Introduction A vertical public health program is a public health strategy where the majority of a health organization’s resources and expenses are concentrated to addressing one pressing health issue. Vertical public health programs generally foster the initiative to eradicate epidemic or pandemic disease. Understanding how a vertical programming is applied will allow public health practitioners to tailor health programs and initiatives to populations more efficiently and effectively. Advantages of vertical programming include harboring and dealing with singular goals as well as obtaining easily measurable progress towards the overall operation. Because of this, as well as the effective end result of vertical programing in achieving its goal, public health professionals can attain to its success as a program. However, vertical public health programs divert resources from other health institutions, therefore weakening the progress towards treating other medical problems. Therefore, this approach may have aspects of it that are appealing, yet it frequently neglects other issues and makes them seem less important, which should not be the case. In the case of a vertical program failing, as seen in the Hookworm Eradication Initiative, not only does the eradication of a disease not come to fruition, but treatment towards other ailments, for example, are hindered. Vertical programming draws resources and expertise away from primary care and the prevention of public health problems, contributing to the exacerbation of illnesses due to lack of sanitation, nutrition, and primary prevention, and is therefore inefficient. Vertical Programming and Primary Care One instance of vertical programming’s inefficiency is its diversion of resources an... ... middle of paper ... ...dressing only small part of a greater picture. Though not explicitly stated, a combination of vertical and horizontal programming should be the focus of future public health programs. That is, instead of focusing on only one disease, many health issues should be acknowledged and addressed but yet still given priority for resource allocation. Of course some public health issues are more important than others, but we, as future public health practitioners, cannot stop looking at smaller issues just because they are perceived as less important; all public health issues are important. When the health of communities suffers in any way, the future suffers, and we must be the ones to reduce as much suffering as possible. Works Cited Stein, A. Eric. “Sanitary Makeshifts” and the Perpetuation of Health Stratification in Indonesia. New York. Oxford University Press. 2009.
It is more feasible if the public health issue affects a community, rather than an individual. For the strategic plan to work, funding is
Frieden, T.R. (2010). A Framework for Public health action: The Health impact pyramid. American Journal of Public Health. 100 (4). 590-595. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.185652
... identified three major health issues that are global but has the potential to affect the United States health care system and how they influence health leaders.
State and local public health departments throughout the country have the responsibility for improving health in workplaces, schools, and communities through identifying top health problems within society and developing a plan to improve. Barriers the public health system has encountered over the years include: changes in the overall health system that support cost containment and improved health, and an increase in the number of individuals with insurance coverage for direct preventive services; reduction of qualified public health professional and funding at all levels of government; increasing focus on accountability, with higher expectations for demonstrating a return on investment in terms of cost and health improvement (Trust, 2013). In the near future, health departments ...
...e crucial change needed in health services delivery, with the aim of transforming the current deteriorated system into a true “health care” system. (ANA, 2010)
...es to fund these various programs to better help society. For example, cardiovascular disease does not have a cure but rather the complications that can occur from having this disease can be costly for the individual. Open heart surgeries for Coronary Artery Disease, which is one of the many complications induced by this disease can cost tens of thousands of dollars for the individual in order to survive and stay alive. “The reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors before the onset of disease offers an essential alternative to costly medical interventions targeting active disease” (Kenney, J. T., 2011). Even though these programs are costly, we need to be able to find a balance where the cost justifies the means. If it can help save patients money in the future, it is well worth the funds now to help the public through messages and dietary restrictions.
Improving health is in the best interest of everyone, including non health professionals. Health mangers need to be constantly looking for ways to improve access to health, the quality of the care, and cost containment.
Often in practice, we as nurses deal with a variety of diseases and treatments and often have to react to the illness that the patient presents with upon our interaction. While this is an essential piece of our practice, we also have a duty to our patients to be proactive in preventing specific health-related consequences based on their risk factors and to promote their health and well being. Health promotion as it relates to nursing is about us empowering our patients to increase their control over their lives and well beings and includes: focusing on their health not just illness, empowering our patients, recognizing that health involves many dimensions and is also effected by factors outside of their control (Whitehead et al. 2008)..
For example the state of Florida has a new initiative titled “Healthiest Weight”. This initiative works to tackle obesity which is what they call, “the number one public health threat to Florida’s future ("HealthiestWeight")”. Another example of state health initiative is Oklahoma’s “Shape Your Future” program. This program tackles three different aspects; “eating better, moving more, and living tobacco free ("Shape Your Future")”. Through different community activities, contest, and media advertisements these programs are hoping to help improve the health of citizens throughout their respective states. The main objective that these programs are missing is preventing health issues before they become issues. This is why it’s crucial to begin initiatives at the most basic level and educate children through better physical education
Modern society is dealing with a health crisis that has been on the rise for years. Ongoing
...on, race, and political belief, economic or social condition. Improving the poor health of disadvantaged individuals and reducing health gaps is important but not enough to level up health through socioeconomic groups. The objective of tackling health inequalities can be changed to local needs and priorities of a community allowing wide-ranging partnerships of support to be organised. However it needs to be made clear that what can be done to help improve the life chances and health prospects of individuals living in poverty may not come close to bringing their health prospects closer to the average of the rest of the population or prevent the gap living on throughout the generations. Being clear about what is trying to be overcome and achieved needs upmost importance in the development and delivery of policies that will promote health equality across the population.
Minneapolis, MN, Thursday, February 27th… Today, Target announces a health and wellness program that provides health programs and products for their customers, that are in a health related section for all the stores.
The following definition for elimination of disease was presented to the conference: “reduction to zero of the incidence of a specified disease in a defined geographical area as a result of deliberate efforts; continued intervention measures are required”(Dowdle 1998:24). The above definition of elimination indicates that geographical areas need to be defined and that intervention measures are ongoing. The polio eradication initiative and the leprosy elimination program are two examples of disease elimination programs in progress. This is the next stage from control where disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality are reduced to an acceptable level (ibid).
The five principles of HP include building healthy public policy, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills, and reorienting health services (McMurray & Clendon 2015). The first principle aims to incorporate health into all public policy decisions beyond the health system so that living and working conditions become conducive to health and equity (Germov, Freij & Richmond 2015). According to McMurray & Clendon (2015), multi-sectoral collaboration is required among different sectors, such as education, industry and social welfare, with the reciprocally influential policies that guide the community health. The second principle emphasises the socio-ecological approach to health that promotes sustainable environment and broader social support systems that encourage a safe and satisfying life (Germov, Freij & Richmond 2015; McMurray & Clendon 2015). This principle requires to acknowledge the significance of conserving the physical or social resources that allow people to maintain health (McMurray & Clendon 2015). The third principle focuses on information and learning opportunities that enable communities to make knowledgeable choices for better health (McMurray & Clendon
Frieden establishes the fundamentals of success. These components that are innovation, communication, technical package, management, and political commitment create a web for Public Health. By utilizing this over everyday lives. These programs can target anything from micro issue to epidemics. This educational tool focuses on building a system that challenges normative ideas and helps identify new strategies. This ultimately relates in a creating an ecosystem of new ground rules that every Public Health official should use. Dr. Frieden did a great job on explaining what is next in educating and