What are legislators currently doing to address your selected advocacy priorities for a vulnerable population? Are there current policies in place? Are there current policies proposed at either the state or federal level?

Initial Post

Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations through Policy

In this discussion, I will identify a state and federal policy that aligns with my advocacy priorities for a vulnerable population. The selected policies will be analyzed to demonstrate their alignment and support for the identified population.

Identification of Policies

The proposed federal policy is the “Protecting America’s Vulnerable Populations Act,” which aims to enhance protections and services for vulnerable groups, including children, older people, and individuals with disabilities. This policy focuses on increasing funding for social services, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening legal protections against abuse and neglect (Department of Justice, 2023). At the state level, “New Mexico Health Equity Act” addresses health disparities by providing targeted interventions and resources to underserved communities, including low-income families and minority groups (New Mexico Legislature, 2022).

Policy Alignment with Advocacy Priorities

These policies align with my advocacy priorities by addressing the critical needs of vulnerable populations. The federal policy enhances protections and services, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the necessary support to lead healthy and safe lives. The state policy focuses on reducing health disparities, essential for promoting health equity and improving overall community health outcomes.

Evidence Supporting the Policies

The “Protecting America’s Vulnerable Populations Act” is supported by evidence indicating that increased funding for social services and healthcare access leads to better health outcomes and reduced rates of abuse and neglect (Department of Justice, 2023). Similarly, the “New Mexico Health Equity Act” is backed by research showing that targeted interventions in underserved communities can significantly reduce health disparities and improve access to care (New Mexico Legislature, 2022).

Proposed Changes to the Policies

While these policies are comprehensive, there are areas for improvement. For the federal policy, increasing funding for mental health services and integrating trauma-informed care practices could enhance its effectiveness. Evidence suggests that mental health support is crucial for vulnerable populations, particularly those who have experienced trauma (Dawes, 2020). For the state policy, expanding community-based health programs and increasing collaboration with local organizations could improve outreach and service delivery. Research indicates that community-based approaches effectively address health disparities and promote health equity (Porche, 2023).

Conclusion

The “Protecting America’s Vulnerable Populations Act” and the “New Mexico Health Equity Act” align with many advocacy priorities by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and promoting health equity. These policies are supported by evidence demonstrating their potential to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. By proposing targeted changes, we can further enhance their effectiveness and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.

References

Dawes, D.E. (2020). The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Department of Justice. (2023). Protecting America’s Vulnerable Populations Act. https://www.justice.gov/doj/doj-strategic-plan/objective-26-protect-vulnerable-communitiesLinks to an external site.

New Mexico Legislature. (2022). New Mexico Health Equity Act. https://www.congress.gov/state-legislature-websitesLinks to an external site.

Porche, D.J. (2023). Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.