PUB 620 - Topic 1 DQ 1
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Grand Canyon University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
620
Subject
Health Science
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by dnachinab
Compare health education and health promotion and provide an example of each. How do health
promotion programs address health disparities and health equity? What impact have the Healthy
People initiative and the Affordable Care Act had on health promotion and health equity in public
health?
Health education and health promotion are both important approaches used in public health to improve
the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations. While they have similar goals,
there are slight differences in their approaches.
Health education refers to the process of providing individuals or communities with knowledge and
information on health topics, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health. It involves
the dissemination of information through various mediums such as educational campaigns, workshops,
and classes. An example of health education would be a community workshop that educates participants
on the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 2021).
On the other hand, health promotion is a broader concept that encompasses health education but goes
beyond just providing information. Health promotion involves creating supportive environments,
strengthening community actions, developing personal skills, and reorienting health services to
encourage and facilitate healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes. It focuses on empowering individuals
and communities to take control of their health and address the underlying social determinants that
influence health outcomes. An example of health promotion would be implementing policies to promote
physical activity in schools, workplaces, and communities, while also providing education and resources
to support healthy behaviors (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).
Addressing Health Disparities and Health Equity
Health promotion programs play a vital role in addressing health disparities and advocating for health
equity. Health disparities refer to differences in health outcomes or access to healthcare between
different populations, often due to social, economic, or environmental factors. Health equity, on the
other hand, is the concept of ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their optimal
health.
Health promotion programs address health disparities and health equity by focusing on the social
determinants of health, such as income, education, housing, and access to healthcare. They aim to
address these underlying factors and reduce health disparities by targeting populations with higher
health risks and less access to resources. These programs often involve collaboration with community
organizations, policymakers, and healthcare providers to advocate for policies and strategies that
promote health equity.
For example, a health promotion program targeting low-income communities may provide resources and
education on healthy eating and physical activity, while also advocating for changes in the local food
environment, such as increasing access to affordable fresh produce.
Impact of Healthy People Initiative and Affordable Care Act
The Healthy People initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sets
national objectives for improving population health over a ten-year span. It provides evidence-based
national health goals and objectives and serves as a roadmap for public health action. The Affordable
Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive healthcare reform law aimed at increasing access to affordable health
insurance and reducing disparities in healthcare coverage (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, 2020).
The Healthy People initiative and the Affordable Care Act have had significant impacts on health
promotion and health equity in public health. Both initiatives have prioritized the reduction of health
disparities and improving health equity as key objectives.
The Healthy People initiative has driven the development of programs and policies that address the
social determinants of health, promote health equity, and reduce disparities. It emphasizes the
importance of involving communities in decision-making and implementing evidence-based
interventions. Additionally, it encourages collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders to
address health disparities and achieve health equity (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
2020).
The Affordable Care Act has expanded access to healthcare for millions of individuals, including those
from marginalized populations. It has created new opportunities for health promotion and preventive
services, such as coverage for vaccinations, screenings, and counseling, with no cost-sharing
requirements. By reducing insurance costs and expanding Medicaid eligibility, the ACA has helped to
address disparities in access to healthcare and improve health equity (U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, n.d.).
Overall, the Healthy People initiative and the Affordable Care Act have had positive impacts on health
promotion and health equity in public health by providing guidance, resources, and policies that
promote equitable access to healthcare and address underlying determinants of health disparities.
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Healthy People 2020: About Healthy People.
Retrieved from
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/About-Healthy-People
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Health Promotion. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/healthpromotion/basics/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Health Education. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/cha/plan/overview/education/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Health Equity and Disparities. Retrieved from
https://www.hhs.gov/ash/ostp-health-equity-disparities/index.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Affordable Care Act. Retrieved from
https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help