1a) Epidemiological methods are used in a variety of public health areas, including infectious disease, chronic disease, genetics, behavioral, psychosocial, occupational, environmental, and social health. Epidemiological methods are used to assess, describe, analyze, and make comparisons of populations to inform evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies. Select one public health area and identify a health policy developed to address a specific health issue. Describe the health policy. What population and health issue does the policy target? Assess its effectiveness in reducing incidence, prevalence, morbidly, and mortality in a specific region.
1b)
Research often identifies health disparities and can then guide regulation and policy to reduce these disparities. Identify barriers to decreasing health disparities in a vulnerable population. Please describe one barrier. Since there are numerous barriers, please do not repeat one already provided unless presenting new information.
2a) Race is often used as a descriptor of disease burden in epidemiology and helps to determine where health disparities exist so that they may be addressed through public health programs and policy. However, it is important to differentiate between race as a descriptor and race as a risk factor. Increasing evidence points to structural and institutionalized racism and racial trauma as risk factors that contribute to socioeconomic, epigenetic, and transgenerational consequences that result in minority health disparities.
Consider the following statement: “Race is not a risk factor and should not be used in public health data collection.” Discuss the ethical and public health implications of this statement. When might collecting data on race perpetuate institutional racism leading to health disparities and when is it necessary to improve public health? What structural and institutional factors in society contribute to racial health disparities? What policies and system changes are required to dismantle institutionalized racism and reduce minority health disparities? Consider ethical issues related to respect for persons, beneficence, and justice as described in The Belmont Report.
2b)
Below is a devotion from In Touch Ministries (2021, para. 1-5) that resonated with me today and I hope it brings you comfort as you consider systemic racism in our country.
“To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul says that freedom is an opportunity to serve one another through love (Gal. 5:13). Jesus is our example of how to minister in this way: He emptied Himself and took the form of a human and a bond servant (Phil. 2:7). And “He loved [believers] to the end” (John 13:1), telling His disciples, “I am among you as the one who serves” (Luke 22:27). Jesus—who served throughout His earthly life and suffered on the cross—was the freest man who ever lived.
To love in a way that reflects the love of Christ requires submitting to His will and trusting Him to guide us. Or to put it another way, this kind of love means surrendering our entire life. But that doesn’t mean we lose freedom. In fact, the opposite is true: We’re liberated to do exactly what the Lord has called us to do—to love one another completely and without condition, just as He loves us.
Consider the following:
Reference
In Touch Ministries. (2021). Sunday Reflection: Serve One Another. https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions
0 comments