Assignment Description:

Population Health Advocacy

Human trafficking, extreme poverty, preventable diseases, the opioid crisis and the lack of adequate low-income housing are a few current societal concerns worthy of social change. Nurses and healthcare leaders are in a good position to shape and influence health care policy.

Think of a cause you believe in strongly. Access the website of your elected officials either at the local, state, or federal level using the following link: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/ or use the website of your choice. Explore some of the issues and committees your legislators are involved in and select at least one that interest you or align with your beliefs. You may also contact your legislator’s office and speak to his or her legislative assistant by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard operator at (202) 224-3121 for the Senate and (202) 225-3121 for the House. Legislator assistants are very knowledgeable about the legislator’s agenda and can provide a wealth of information.

This assignment will be at least 1500 words or more. This week reflect on advocacy, collaborative partnerships with other health care practitioners and stakeholders, and the policy making process and write a paper that addresses the following:

• Describe the policy issue, policy problem of interest or a particular bill that your legislator has introduced
• Elaborate on why the policy matters and what you can possibly do to strengthen the policy?
• Briefly define the role you would play as an advocate for the healthcare consumer and healthcare professionals.
• Explain how the policy impacts the public at large or a particular population.
• What stakeholders would you collaborate with to promote the cause?

M1 Assignment UMBO – 2, 3, 4
M1 Assignment PLG – 2, 4, 5
M1 Assignment CLO – 3, 5, 7

Start by reading and following these instructions:

1. Study the required chapter(s) of the textbook and any additional recommended resources. Some answers may require you to do additional research on the Internet or in other reference sources. Choose your sources carefully.
2. Consider the discussion and the any insights you gained from it.
3. Review the Assignment Rubric and the specifications below to ensure that your response aligns with all assignment expectations.
4. Create your Assignment submission and be sure to cite your sources, use APA style as required, check your spelling, and review the rubric.

The following specifications are required for this assignment:

• Length: 1500-2000 words; answers must thoroughly address the questions in a clear, concise manner
• Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimal word amount for this assignment.  Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
• References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of two (2) scholarly sources are required for this assignment.
• Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
• Filename: Name your saved file according to your first initial, last name, and the module number (for example, “RHall Module 1.docx”)