From Grassroots to Policy

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TASK :

 

Make a peer review or response to the essay below.

 

  • Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
  • Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA per post from within the last 5 years if needed according to APA 7th ed.

 

 

 

Vulnerable populations are groups of people in a community who live exposed and unprotected from adversity and experience social and financial difficulties. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention CDC (2022) considers six categories to identify groups that are at risk or susceptible populations: age, gender, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, English proficiency, and medical issues or disability. In addition, vulnerable populations include racial and ethnic minorities, those who do not speak English, children, the elderly, members of the LGBT community, people with mental diseases, and the homeless.

One of the most representative vulnerable populations is homeless. Homelessness is a severe problem that is not exclusive to the United States, as it is seen worldwide and is considered a public health challenge (Gardner & Emory, 2018). The United States Interagency Council on Homeless reports that by January of 2020, just California had about 161,548 people experiencing homelessness (2022). This vulnerable group regularly shares characteristics of other groups, such as drug and alcohol abuse, mental disease, prostitution or sex work, and a history of imprisonment, which, precisely, increases their risk of suffering a considerable amount of acute and chronic health-related problems (Luchenski et al., 2018).

An Advanced Nurse Practitioner should work in inclusion through research and developing a policy program, probably supporting and supported by local and state politicians, to prevent and reduce health inequities. Developing multiple interventions to improve physical and mental health, reduce substance abuse, provide shelter, employment, and legal support is essential. Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to lead, advocate, and promote strategies that inspire a healthcare system that is available for all and supports equality.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). National Environmental Public Health Tracking: Populations and Vulnerabilities. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/topics/PopulationsVulnerabilities.htm

Gardner, J., & Emory, J. (2018). Changing students’ perceptions of the homeless: A community service-learning experience. Nurse Education in Practice, 29, 133-136. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2018.01.001

Luchenski S, Maguire N, Aldridge RW, Hayward A, Story A, Perri P, Withers J, Clint S, Fitzpatrick S, Hewett N. What works in inclusion health: overview of effective interventions for marginalized and excluded populations. Lancet. 2018 Jan 20;391(10117):266-280. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31959-1. Epub 2017 Nov 12. PMID: 29137868.

United States Interagency Council on Homeless (USICH). (2022). California Homelessness Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.usich.gov/homelessness-statistics/ca/