Public Health Project Choose any three current challenges in ✓ Solved
Public Health Project Choose any three current challenges in public health. The challenges can be local, global, or a combination of any of these. Create a brief one to two page report as an overview on the topics you choose. Include a reference page, and use . format for citations and references. PowerPoint: Create a 5 page PowerPoint with key talking points that you would use if you were presenting the topics to other health professionals. Include the following: The community public health issue you chose with a description of it Factors that contribute to the issue Available data Possible interventions that can be made by community health workers
Paper for above instructions
Introduction
Public health continues to evolve as societies face complex challenges that threaten the well-being of individuals and communities. Some of the most critical public health issues today are shaped by global interconnectedness, inequities, environmental pressures, and lifestyle-related risks. This 1500‑word report examines three major current public health challenges: (1) mental health disparities, (2) chronic disease burden focusing on diabetes, and (3) environmental health threats driven by air pollution. Each topic includes an overview, contributing factors, relevant data, and potential interventions that community health workers (CHWs) can implement. Because CHWs serve as crucial links between health systems and communities, understanding these issues is essential for developing effective, accessible, and culturally competent interventions.
Challenge 1: Mental Health Disparities
Description of the Issue
Mental health disparities continue to grow across populations due to economic instability, trauma, stigma, lack of access to care, and increased exposure to stressors. Anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders account for significant morbidity across all age groups, with the COVID‑19 pandemic contributing to heightened stress, isolation, and grief. Despite rising prevalence, disparities in access to mental health treatment remain significant, particularly among low-income, minority, and rural communities.
Factors That Contribute to the Issue
- Social determinants of health: housing instability, poverty, unemployment, community violence.
- Limited access to mental health providers: shortages in rural and underserved areas.
- Cultural stigma: many individuals avoid treatment due to fear of judgment or lack of awareness.
- Trauma exposure: ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) significantly increase lifetime risk for mental illness.
Available Data
According to the World Health Organization (2023), more than 1 in 8 people globally have a mental disorder. In the United States, the CDC (2024) estimates that 20% of adults experience mental illness annually, and suicide remains a leading cause of death for younger populations. Disparities persist: African American and Hispanic individuals are less likely to receive care despite similar or greater symptom severity.
Possible Interventions by CHWs
- Mental health education workshops that reduce stigma and increase mental health literacy.
- Screenings for depression, anxiety, and trauma using validated tools.
- Referral coordination to counseling, telehealth, and crisis hotlines.
- Facilitating support groups and resilience‑building programs.
- Partnering with schools, faith‑based organizations, and shelters to expand outreach.
Challenge 2: Chronic Disease – Diabetes Prevalence
Description of the Issue
Diabetes remains one of the most prevalent global health challenges. Type 2 diabetes is closely tied to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and obesity, but also strongly influenced by social determinants of health and structural inequities. Complications include heart disease, kidney failure, limb amputations, blindness, and reduced life expectancy. These burdens strain both individuals and healthcare systems.
Factors That Contribute to the Issue
- Limited access to healthy foods: food deserts in low‑income communities.
- Sedentary lifestyles: occupational and technological changes reducing physical activity.
- Genetic predisposition: higher risk in African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations.
- Healthcare inequities: limited insurance coverage and insufficient preventive screenings.
Available Data
The International Diabetes Federation (2023) reports that 537 million adults worldwide have diabetes, projected to rise to 643 million by 2030. In the United States, the CDC (2024) reports that 11.6% of the population has diagnosed diabetes, and 97 million adults have prediabetes. Rates are disproportionately higher in economically disadvantaged communities.
Possible Interventions by CHWs
- Conducting blood glucose screenings and metabolic risk assessments.
- Providing culturally tailored nutrition education and healthy cooking classes.
- Organizing walking groups, exercise challenges, and community activity programs.
- Assisting individuals with accessing medications, glucose monitors, and diabetes educators.
- Supporting behavior change through motivational interviewing and goal setting.
Challenge 3: Environmental Health – Air Pollution
Description of the Issue
Air pollution remains a major global environmental health threat, affecting both urban and rural populations. Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and chemical emissions increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Climate change contributes to worsening air quality by increasing wildfire smoke, prolonging heat waves, and intensifying ground‑level ozone formation.
Factors That Contribute to the Issue
- Industrial emissions: pollutants from factories, power plants, and refineries.
- Vehicle exhaust: major contributor to urban PM2.5 exposure.
- Climate change: extreme heat increases ozone formation.
- Environmental injustice: marginalized communities face disproportionately high exposure.
Available Data
The WHO (2023) reports that 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds safe pollution limits and that air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths annually. In the U.S., the American Lung Association (2024) reports that 120 million Americans live in counties with failing air quality grades.
Possible Interventions by CHWs
- Educating communities about pollution risks and preventive actions.
- Helping families improve indoor air quality using filters and smoke‑free practices.
- Advocating for clean energy, green spaces, and pollution‑reducing policies.
- Supporting individuals with asthma management plans and access to medications.
- Collaborating with local leaders to strengthen air‑quality monitoring systems.
Conclusion
Public health challenges such as mental health disparities, diabetes prevalence, and environmental health risks demand coordinated, community‑centered action. Community health workers play an essential role in bridging gaps between healthcare systems and underserved populations through education, advocacy, screening, and culturally competent support. As global and local challenges continue to evolve, CHWs remain vital agents in promoting health equity, preventing disease, and building stronger, more resilient communities.
References
- American Lung Association. (2024). State of the Air Report.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Mental Health Statistics.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). National Diabetes Statistics Report.
- International Diabetes Federation. (2023). Diabetes Atlas.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Mental Health Data Overview.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Mental health disparities report.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Global Mental Health Report.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Air Pollution and Health Fact Sheet.
- American Public Health Association. (2023). Environmental Justice Guidelines.
- U.S. Global Change Research Program. (2023). Climate and Health Assessment.