Health disparities

Health disparities among United States residents are one of the top issues affecting the country today.  Healthy People 2020, launched on December 2, 2010, is an ambitious, yet achievable, 10-year agenda for improving the Nation’s health. Healthy People 2020 is an interactive site, organized into 39 topic areas with objectives, and others are evolving.  Many Healthy People 2020 topic areas have a section that highlights emerging issues.

Healthy People 2020 is the result of a multi year process that reflects input from a diverse group of individuals and organizations.  Healthy People 2020 is based on the accomplishments of 4 previous Healthy People initiatives: (1) 1979 Surgeon General’s Report, Healthy People: The Surgeon General’s Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; (2) Healthy People 1990: Promoting Health/Preventing Disease: Objectives for the Nation; (3) Healthy People 2000: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives; and (4) Healthy People 2010: Objectives for Improving Health.

If you had one opportunity to convince the President of the United States to address one of the Healthy People 2020 focus areas, what would you choose?  Research one of the Healthy People 2020 focus areas and concentrations listed below.  You will submit a written paper.  The paper must be at least 5 full pages long, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font, and 1-inch margins.  For more information regarding the paper, see the PowerPoint Presentation regarding the project.

You may select one of the listed Healthy People 2020 focus areas:

1) Cancer—Disparities among minorities;

2) Diabetes—Increase in diabetes among children;

 

3) Adolescent Health—Disparities in homicides, suicides, and violence;

 

4) Environmental Health—Increase modes of alternate transportation to improve air quality;

 

5) Family Planning—Increase the number of health providers who provide emergency contraception;

 

6) Food Safety—Reduce illnesses caused by foodborne pathogens;

 

7) Heart Disease—Disparities among minorities;

 

8) HIV—Disparities among minorities;

 

9) Immunizations—Vaccine safety;

 

10) Oral Health—Reduce the number of children with decaying primary (baby) teeth;

 

11) Stroke—Disparities among minorities;

 

12) Mental Health—Reduce the suicide rate;

 

13) Overweight and Obesity—Decrease number of overweight and obese children;

 

14) Substance Abuse—Reduce the gap in treatment for those with alcohol problems;

 

15) Tobacco Use—Decrease exposure to secondhand smoke;

 

16) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health—disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of civil and human rights;

 

17) Older Adults—Reduce hospitalizations, nursing home admissions, and low-quality care. They also may lose the ability to live independently at home; and

 

18) Dementias, Including Alzheimer’s Disease—Reduce the morbidity and costs associated with, and maintain or enhance the quality of life for, persons with dementia

 

See the Healthy People 2020 website for some resources that may help you in researching your topic.