Due On 22121 Sunday 7pm Est Apa Format Length Cover Letter To ✓ Solved
· Due on 2/21/21 Sunday @7pm EST · APA Format · Length: Cover letter to Congressman should be only 1 page (Part 1) · Length: Term Paper should be 4 – 5 pages (Part 2) · Submit through Turnitin and provide a report Instructions Part 1: Cover Letter The first part involves assuming the role of a lobbyist, attempting to convince a legislator to see the merits of your position on an American political issue at hand. The "issue at hand" can be any issue related to American government and politics, such as health care reform, immigration policy, gun control, abortion rights, among many, many others. This should take the form of a formal letter, addressing any government official that represents you (typically, students choose to address their respective member of the House of Representatives).
The letter portion of this assignment is to be one full page of content, single-spaced. In addition, it should be addressed to the member of the House of Representatives that represents your congressional district or to one of the two United States Senators that represents your home state. Please - do not address your letter to a member of your respective state government. I understand, as well as respect, the idea that you may not agree with those who represent you in the United States Congress. However, that is part of the challenge of this assignment; to attempt to convince whoever it is that represents you in Congress of your point of view.
Cover letter should: · Follow a standard business format · Correctly address your Congressperson · Use the correct postal address · Explain your choice to write to this representative in particular, and provide your pamphlet. For example, maybe your research showed that this representative sponsored legislation on this issue in the past. Part 2: Term Paper The second part involves you putting together a four to five-page term paper, double-spaced using 12-point font, which is to serve as a background guide on the issue. Put more simply, this paper is to be a background analysis of the issue you chose to advocate a position on; tell me the "who, what, where, when, why, and how" of the issue. Also, provide a brief history of the issue, as well as explain why the issue is so important.
Please make sure you are concise and thorough with this part of the assignment; this is where many students get tripped up. Some of you will end up writing more than four to five pages - that is OK! Remember, this is worth nearly two letter grades towards your overall final course grade. Term Paper should: · Define the problem. Tells us exactly what the problem is.
Detail its urgency and provide data. Be objective. · Analyze the problem. Provide relevant data. Tell us how to make sense of the data. Provide any findings · Offer a recommendation.
Do not generalize. Be specific. · Must be persuasive. · Cite FOUR scholarly sources and provide link to the FULL journal or article
Paper for above instructions
[Your Name][Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Congress Person's Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear Congressperson [Last Name],
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of [your Congressional district] and a committed advocate for [specific issue, e.g., mental health reform]. I believe that your influence and dedication to making a difference in our community can be pivotal in addressing this pressing issue that affects millions of Americans.
Mental health issues have been on the rise in the United States, with statistics indicating that one in five adults experiences mental illness each year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). This problem is exacerbated by social stigma, a shortage of accessible mental health services, and insufficient funding for crucial programs. It is documented that mental health conditions lead to a significant burden on our healthcare system and have economic implications, costing the United States approximately 3 billion annually in lost earnings (Greenberg et al., 2020).
I chose to reach out to you because of your demonstrated commitment to health care reform. Your previous advocacy for [specific legislation or initiative] aligns with the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services. I believe together we can create a definitive impact on mental health outcomes in our community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further illuminated the fragility of mental health services in our nation. Reports indicate that anxiety and depression rates have surged as people grapple with isolation, economic uncertainties, and health fears (Panchal et al., 2021). The National Alliance on Mental Illness (2021) has highlighted the need for increased funding in mental health initiatives, particularly those targeting underserved populations.
We need to take immediate action. Our communities cannot afford to wait, and the lives of countless individuals hang in the balance. I propose that we consider legislative measures aimed at increasing funding for mental health programs, including community-based support services and telehealth initiatives. Moreover, I advocate for policies focused on mental health awareness campaigns to combat stigma and encourage individuals to seek help.
By prioritizing mental health reform, we will not only help those in need but will also contribute to the overall well-being of our society. Effective mental health policy fosters a healthier community, reduces healthcare costs, and enhances productivity. I urge you to champion this cause in Congress and take a stand for mental health reform.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this matter further and hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for your dedication to our community and your willingness to engage on such a critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature – if sending by mail]
References
Greenberg, P. E., Fournier, A. A., Sisitsky, T., Simes, M., & Kessler, R. C. (2020). The Economic Burden of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder in the United States (2010 and 2018). Medical Care, 58(6), 577-585. https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000001358
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Mental Health by the Numbers. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml
Panchal, N., Kamal, R., Cox, C., & Garfield, R. (2021). The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
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Term Paper: The Crisis of Mental Health in America
Introduction: Defining the Problem
Mental health issues have become one of the most pressing challenges in American society, affecting millions of individuals across various demographics. Mental illness encompasses a range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior, often exacerbated by other civil and social issues (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Despite increased awareness, mental health is still widely stigmatized, which discourages many individuals from seeking the help they need. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2021), approximately 52.9 million Americans experienced a mental health disorder in 2020, accounting for more than 20% of adults.
This issue not only represents a personal crisis for affected individuals but also embodies larger social, economic, and public health conundrums. The urgency to act on mental health reform is now, as research has shown that untreated mental illness leads to significant economic costs, including increased healthcare expenditures, decreased productivity, and substantial social consequences (Greenberg et al., 2020).
Historical Context of Mental Health Issues
The narrative of mental health treatment in America has been historically tumultuous. Before the advent of modern psychiatric practices, individuals with mental health disorders were often marginalized and institutionalized in asylums that lacked proper care (Dain, 2000). It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that a shift occurred towards deinstitutionalization, fueled by the development of antipsychotic medication and a burgeoning recognition of patients’ rights. With this transition, however, community mental health services were never adequately established, leading many individuals to fall through the cracks (Beckman, 2015).
Further complicating this issue, stigma continues to persist in society, deterring individuals from seeking treatment. Research indicates that perceived stigma can lead to feelings of shame and hopelessness, further exacerbating mental health conditions (Corrigan & Watson, 2002). This historical context underlines the systematic failures in the American mental health system that continue to present us with a fragmented approach to treatment.
The Urgency of Mental Health Reform
The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the fragility of our mental health infrastructure. Studies reveal that anxiety and depression rates have skyrocketed during this period, presenting new challenges for individuals seeking help (Panchal et al., 2021). The lack of accessible resources has intensified disparities, particularly among marginalized communities that often lack the necessary support systems (Gonzalez et al., 2020).
The urgency to address mental health and addiction issues is reflected in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), which reported a 31% increase in emergency department visits for mental health crises among adolescents during the pandemic. This alarming trend is a direct call to action, highlighting the need for increased funding, resources, and legislative prioritization of mental health services.
Analyzing the Problem: Data and Findings
An analysis of mental health data indicates a troubling trend: despite increasing awareness, funding for mental health services remains grossly inadequate. According to the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (2021), state mental health funding fell short by billion in 2020, indicating that the mental health system is ill-equipped to address existing challenges.
Furthermore, rural areas and underserved populations face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. The American Psychological Association (2020) reports that rural residents are less likely to seek help due to both logistical barriers and social stigma. There is a compelling need to address these disparities to ensure equitable access for all citizens.
Recommendations for Legislative Action
To overcome these challenges, comprehensive reform is crucial. Legislative measures must focus on the following areas:
1. Increased Funding for Mental Health Services: Congressional support for initiatives like the Mental Health Access Improvement Act could provide essential funding for community-based services.
2. Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Care: By establishing a systemic approach where mental health services are accessible in primary care settings, we can begin to diminish the stigma associated with seeking help (WHO, 2019).
3. Awareness Campaigns: Funding public health campaigns aimed at educating communities about mental health can play a crucial role in dispelling stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help.
Conclusion
Mental health issues are a critical concern in American society, necessitating immediate and comprehensive interventions. The historical context of mental health struggles, coupled with the current pandemic-induced surge in mental health crises, illustrates the urgent need for reform. By prioritizing legislative action, we can forge a path towards a more equitable mental health system, ensuring that people are no longer suffering in silence.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
Beckman, T. (2015). Understanding the history of mental health care. New York, NY: Routledge.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Trends in Mental Health Care and Health Care Associated with Mental Health Conditions.
Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the stigma of mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16-20.
Dain, N. (2000). Shivaree: A History of Magic and Madness in the Asylums. University of Nebraska Press.
Gonzalez, A., et al. (2020). Disparities in Mental Health Care Access Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities. The Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 31(4), 1487-1500.
Greenberg, P. E., Fournier, A. A., Sisitsky, T., Simes, M., & Kessler, R. C. (2020). The Economic Burden of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder in the United States. Medical Care, 58(6), 577-585.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Mental Health by the Numbers.
National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. (2021). Mental Health Funding in the U.S.: 2020.
Panchal, N., Kamal, R., Cox, C., & Garfield, R. (2021). The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Kaiser Family Foundation.
World Health Organization. (2019). Integrating mental health into primary care: A global perspective.
(Note: Ensure your chosen issue, congressperson, and other specifics are accurate and reflect your actual situation; this sample provides a structural and content foundation.)