How to write a nursing essay on how to identify problems withing your community: Collaborate With a Public Health Official

How to write a nursing essay on how to identify problems withing your community: Collaborate With a Public Health Official

PH4001:Interaction Form

Local or State Health Department

Name:                                                                                                             Date:

Health Professional Name: Jessica G.

Health Professional Position: Director Multnomah County Public Health Department

Use the following topics to guide your discussion with a local or state public health official.

Topic 1: 

Priorities and problems: What are the priorities of the health department?

The top priority for the department is to prevent the continued increase of obesity by increasing access to health-related activities in the county. For example, the health department has plans to increase exercise opportunities across different cities.

Based on the increasing rate of obesity among the non-Hispanic Blacks, the health department aims at partnering with local advocacy groups to deliver services within this subgroup.

Topic 2: 

Interventions: What interventions has the health department implemented in the past 5 to 10 years?

The primary interventions by the health department have focused on increasing exercise among adults and other affected populations. For example, improved infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists is a program that has been running for years.

The secondary interventions have focused on healthy eating and improving the quality of meals in local restaurants. For example, the SmartMeals initiative implemented in Portland has seen the addition of nutrition information to menus.

The department has also ensured the establishment of school programs focusing on addressing the challenge of obesity. For example, 30 minutes of daily physical activity in after school program is available to elementary school students.

Topic 3: 

Social determinants of health: How has the health department addressed issues of social determinants of health?

The health director noted that approaches to addressing adult obesity should begin in schools. Schools health programs have the highest probability of addressing the social-ecological view of obesity. The health department has managed to increase access to healthy food across public schools. Food servers in these schools have been trained to prepare meals and incorporate a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as part of the lunch menu.

The other approach to address adult obesity is the use of educational programs and outreach activities. The use of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have also been adopted to increase awareness of obesity prevention in the community. Lastly, the establishment of the Multnomah Healthy retail Initiative has served to increase the availability of healthy meals and drinks across local stores. Working with the city officials has encouraged healthy mobile vending that addresses the issue of healthy eating.

Summary: 

From the interview, I have learned that the county health department’s target is to increase access to healthy-related activities in the region. The department has focused on healthy eating through improving access to groceries and nutritional plans for the people. Crucial to obesity prevention is the inclusion of school-health programs and physical activity avenues across schools in the county.

 

PH4001

Interaction Form

Health Worker

Name:                                                                                                             Date:

Health Professional Name: Bob Fowler

Health Professional Position: Public Health director, Portland City

Use the following topics to guide your discussion with a public health official.

Topic 1: 

Priorities and problems: What are the priorities of the health department?

Portland City’s public health department has focused on addressing the burden of chronic diseases like obesity in the city through various programs. The Portland Plan focuses on healthy weight as an indicator of healthy people in the city. The key priority is to increase access to grocery stores and healthy foods while promoting physical activity for city residents. The department strives to ensure people live in walkable neighborhoods with easy access to amenities and transit.

 Topic 2:

Interventions: What interventions has the health department implemented in the past 5 to 10 years?

One of the key interventions in the city for the past 10 years is the Communities putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative. The initiative has worked to make healthy living easier by promoting environmental changes at the local level. The program has managed to establish five produce stands in low-income communities allowing individuals into special supplemental nutrition programs for women, infants, and children. Another crucial intervention in collaboration with the county health department is the SmartMeals initiative that promotes healthy meals in local restaurants. Additionally, the city department has collaborated with the education department to incorporate physical fitness courses in elementary schools.

 Topic 3: 

Social determinants of health: How has the health department addressed issues of social determinants of health?

Fowler explained that the health department has established special programs to address obesity among low-income groups. An example is the produce stands that focus on women, infants, and children. To address the challenge of unhealthy eating, the department has increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables in the city including additional groceries to supply fresh products. Through the SNAP-Ed program in Maine, the city residents have received nutritional education services in settings that are accessible to many people.

Summary: 

From the interview, I have learned that the main focus of the city health department is to maintain a healthy weight as an indicator of a healthy population. The city collaborates with the county’s health department to increase access to healthy meals and physical activity programs. Currently, healthy eating and active living programs like SNAP-Ed are available to address the issue of obesity in the city.

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