| Complete your week 2 required discussion prompts: Prompt 1: Environmental factors significantly affect the opioid crisis in Anytown (please view the Week 2 Anytown Resident Video). What model would you use to create an environmental health program addressing the issue? What resources would you need to reach your goal? What community organizations would you need to support your efforts and why? What cultural factors should be included in this program to ensure its success? Prompt 2: Pathways to Safer Opioid Use scenario Link to access scenario: https://health.gov/hcq/trainings/pathways/index.html Complete the character role of the nurse Rhonda Clark. You can work through this character more than once, making different decisions to alter the outcome. Once you have completed this role, answer the following: What decisions did you make? Did you change any of your answers? Did anything surprise you? As a public health professional, how can you work with nurses on the opioid crisis?
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Prompt 3: In this class, you will apply your learning by building a relationship with a healthcare organization of your choice. You will choose an organization, meet someone who works there, and assist her or him with a public health-related project that is relevant to PH 560.
Review the full description of the Signature Assignment for this course.
- List three (3) different organizations you would like to do your project on. Why did you choose them?
- Review the organizations’ websites and try to make contact with someone at the organization. What projects are they currently working on that are related to public health, epidemiology, disease outbreaks, or healthcare-acquired infections?
- Respond to at least two (2) of your classmates’ or your instructor’s posts. Comment on the organizations they chose. Which organizations do you think are the best options and why?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The opioid crisis is a pressing public health issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address its impact on individuals, families, and communities. As medical college students, it is essential to develop a thorough understanding of the environmental and cultural factors that contribute to the crisis and learn practical strategies to address the issue. In this discussion, we will explore various models that can be used to create an environmental health program that addresses the opioid epidemic, reflect on the Pathways to Safer Opioid Use scenario, and discuss our signature assignment, where we will build a relationship with a healthcare organization and assist them with a public health-related project.
Answer:
Prompt 1:
The socio-ecological model is an appropriate model to create an environmental health program that addresses the opioid crisis in Anytown. This model recognizes that various factors contribute to health outcomes and that interventions should target multiple levels of influence. To create the program, we need to assess the community’s strengths and needs, identify key stakeholders, and develop an action plan. We will need resources such as funding, personnel, and technological support to reach our goals. Community organizations such as faith-based organizations, community centers, and schools can support our efforts by providing resources, spreading awareness, and offering follow-up services. Cultural factors that we need to consider include stigma, traditional healing practices, and language barriers. To ensure the program’s success, it is essential to involve community members in the planning and implementation process, evaluate the program’s impact, and adjust where necessary.
Prompt 2:
I made different decisions while completing the role of Rhonda Clark in the Pathways to Safer Opioid Use scenario, and I learned that small decisions can have significant impacts on the outcome. I was surprised to learn how easy it is for patients to become addicted to opioids and how challenging it can be to persuade them to participate in non-pharmacological interventions. As a public health professional, I can work with nurses on the opioid crisis by providing training on evidence-based practices, collaborating on projects, and advocating for policy changes that support harm reduction initiatives.
Prompt 3:
Three different organizations I would like to do my signature assignment project on are the American Cancer Society, Environmental Defense Fund, and Mental Health America. I chose these organizations because they all address crucial public health issues, have a national reach, and offer opportunities for direct involvement. While reviewing their websites, I discovered that the American Cancer Society is working on a project to increase cancer screening rates, the Environmental Defense Fund focuses on protecting public health from environmental toxins, and Mental Health America works to promote mental health and prevent mental illness. I plan to reach out to someone at these organizations to learn more about their projects and how I can assist.
In conclusion, addressing the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive approach that considers the environmental, cultural, and individual factors that contribute to the issue. By applying practical strategies learned in this course and working with healthcare organizations, we can make meaningful contributions to addressing this pressing public health challenge.
