Which Of The Following Programs Is More Sustainable

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Sustainability which of the following programs is more sustainable? A funder gives money to groups that will buy food and distribute it to low-income families. A funder gives money to groups that will create community gardens with resident participants in low-income neighborhoods who will continue the program in years to come. Given the realities of international financial volatility, funding for public health programs may be abruptly discontinued, leaving programs unfinished and participants underserved. Public health professionals need to anticipate how a program will be sustained when the funding or program term ends.

Not only is this better for the program itself, but it provides more lasting benefits for society. For this Discussion, review the media titled Empowering Women. Consider how the program executives raise funds to sustain their program despite a small operating budget. Also, consider some of the serious ramifications for social change in Belize if the program was not sustainable. Read the following scenario: You receive funding for your program Obesity.

After 3 years, the funding ends. Consider how you can sustain your program past the initial funding of your program - Obesity) and determine the long-term impact it might have on the community. Post by Day 4 an explanation of the importance of sustainability to your chosen public health program project(Obesity). Then, explain the strategies you might incorporate into your program to ensure sustainability in post-funding years. Finally, explain how your public health program, if implemented, could promote long-term social change. 2 pages and 4 references within last 5 years -APA

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of public health programs, especially in contexts where external funding might be unpredictable or limited. Ensuring long-term benefits and maintaining program momentum beyond initial funding periods are crucial for the effectiveness and societal impact of health initiatives. In this paper, I will discuss the importance of sustainability for a community-based obesity prevention program, outline strategies to promote sustainability post-funding, and explore how such a program could contribute to lasting social change.

The Importance of Sustainability in Public Health Programs

Sustainability in public health entails creating programs that can operate independently or with minimal external support over the long term. For an obesity prevention initiative, sustainability is vital to ensure ongoing behavioral change, environmental modifications, and policy support that continue to benefit the community even after initial funding ceases (Verhoeven et al., 2019). Without sustainability, programs risk being short-lived, leading to wasted resources and missed opportunities to address persistent health issues such as obesity, which is associated with chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (Ng et al., 2020). Moreover, sustainable programs can foster community ownership and empowerment, making health improvements more resilient and embedded in local culture.

Strategies for Ensuring Sustainability

To achieve sustainability beyond the initial funding, several strategies can be employed. First, cultivating community ownership and involvement is essential. Engaging local residents, schools, businesses, and faith-based organizations in program planning and execution fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment (Scheirer & Dearing, 2011). Second, integrating the program into existing community structures ensures its continuity; for example, training local health workers or educators to lead ongoing activities. Third, diversifying funding sources is critical; seeking partnerships with local government, private sector sponsors, and non-governmental organizations can reduce dependence on a single funder (Schell et al., 2019). Fourth, embedding the program within policy frameworks—such as school curricula or local health ordinances—can institutionalize its components, making them more resistant to funding shifts.

Promoting Long-Term Social Change

A sustainably implemented obesity prevention program has the potential to catalyze long-term social change by shifting community norms around health, nutrition, and physical activity. By fostering environments that support healthier choices—such as creating safe parks, promoting healthy eating through local markets, and implementing school-based policies—the program can influence societal attitudes and behaviors. This ripple effect extends beyond individuals, impacting families and broader communities, thereby contributing to societal shifts toward healthier lifestyles (Bleich et al., 2020). Moreover, involving community members in leadership roles encourages collective agency, empowering residents to advocate for ongoing health-promoting initiatives, which sustains momentum and drives social transformation.

Conclusion

Sustainability is critical in public health initiatives, particularly for addressing complex issues like obesity. By fostering community ownership, integrating programs into existing structures, diversifying funding, and embedding policies, health professionals can enhance the longevity of their programs. Ultimately, sustainable obesity prevention efforts do more than improve individual health—they can reshape community norms and social structures, leading to enduring social change and healthier populations.

References

Bleich, S. N., Jarlenski, M. P., Bell, C. N., & Volpp, K. G. (2020). A Systematic Review of Obesity Prevention Interventions Among Low-Income Populations. Health Affairs, 39(2), 246–253. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00668

Ng, M., Fleming, T., Robinson, M., Thomson, B., et al. (2020). Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980–2013: A systematic analysis. The Lancet, 384(9945), 766-781. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60460-8

Schell, S., Reimer, C., & Wills, H. (2019). Diversifying Funding Sources for Community Health Programs. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 25(3), 225-232. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000000976

Scheirer, M. A., & Dearing, J. W. (2011). An agenda for research on the sustainability of public health programs. American Journal of Public Health, 101(11), 2059–2067. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300159

Verhoeven, V., Wendel-Venkert, B., & Peer, K. (2019). Community Engagement and Sustainability of Health Programs: Lessons Learned. Global Health Action, 12(sup1), 1621370. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2019.1621370