Provide A Brief Synopsis Of Your Social Problem And Identification O ✓ Solved
Provide a brief synopsis of your social problem and identification of a policy that you submitted in Week 3. Describe the social problem or policy you would like to change, and the specific action you plan to take to effect change. Be specific when describing the social problem or policy you would like to change and address the following: If you selected a policy, when was the policy enacted, by whom, and for what reason? How are you going to work to change the policy/problem (i.e., plan for social advocacy)? How will your efforts address the policy/social problem described? Is continued policy practice/advocacy needed to make a long-term impact? Why or why not?
Paper For Above Instructions
The social problem I am addressing is the lack of adequate mental health care access in underserved communities. This issue is significant as it affects the overall well-being of individuals living in these areas, often leading to untreated mental health conditions that can exacerbate other societal issues, such as homelessness, unemployment, and crime. The policy I aim to change is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), enacted in 2008, which requires that mental health and substance use disorder benefits be comparable to other medical benefits. Despite its intentions, disparities in access persist, especially in low-income communities.
The MHPAEA was established to address the historical inequity in insurance coverage for mental health services compared to physical health services. It aimed to ensure that individuals receive treatment for mental health issues without facing barriers such as higher costs or limited access to care. Nonetheless, many states have struggled to fully implement this policy, and loopholes remain that allow insurers to impose restrictive measures on mental health services, inhibiting access for those in need.
To work toward changing this policy, my plan for social advocacy includes forming a coalition of mental health professionals, affected individuals, and community organizations. This coalition will focus on raising awareness about the shortcomings of the MHPAEA and advocating for legislative amendments that close existing loopholes. We will conduct a series of community forums to educate the public about their rights under the current policy and gather testimonials from individuals who have faced barriers to care. This effort will help to mobilize the community and demonstrate the urgent need for policy change.
In addition, we will engage with lawmakers by organizing meetings to present our findings and community impact stories, emphasizing the necessity of stronger enforcement of the MHPAEA and potential enhancements to ensure equity in mental health access. Our advocacy strategy will encompass both grassroots efforts and formal lobbying to maximize our reach and effectiveness.
Continued policy practice and advocacy are crucial for making a long-term impact in this area. The scope of mental health issues is evolving, and as new challenges emerge—such as the increased prevalence of anxiety and depression exacerbated by recent global events—ongoing advocacy is essential to ensure legislation adapts to the current needs of our communities. Sustained efforts will not only help in reinforcing existing policies but also push for comprehensive reforms that address the systemic inequalities in mental health care.
Week Seven Resource List and Rationale
As part of my advocacy plan, I have identified crucial resources that will support our efforts to improve mental health care access in the state where I plan to work post-graduation.
1. Healthcare
a. Psychiatry
Resource A: Local Community Mental Health Center
Contact Information: [Insert resource name and contact information here]
Rationale: This center provides essential psychiatric services to low-income individuals and can serve as a key partner in our advocacy efforts. Their experience providing care to underserved populations will be invaluable when presenting case studies to lawmakers.
Resource B: Regional Psychiatric Association
Contact Information: [Insert resource name and contact information here]
Rationale: This association represents mental health practitioners and can lend credibility to our advocacy by providing expert testimonies and statistical data to support our claims about the need for policy changes.
b. Free Clinics
Resource A: Statewide Free Medical Clinic Network
Contact Information: [Insert resource name and contact information here]
Rationale: Partnering with this network will allow us to reach a broader audience that relies on free clinics for mental health services. Their involvement will provide insight into the challenges faced by the uninsured and help refine our advocacy efforts.
Resource B: Local Church-Based Health Initiatives
Contact Information: [Insert resource name and contact information here]
Rationale: Many congregations offer health services to their communities. Collaborating with church health ministries can help us access individuals who may not seek help otherwise and amplify our outreach and advocacy campaigns.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2008). Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
- Center for Mental Health Policy and Research. (2020). Mental Health Disparities.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Access to Mental Health Care: Barriers and Solutions.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Behavioral Health Equity.
- World Health Organization. (2021). Mental Health and Substance Use.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2019). Closing the Gap in Mental Health Care Access.
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing. (2020). Policy Recommendations.
- American Hospital Association. (2020). Ensuring Mental Health Parity: A Resource Guide.
- Council on Social Work Education. (2018). Social Work Advocacy and Policy Change.
- Health Affairs. (2021). Legislative Trends in Mental Health Policy.