Health Advocacy Campaign Essay

wellness advocacy Campaign Fighting genial Illnesses one Day at A Time Millions of Ameri female genital organs ar instilled by genial wellness illnesses. As a nurse I understand that mental health illnesses deal no respect of person. The subject Alliance on mental Illness reported that approximately 61.5 million Americans ar affected by mental illness in a habituated year, and almost 13.6 million individuals bear with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, belief, or bipolar disorder (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2013). http//www.nami.org/factsheets/mentalillness_factsheet.pdf. Further, data revealed that 20 percent of youth historic periods 13 to 18 long time old have experienced severe mental disorders within a precondition year, and about 13 percent of these populations are paediatrics patients that range between the ages of ages 8 to 15 years old.The unify States spends nearly $193.2 billion per year on mental health diseases (NAMI, 2013) proving t hat mental health illnesses are a major public health concern. Crises around the world have caused a greater deliver in the efforts to publicize strongness within communities. Public health priorities are more geared towards communities working together to combat the devastating tragedies that continue to affect many educates and communities within the United States. It has been estimated that by the year 2020 depression lead be the second largest killer, and many communities and schools have already begin to experience the dreadful repercussions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a health advocacy campaign that leave more readily identify mental health illnesses as well as explore true(a)istic methods to promote policies as well as improve community health outcomes. Population Health Issue and Population affectedDepression is a chronic medical condition that affects the way in which individuals feel, think, and behave. At around time in every individuals life sadness pull up stakes be experienced however, depression is far more serious. Depression is a lifelong disorder that requires ongoing medical treatment. Yearly, depression affects approximately 9.5 percent of the United States enceinte population, but the pediatric population has recently been identified as the fastest growing population diagnosed with clinical depression (Uplift Program, 2004). http//www.upliftprogram.com/depression_stats.htmlstatistics.Research has pitch that depression stems from trauma, stressful life situations, and environmental exposures. Even though genetics may be a factor, depression episodes are usually trigged by some instance of upsetting or traumatic event. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that approximately 11 percent of adolescents are diagnosed with a depressive disorder by age of 18 years old (National Institute of Mental Health, 2014), which seems quite appall because depression is non easily recognized in pediat ric populations. Although, if close vigilance is paid changes can be noted in general interaction with peers such as increased irritability, anger, aggression, social isolation, and low self-esteem.Most recently at that place have been an increasing number in school shootings. Although, all the shooters except one have committed suicide the assumed causes have been linked to some type of traumatic stressful situation such as bullying or exposure to afflicted violence. Research completed by psychiatrist Meena Vythilingam arrange that extreme stress and trauma has effects on portions of the brain leading to improper functioning of the bodys memory and control of emotions. ( cite denomination ) When mental illnesses are left untreated serious impairment in daily functioning occurs. Therefore, early applications and treatments in pediatric populations are essential. Nature Neuroscience 5, 1242 1247 (2002)promulgated online 15 October 2002 doi10.1038/nn958Smaller hippocampal volum e predicts pathologic vulnerability to psychological trauma Mark W. Gilbertson1, 2, Martha E. Shenton2, 3, 4, Aleksandra Ciszewski4, Kiyoto Kasai4, Natasha B. Lasko1, 2, 5, Scott P. Orr1, 2, 5& Roger K. Pitman2, 5 Advocacy Programs Researched in this AreaAdvocacy programs researched in mental health disorders entangled the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. The DBSA is an clashful plaque that offers a multitude of support groups for youth and adults byout the United States. The DBSA has octuple chapters and networks set within each state and are also tech savvy. Support services can be accessed through the web in real time therefore, participants can join meetings virtually and partake in the ongoing support and promotion of wellness and recovery. The major benefits of DBSA are to enhance wellness by attend toing individuals that suffer from depression look at the positivity that life can offer understanding that with treatment and recovery one can live a life of joy and happiness. Additionally, the program offers a 4 week course titled Living Successfully with a Mood Disorder that can be facilitated by advocates within communities as efforts to teach individuals how to live healthy, full, meaningful lives while living with a mental health disorder.Furthermore, if there is any soil an individual cannot attend their community facilitated session on Living successfully with a Mood Disorder the DBSA offers online courses as a way of reaching as many individuals as workable. To date the DBSA have developed a strategic plan which remolded their vision for wellness for individuals living with mood disorders as well as set innovative values that are established to support their direction of moving forward. http//www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homecitation The National Alliance on Mental Illness is another organization that advocates for community support and recovery of mental health disorders. NAMI has become known as one of the most popu lar organizations for supporting and advocating for mental illness throughout United States worldwide.The organization prides itself on its commitment to campaigning for access to services, treatment, and continuing research as they raise community cognizance for individuals in need. Because NAMI understands the damaging and devastating effects that mental illnesses can create within communities the organization works diligently to make sure lives are rescue daily. Furthermore, NAMI has also been a big influence politically. They have made national investment in lifesaving research and have rallied for the equality of mental health care. Additionally, the organization prides itself on successfully apportioning the stigmas of mental illnesses through social media and signature educational programs that can be viewed as symbols of help and hope for communities, families, and individuals. Promoting public awareness will always be their main objective as they passionately work to en sure imperious outcomes for all American youth and adults.Effective Attributes of the ProgramsTo date some(prenominal) programs are currently meeting todays societal needs, outreaching through social media, as well as having tangible advocate thatcan be contacted for support and help in times of need. There compassion and commitment to increasing and promoting community awareness have included outreach efforts worldwide. Moreover, NAMI has even promote extended their efforts to address the challenges of our ever-changing world through supporting virtual communities of help and hope to millions through social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and their very own website titled NAMI.org.Health Advocacy PlanAccording to the U.S. Surgeon General 11 percent of youth have been diagnosed with a mental health illness and more alarming statistics reveals that two-thirds of Americas youth who have a condition have not been identified nor have they received mental health se rvices (Cite http//www.mentalhealthamerica.net/legislative-priorities). My health advocacy plan focuses on the early identification, treatment, and recovery of mental health illnesses within pediatric populations proposing a policy addition to the Mental Health cognisance and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689). Currently the Act addresses the country mental health crises from an educational and public health standpoint. The educational standpoint focuses on promoting school-wide prevention through the development of positive behavioural supports and encouraging school-based mental health partnerships.The public health standpoint focuses on suicide prevention, helping babyren recover from traumatic events, mental health awareness for teachers and other individuals, and assessing barriers to integrating behavioural health and primary care ( cite). In addition to the current Act there needs to be an increase in efforts towards earlier identification of behavioral and emotional problems so that appropriate referrals for mental health can be assessed as early as possible facilitating ongoing follow up care and treatment for identified disorders. Efforts will include screening pediatric patients ages 3 to18 years for during well sister exams. Local Health Departments, Pediatric offices, and Family get by Practices should be required to utilize The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17) screening tool during well youngster exams. The PSC-17 screening tool which is recommended by the AAP will be completed by the parent or adult that the child lives with if the child is between ages 3 to 11 years old. Children between the ages of 12 to 18 years will complete to form by themselves with parental supervision.Itwill be explained to parents/adults and teenagers that the enactment of the Affordable Care Act have encouraged a greater focus on birth control device screenings therefore, the visit today will encompass a comprehensive take aim of care that includes screenings to identify any risk factors that children may be subjected too. Parents/adults and teens will further be provided with clear directions on how to complete the form to determine the childs risk for mental health problems in three different categories. The form will because be assessed and evaluated by the Physician/Practitioner or Registered Nurse based on the parents/adults or teens responses, determining the childs risk and further needs for military rating of care. If results are within normal limits the parents/adults and teen will be provided with positive reinforcements however, if the results are abnormal the Physician/Practitioner will provide positive reinforcements along with a referral if the parent/adult consents for further evaluation and ongoing care by a pediatric psychiatrist.Additionally, because we have a team of school nurses that work directly with children daily within the school systems this tool will further be utilized to recognize cognitive, emotional, an d behavioral problems so that a greater percentage of the pediatric populations are reached and screened. In efforts to address ongoing follow up care and treatment, collaboration has been established with a local outpatient mental health and rehab center that provides comprehensive services to children and adults. All positive results and referrals will be forwarded and communicated with a designated nurse at the outpatient center and contact will be made with families from the designated nurse within 1-2 business days. The two entities which are the Richland Public Health Department and Catalyst Life Services will maintain ongoing communication regarding the childs and families continuing progress, along with providing and directive needed resources as the needs arise.Objectives for the Policy ImplementedBy January 1, 2015 at the end of the childs well child visit parents or the adult that the child is living with will understand the significance and importance of early screening for pediatric depression and ongoing services if needed. By January 1, 2015 all children screening positive for depression will receive ongoing treatment and services that are evidence basedincorporating therapeutic knowledge that is individualized to each childs specific needs within 30 days from the initial well child visit.By January 2015, Yearly well child exams will be scheduled and kept by the parents with reminder calls and/or letters sent out in the mail 30 days before scheduled appointment, then again 1 week before scheduled appointment. By January 2015, Communication between RPH and Catalyst regarding status/progress updates will be documented in the childs EMR every other month documenting how the child and family are doing with treatment and follow up care. Data and Evidence to Substantiate Proposed Need http//jpepsy.oxfordjournals.org/ center/37/3/348.full citationIn a 2011 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology many physicians cited some(prenominal) b arriers as reasons for not assessing and screening pediatric patients for psychosocial concerns, with the biggest barrier being time constraints. The study also found that during a National survey 29-50% of parents reported that their childs pediatrician was not screening their child/children for mental health issues or concerns. So, the AAP has been diligent, formulating and designing a pediatric symptom checklist scoring tool that has a moderate to luxuriously sensitivity and specificity in efforts to address cited barriers for physician neglecting to screen pediatric populations during well child exams. The PSC-17 checklist and screening tool is a quick, easy, and effective way to identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral which facilitates the initiation of interventions as soon as possible for identified mental health problems.Another study published in the American Academy of pediatric medicine found that pediatricians and other primary care clinicians have only focused t heir attention on meeting the primary care needs of the child, forgoing evaluation of mental health disorders. The article further explored the values of the AAP policy statement which addresses the importance of up pediatric populations health services as well as community services. Researched data has revealed that mental health concerns not only exist within the child, but includes all aspects of the childs life such as family, school, community, and many other exposures they child may be vulnerable to. With the increasing number of school shootings communities aswell as primary care providers have shown an interested in advocating and enhancing mental services within communities as well as outreaching and forming partnerships with local mental health agencies, community health activists, child cautionary and juvenile justice, local health departments, and schools.Improving patients health outcomes by shifting the health care system towards quality over measuring is imperative. Section 2713 titled Coverage of Preventive Health Services requires all healthcare plans to cover preventive services, as well as pediatric preventive services and screenings recommended by the Health Resources and Services Administration. HRSA works in connection with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, whose main goal is improving access to health care by strengthening the health care workforce, building healthy communities, and achieving health equity (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2014). Therefore, HRSA provides grants to multiple organizations as efforts are implemented towards improving and expanding health care services for underserved communities throughout the United States.How Attributes of Effective Advocacy Programs Researched Can Be Applied to this Proposed CampaignAttributes of effective advocacy programs researched can be applied to the proposed campaign by networking and outreaching with organizations and individuals that share the same compassion and commitment towards increasing and promoting community awareness about mental health illnesses. Further attributes include creating partnerships that fosters marketing skills that capitalize on combining resources to increase greater support and power than on organization would have alone. The DBSA and NAMI also have multiple chapters and networks located within each state therefore, the utilization of trusted organization could also be utilized as conglomerates for regular contact, name recognition, and credibility in efforts to promote ongoing care and support of wellness and recovery through screening pediatric population.Legal ConsiderationsAll nurses should be familiar with the basic legal concepts of care for practice acts and laws. Nursing practice is governed by many lawstherefore, it is essential that nurses assume accountability for their professional nursing judgments and actions.Enactment of Policy through Modification of brisk Policy OR Creation of New LegislationPolicies to address the mental health crisis throughout America has become of great concern for todays youth. In April of 2013 the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689) was submitted to Congress to reauthorize and improve programs related to mental health and substance use disorders. Because of the identified risk from 2011 statistical data within my own community (13% of 6th -12th grade youth had seriously considered suicide and 6% of youth had attempted suicide. Further finds found that 265 of youth reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more which stopped them from doing regular activities and 41% of youth reported they would seek help for sadness and 14% did not know where to seek help) professional self-regulation needs to occur.According to Milstead, legislators may make adjustments to bills during several points of review so it is important that Advanced Practice Nurses monitor bills during this process so they can apply influences for positive outcomes ( Milsted, 75). Although, the bill addresses the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, early intervening services, and school-based mental health programs to improve academic actionment and reduce disciplinary actions (cite https//www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s689/text) however, further modifications should be considered to further improve this alive policy.Pediatric screenings for mental health disorders should be mandatory for all office and clinic based physicians/practitioners/providers that provide well child exams to children ages 3 to 18 years old. This will ensure that all pediatric populations are being reached and early identification of behavioral problems can be addressed as soon as possible as efforts to prevent, promote, and protect communities.How Existing Laws or Regulations could Impact My AdvocacyThe Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is one law that could positively impact my advocacy. The AC A requires coverage of preventive health services as well as all healthcare plans to cover preventive services such as pediatric preventive services and screenings, which are recommendedand supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Because the HRSA works in connection with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services efforts are focused on building healthier communities and achieving health equality.Therefore, the HRSA provides grants to organizations as efforts are implemented towards improving and expanding health care services for underserved communities throughout the United States and as a result, nurses are capable of outreaching and marketing to form relevant political relationships to assist in supporting and backing legislation. According to Milsted (p.49) nurses utilize persuasion to achieve desired goals because policy makers not know everything about nursing specialties therefore, nurses can utilize performance measures to showcase continuous mon itoring when reporting progress and ongoing efforts to improve organizational programs. Moreover, the main goal is to report to policy makers what has been contributed and how it has positively affected community health outcomes.