ADVOCACY AREA In the first two Discussions, you identified a ✓ Solved

In the first two Discussions, you identified a vulnerable or marginalized population for whom you can determine an issue that could be addressed through engaging in policy advocacy. Now it is time to present this advocacy area with evidence to support and defend your selection.

For this Assignment, you will explain and defend your selected advocacy issue. Using evidence and experience, you will determine the advocacy issue most important to your practice and organization. Why are you selecting this issue? Why is this an area of high need? How might this area be improved with policy? What can you do to advocate for this area of need?

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.

To prepare:

  • Review resources associated with vulnerable or marginalized populations to determine an advocacy issue.

  • Consider which advocacy issue you find most important, and why.

  • Consider how policy might help to mitigate this need.

The Assignment:

Select an issue you find most important, and then defend your position in a persuasive paper. Submit a 1-page persuasive argument defending why you selected the advocacy issue to move forward with as your priority in this course. Support—with evidence—why this advocacy issue is most important, and how it might be mitigated or eliminated through policy. Consider how this issue might set your policy agenda.

Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references.

Submit your Assignment.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the realm of health care, the population of homeless individuals represents a critical advocacy area that requires immediate attention and action. The issue of homelessness intertwines with numerous health disparities and signifies an area of high need in nursing practice. A multitude of factors, including inadequate access to health care, socioeconomic barriers, and systemic injustices, contribute to the plight of the homeless. This essay defends the urgent need for policy advocacy tailored to this vulnerable population, emphasizing the roles that nurses can play in enacting meaningful change.

Homeless individuals are significantly disadvantaged regarding health care access. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (2020), homeless people experience higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders than the general population. Yet, their access to health care services remains critically low. This gap highlights the need for targeted advocacy, particularly in advocating for policies that ensure homeless individuals receive adequate health services. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion have provided some support; however, many homeless individuals fall through the cracks of these systems (Bromley et al., 2020). Addressing the systemic barriers that prevent their access to healthcare is essential for alleviating their plight and promoting health equity.

Moreover, social determinants of health play a substantial role in the overall well-being of homeless populations. Factors such as poverty, lack of education, and social isolation contribute to their increased vulnerability. For instance, Rosenheck et al. (2019) found that stable housing significantly influences the recovery trajectory of individuals with mental health disorders. Advocating for policies that provide affordable housing, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment can foster hope and resilience in these individuals. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as economic disparity and lack of social support, we can create interventions that lead to sustainable improvements in outcomes.

Nursing professionals are uniquely positioned to advocate for homeless populations due to our holistic approach to care. Nurses often establish trusting relationships with their patients, which can facilitate open discussions about their challenges. By acknowledging the social factors contributing to homelessness, nurses can tailor their care strategies and advocate for solutions that address these underlying issues (Gonzalez et al., 2020). Furthermore, nurses can leverage their collective power by participating in interdisciplinary efforts to influence policy decisions that impact homeless communities.

Nursing advocacy can be instrumental in pushing for reforms that bolster access to healthcare for the homeless. For instance, advocacy initiatives that promote mobile health clinics have proven effective in bridging gaps in care (Anderson et al., 2020). Additionally, nurses can work alongside local organizations to influence city policies regarding affordable housing and mental health resources. By participating in community outreach programs, nurses can extend their support beyond the clinical environment and into the lives of those facing homelessness.

In conclusion, homelessness is an urgent advocacy area that demands the attention of nursing professionals. By selecting this issue, we aim to address the multiple barriers to health care access faced by homeless individuals, advocating for systemic changes that reflect their needs. Through policy advocacy and collaborative efforts, nurses can play a transformative role in improving the well-being of vulnerable populations. A concerted focus on the advocacy priorities of homelessness will not only enhance health equity but will also establish a foundation for broader societal change, ultimately fostering a healthier community for all.

References

  • Anderson, L. M., et al. (2020). Improving access to healthcare for homeless individuals through mobile clinics: A systematic review. Journal of Community Health, 45(4), 765-782.

  • Bromley, E., et al. (2020). Addressing health disparities among the homeless: The role of the Affordable Care Act. Health Affairs, 39(6), 938-946.

  • Gonzalez, D., et al. (2020). Nurse-led advocacy for homeless populations: Identifying social determinants of health. Nursing Outlook, 68(5), 639-648.

  • National Health Care for the Homeless Council. (2020). Health care for homeless people: A national survey. Retrieved from https://nhchc.org/

  • Rosenheck, R. A., et al. (2019). Housing stability and mental health outcomes among homeless individuals: A national study. American Journal of Public Health, 109(6), 831-836.

  • Williams, S. J., et al. (2021). Medicaid expansion and health outcomes among the homeless: A longitudinal study. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 46(3), 453-472.

  • Steiner, R. L., & Hauser, J. (2020). Addressing systemic inequities in healthcare: An analysis of homeless populations. Public Health Reports, 135(1), 123-131.

  • Fischer, J. M., et al. (2020). The impact of social determinants of health on homeless individuals' healthcare access. Journal of Health & Social Policy, 32(1), 89-105.

  • White, L. J., et al. (2021). Strategies for nursing advocacy on homelessness: Lessons from the field. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 53(7), 777-785.

  • Smith, R. & Green, T. (2020). Housing first policies: Improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. International Journal of Public Health, 65(2), 195-204.