Assignment:
Systems thinking approach to an ongoing public health problem in the USA. Which agencies (public and/or private) should be involved?
Prior to COVID-19 there was much discussion about the up-tick in the number of confirmed measles cases in the USA for 2019. Both of these situations uncovered gaps in private and public healthcare and broader national and international public health issues. More recntly, there was the threat of Monkey Pox. A similar type of virus that causes small-pox (orthropox-virus). There is a vaccine for orthrpox viruses.
Multi-disciplinary and systems approaches are needed to effectively protect the health of the public. Besides the CDC which agencies should be involved in addressing these outbreaks?
What are your perspectives on mandatory vaccinations for private and public health care and health service providers? What might be some lessons learned from these outbreaks that will help prevent or mitigate future infectious disease outbreaks? What are some changes in healthcare provision that you have seen become the new norms in public and private health care practice? Please comment on your thoughts about these changes.
Research, review, and discuss a public health policy or law of your interest and the impact it has on advancing health equity.
1. Introduction: There is often much political debate around public health laws, policies and other regulations. Begin by making a general statement about the case for creating public health laws and policies. In essence explain when and why these are necessary (or not necessary).
2. Public Health Laws and Policies:
a. Distinguish between the two (law vs policy)
b. What role do federal and state health agencies have in public health law?
c. Explain why it could be difficult to turn some policies/regulations into laws.
3. Health in all Policies:
a. What is the framework upon which this concept is built? (Think about social determinants of health)
b. Briefly discuss the value and any drawbacks, if any, for this idea of health in all policies.
c. Give an example of how can the principle of health in all policies be made evident in the construction of a new housing development i.e. building codes and requirements for healthy housing; sidewalks, greenways, play areas, etc. The example you give should be relevant to the particular policy you decide to research.
4. Identify the Public health law or policy you have chosen to research.
a. Discuss the development, benefits, drawbacks, and the impact on the health of the public and the advancement of health equity.
b. How does the law or policy impact private health care organizations?
(Some of the public health issues addressed through laws and policies are: building codes, vaccination, tobacco control, health information privacy, motor vehicle safety, food safety, reproductive health, health reform, environmental health, occupational health, preventive health, pollution, and others.)
5. Conclusion: Summarize and make a strong final statement.