This Assignment Is The First Part Of A Three-Part Advocacy

This assignment is the first part of a three part advocacy action plan

This assignment is the first part of a three-part advocacy action planning assignment you will complete across the duration of this course. This series of assignments is a major part of your grade. In this first part, you will identify a public health issue and organization that you care about (PASSION) and an idea you have that would improve that issue, or further the organization's mission, vision and values (PURPOSE). Your advocacy action plan will consist of five steps. Assignment 3.2 requires that you complete the first step in action planning which is to identify the problem or need.

In order to do this, you will need to answer the following questions: What issue are you planning to advocate for? What organization do you plan to select to propose this action plan to? Why is there a need for change? What is wrong with the present service or process? What are the existing strengths and weaknesses? (You can apply the knowledge you gained in your SWOT analysis assignment here!) What are the potential gains, losses or risks of change?

Who will be affected? How much will your proposed change cost? What is likely to happen if no action is taken? A template is provided for you that takes you through each of the questions above in a step-by-step manner. It is critical that you review the University of Kansas Community Tool Box reading on action planning (Links to an external site.) prior to starting on this assignment.

If you have not reviewed that material, take a pause here and read. Then, you will be better prepared to complete the template below! In addition, I have provided you with previous presentations created by some of my emerging leaders in the Global Sports Mentoring Program. NOTE: These presentations are visual only as they were presented in an in-person setting. But, they should give you an idea of what a completed advocacy action plan looks like: Eyasu Hailu (2016, Ethiopia): Eyasu Action Plan_Edited by B.Garner for accessibility_01.02.20.pptm Siphamandla Gumbi (2017, South Africa): Siphamandla Gumbi Presentation_Edited by B.

Garner for Accessibility_01.02.20.pptx Actions Shams Alam (2018, India): SHAMS_ActionPlanPresentation_Edited by B.Garner for Accessibility_01.02.20.pptx Actions Assignment Instructions: 1. Download the template and save as a MSWord document only: KINE 4354 Assignment 3.2_ Advocacy Action Plan Part I_ Your Purpose, Your Passion Assignment Template-1_AP2_Accessible_BG_01.02.20.docx Actions 2. Complete the template. Be sure to read carefully and complete each required component. 3. Upon completion, save the document and upload to this assignment portal.

Paper For Above instruction

Advocacy Action Plan: Addressing Mental Health in Underserved Communities

Addressing mental health disparities in underserved communities is a critical public health issue. For this advocacy action plan, I have chosen to focus on mental health services within low-income urban populations, specifically advocating for increased access and culturally competent care. My chosen organization is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy.

The need for change is evident due to persistent disparities in mental health care access among low-income and minority populations. Current services are often inadequate, with barriers such as stigma, lack of transportation, language barriers, and insufficient culturally sensitive providers limiting effective treatment. These issues contribute to higher rates of untreated mental illness, hospitalization, and adverse health outcomes in these communities. The SWOT analysis reveals strengths such as existing community networks and organizational expertise, but weaknesses like limited funding and cultural mismatches in service provision exacerbate disparities. Opportunities include increased funding and policy changes, while threats involve economic instability and political inaction.

The potential gains of implementing this change are substantial: improved mental health outcomes, reduced hospitalization rates, enhanced quality of life, and increased community resilience. Conversely, the risks include financial costs, potential community resistance due to stigma, and the challenge of sustaining long-term funding. The stakeholders affected include community members, healthcare providers, local government, and advocacy groups. The estimated cost of expanding culturally competent mental health services in underserved areas is significant but justifiable when considering the societal cost savings of improved mental health.

If no action is taken, the disparity in mental health care will likely persist or worsen, leading to continued cycles of untreated illness, increased societal costs, and ongoing health inequities. The urgent need for intervention underscores the importance of strategic advocacy, policy change, and community engagement to address these systemic barriers and foster equitable mental health services for all.

References

• Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16-20.
• Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010). Perceived barriers and facilitators to mental health help-seeking in young people: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry, 10, 113.
• Muñoz, R. F., & Beardslee, W. R. (2008). Prevention of depression: The scope of the problem. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(3), S252-S253.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020). Mental health in underserved communities. NAMI Publications.
• Purtle, J., & Korrel, K. (2018). Mental health disparities in racial and ethnic minority communities. Psychiatric Services, 69(4), 370-372.
• Sentell, T., & Braun, K. L. (2012). Low health literacy, limited English proficiency, and health status in Asians, Latinos, and other racial/ethnic groups. Journal of Health Communication, 17(sup3), 82-99.
• Snowden, L. R. (2012). Health and mental health policies' role in better understanding and closing racial disparities in treatment access and quality. American Psychologist, 67(7), 524-531.
• Williams, D. R., Gonzalez, H. M., Neighbors, H., Nesse, R., Abelson, J. M., Sweetman, J., & Jackson, J. S. (2007). Prevalence and distribution of major depressive disorder in African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites: results from the National Survey of American Life. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(3), 305-315.
• Wang, P. S., Lane, M., Olfson, M., Pincus, H. A., Wells, K. B., & Kessler, R. C. (2005). Twelve-month use of mental health services in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 629-640.
• World Health Organization. (2014). The global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive response plan. WHO Publications.