Problem
One of the goals of the Healthy People 2020 initiative is prevention education. Education and community-based programs are vital in reaching populations to meet the objectives of the initiative. The goal of prevention education is to reshape the way we see healthy behaviors and empowering individuals to take charge of their healthcare. As a nation, we must also change the way in which view the healthcare system. Traditionally, the US System is largely physician-patient interactions. To reduce chronic disease across the nation, we must rethink our health care system. It is es¬sential to have a coordinated, strategic prevention approach that promotes healthy behaviors, expands early detection and diagnosis of disease, supports people of every age, and eliminates health disparities. Educational and community-based programs encourage and enhance health and wellness by educating communities on topics such as:
a) Chronic diseases
b) Injury and violence prevention
c) Mental illness/behavioral health
d) Unintended pregnancy
e) Oral health
f) Tobacco use
g) Substance abuse
h) Nutrition
i) Physical activity
j) Obesity prevention
Visit the Healthypeople.gov website and Healthy People in Action tab. Select an example from Stories from the Field and provide a summary of the article. Discuss how communities across the Nation are implementing Healthy People 2020. In addition, based on what you've learned during this course, what barrier or need is being addressed through the initiative you selected? How does the initiative help improve the lives of persons served?