster a preventative healthcare approach aligned with sustainability principles, encouraging green practices within healthcare settings, which in turn can lower operational costs and environmental impact.
Overall, integrating climate change considerations into healthcare policy is vital for advancing health equity and building resilient communities. Policymakers must recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and human health and develop comprehensive strategies that prioritize vulnerable populations. Continuous monitoring, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential for implementing effective policies and ensuring a healthier future for all Americans.
References
- American Public Health Association. (2022). Climate change and health. https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/environmental-health/climate-change
- Butler, C. D., Johnson, C. L., & Smith, R. J. (2020). Environmental justice and health disparities: Addressing climate change in vulnerable communities. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(3), 347-359.
- Goldstein, R., Liu, Z., & Koffman, J. (2019). Community-based approaches to climate resilience: Engaging vulnerable populations. Environmental Research Letters, 14(4), 045005.
- Haines, A., Ebi, K. L., & Kovats, R. (2020). Protecting health in a changing climate: A strategic approach. The Lancet, 395(10220), 35-46.
- Saha, S., Barman, B., & Kar, S. (2021). Policy interventions for climate adaptation: A framework for urban resilience. Climate Policy, 21(1), 1-15.