The Purpose Of This Assignment Is For Students To Create A
The Purpose Of This Assignment Is For Students To Create An Infographi
The purpose of this assignment is for students to create an infographic to educate the community on the impact of a public health issue and make recommendations for policy change. Research public health issues located on the American Public Health Association (APHA) website, found in the topic Resources under "Topics and Issues." Select 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. Based on the public health issue selected, create an infographic that briefly addresses the following: Describe the selected public health issue and its impact on the community. Include data that demonstrate the significance of this issue and key risk factors leading to this issue.
Discuss ways that the public health issue can be prevented, including key concepts of epidemiology. Explain a policy that currently addresses this issue and the impact of this policy on population outcomes including social justice and health equity. Propose at least one change to existing policies to better address this issue. Support recommendations with appropriate evidence. Summarize what steps are required to initiate policy change.
Identify necessary stakeholders required to initiate policy change (government officials, administrator, etc.) and explain their level of influence. Refer to the resource "Images, Infographics and Graphics Resources," located in the GCU Library, for additional guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style. Cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Paper For Above instruction
The intersection of environmental health and healthcare delivery in the United States presents critical challenges that threaten public well-being and health equity. Among these, air pollution stands out as a pressing public health issue, affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately, including children, the elderly, and disadvantaged communities. This paper seeks to explore the impact of air pollution—a significant environmental health issue—on community health, and to propose policy interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and promoting social justice.
Impact of Air Pollution on Community Health
Air pollution, characterized by elevated levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2022), communities residing near industrial zones or heavily trafficked roads experience higher incidences of asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and stroke. For example, low-income urban neighborhoods have been identified as hotspots for higher pollution levels, correlating with increased hospital admissions and premature mortality (Liu et al., 2020). The data underscore the urgency of addressing air quality as an environmental determinant of health, with children and elderly populations at particular risk due to their biological vulnerability (Guerra et al., 2019).
Prevention Strategies and Epidemiological Concepts
Preventing air pollution-related health issues involves a multi-faceted approach rooted in epidemiological principles. Surveillance systems, such as air quality monitoring networks, are integral for identifying exposure hotspots and temporal trends (Bell et al., 2019). Epidemiological measures such as incidence and prevalence help quantify the burden of disease attributable to pollution. Prevention strategies include implementing emissions reductions through stricter industrial regulations, promoting clean transportation options, and urban planning that incorporates green spaces to mitigate air contaminants (WHO, 2018). Community education campaigns and proactive health screenings further support early detection and intervention, particularly among high-risk populations.
Current Policies and Their Impact on Health Equity
The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970, amended multiple times, serves as a cornerstone policy regulating air emissions in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces standards aimed at reducing pollutants responsible for smog and particulate matter, thereby improving overall air quality (EPA, 2022). Studies indicate that areas with stringent enforcement of the CAA have experienced measurable improvements in air quality, leading to declines in respiratory hospitalizations and mortality rates (Krewski et al., 2020). However, disparities persist as marginalized communities continue to face higher exposure levels due to proximity to pollution sources, raising concerns about environmental justice and health equity (Benstat et al., 2019).
Policy Recommendations for Improvement
To better address environmental health disparities, there is a need to enhance policies that incorporate environmental justice principles. One proposed change involves developing localized emission reduction plans that prioritize vulnerable neighborhoods, coupled with increased funding for community-led air quality monitoring and intervention programs (Frumkin et al., 2021). Additionally, integrating health impact assessments into urban planning and industrial permitting processes can ensure that community health considerations are at the forefront of policy decisions. Strengthening enforcement of existing standards, along with expanding the scope of pollutants regulated, will be crucial steps toward equitable health outcomes.
Steps for Policy Change and Stakeholder Engagement
Initiating effective policy change requires a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders. Key players include government officials from local and federal agencies such as the EPA, urban planners, healthcare providers, community organizations, and affected residents. Advocacy groups and public health professionals play vital roles in raising awareness, providing evidence, and mobilizing support (Fisher et al., 2020). Effective influence strategies involve forming alliances, conducting community outreach, and leveraging media to highlight disparities. Policy change begins with stakeholder consensus, comprehensive data collection, and ongoing advocacy to translate evidence into enforceable regulations (Cohen et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Addressing air pollution as a public health issue within the U.S. healthcare framework necessitates comprehensive policy reform grounded in evidence, health equity, and community engagement. By strengthening existing regulations, implementing targeted interventions in vulnerable communities, and fostering collaborative stakeholder efforts, substantial progress can be made towards reducing health disparities and improving population health outcomes. The pathway to change requires persistent advocacy, strategic planning, and political will, underscoring the critical role of nurses and public health professionals as advocates for environmental health justice.
References
- Benstat, A., et al. (2019). Environmental justice and air pollution: Disparities in exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Health Perspectives, 127(1), 017001.
- Cohen, B., et al. (2019). Policy strategies for urban air quality management: Lessons learned. Journal of Public Health Policy, 40(2), 223-236.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). National air quality trends. https://www.epa.gov/air-trends
- Fisher, R. J., et al. (2020). Stakeholder engagement in environmental health policymaking. Policy Studies Journal, 48(4), 691-713.
- Frumkin, H., et al. (2021). Environmental justice and health equity: Policy and practice. American Journal of Public Health, 111(2), 198-206.
- Guerra, E., et al. (2019). Vulnerable populations and air pollution exposure: A systematic review. Environmental Research, 175, 105087.
- Krewski, D., et al. (2020). Review of the evidence linking air pollution and adverse health outcomes. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(9), 097002.
- Liu, X., et al. (2020). Socioeconomic disparities in environmental health: A focus on air pollution. Science of The Total Environment, 698, 134235.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Ambient air pollution: A global assessment. WHO Press.