Assignment Task: What: Reply to the Two Discussion Posts
Format: APA with In-text Citation and Reference List
References: Two Peer-Reviewed references minimum within last 5 years
#1- KirMo
Vulnerability can happen in any population living in urban or rural settings, and it is often compounded by race, class, and gender (Wanyo, 2025). One vulnerable population of interest would be Native Americans. With the assistance of government, there have been many breakthroughs for Native Americans and people with poverty issues. One crucial act that was initiated was the Affordable Care Act, a cornerstone of our healthcare system, which was started by Obama. This Act allowed for increased coverage with the intention to constrain healthcare costs and improve quality. It was part of a Medicaid expansion plan in which all applicants are accepted regardless of preexisting conditions. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was also important to vulnerable populations. This program is provided to children and pregnant women who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but don't make enough to pay for personal coverage. A benefit of this plan is applications to Medicaid coverage will show if they qualify for the CHIP program.
If people are interested in improving patient/personal outcomes there are multiple steps they can take. One important step is to focus on preventative care. This would include keeping immunizations updated, yearly checkups, and diet counseling. Providers can assist patients to help improve health outcomes as well, with good patient communication being a key factor.
This communication can build trust and encourages engagement in care, making patients feel valued and integral to the healthcare process. Supporting evidence-based care in practice can also ensure high quality care.
Two state policy intervention to reduce health disparities are the Ambassador Program and Gateway to Health Initiative. The Ambassador Program is a significant initiative that trains and empowers students to serve as public health leaders, addressing health disparities and positive behavior change through peer influence (2025). This program plays a crucial role in promoting public health by educating and empowering young leaders to address health disparities in their communities. The Gateway to Health Initiative is another important program dedicated to connecting North Dakotans with a wide range of resources and opportunities to enhance their overall well-being (2025). This initiative is designed to improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans by providing access to a variety of health resources and opportunities.
After interacting with the game provided in class, it just reminded me of how difficult it is to live without working and struggling to provide for a family. I personally live paycheck to paycheck and understand that there are choices that have to be made based on immediate need. I have had to go without food and other essential items so I can provide for my family. It is difficult to live in this world. Need Assignment Help?
#2- BaHa
It's one thing to read about social determinants of health, but it feels real when you must make the decisions, even in a simulation. You're constantly choosing between rent, food, and medical care. It made me realize how quickly health takes a backseat when basic needs aren't met. Many other factors, such as children, can further complicate even the most essential needs.
This week, I'm focusing on people experiencing homelessness. They face numerous barriers when it comes to healthcare. The Affordable Care Act has helped by expanding Medicaid and making insurance more accessible, but many people still fall through the cracks. Getting covered or keeping appointments can be tough without a steady address or phone number.
Mobile clinics and shelter-based care are helpful, but these programs are often underfunded or inconsistent (Henwood et al., 2023).
To improve outcomes, we need programs that connect healthcare and housing. Housing First is a strong model that provides people with a place to live first and supports them with healthcare and other essential services. It's been proven to improve housing stability and reduce emergency visits and hospital stays (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2023). On a policy level, expanding Medicaid in all states and increasing funding for supportive housing would significantly address these gaps.
Spent was a reminder that most health decisions aren't about willpower or knowledge. They're about what someone can afford to do in the moment. The system needs to make it easier for people to meet their basic needs before we can expect better health outcomes.