Blog 3

Focusing on Vulnerable Populations 

                    

 

Introduction

According to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, health disparities are disadvantages experienced by vulnerable populations that affect health and well-being (Agurs-Collins et al., 2019). These negative health outcomes include higher incidence/prevalence of disease, earlier onset/faster progression, poorer daily function/quality of life, premature/excessive mortality, and greater global burden (Agurs-Collins et al., 2019). Marginalized populations are at a greater risk for experiencing health disparities. 

Marginalized Groups/Populations 

Specific Barriers in Disadvantaged Populations

*Mental Health: Barriers to behavioral health include lack of medical insurance, stigma, workforce shortage, and geographical location of mental health providers (Mongelli et al., 2020). 

*Racial-Ethnic Minority Groups: Barriers include decreased access to care, affordability, and education (Mongelli et al., 2020). Examples of racial-ethnic minority populations include, but are not limited to, African American, Hispanic, and Asian descents. 

*LGBTQ+: This is a marginalized community due to social stigma, prejudice, and discrimination (Mongelli et al., 2020). 

*Immigrants: May encounter experiences with racism, trauma, war, economic hardship, enforced relocation, and homelessness (Mongelli et al., 2020). 

*Homeless and Incarcerated: Untreated mental health disorders, substance abuse, childhood trauma, and poverty (Mongelli et al., 2020). 

Soft White Underbelly

Teenage Prostitute Interview-Mercedes 

Mercedes is a 17 year old African American female who experienced childhood trauma, substance abuse, and she did not complete high school. She is currently working as a prostitute. During her interview, she expressed her dreams and aspirations, but she has disadvantages that prevent her from achieving personal goals. She stated, "I just want to be stable." Her biggest fear is "dying in the game." 

Addressing Health Disparities in Marginalized Populations 

Health Equity In Healthy People 2030

According to Healthy People 2030, their mission is to: "Eliminate health disparities, achieve health equity, and attain health literacy to improve the health and well-being of all" (Healthy People, 2024).

Plan of Action and Interventions: Incorporate evidence-based programs, accessible data, national goals, policymakers, affordable healthcare, advanced research, and documentation of progress (Healthy People, 2024).

Improving Health Equity for Veterans 

 

United States Department of Veteran Affairs 

The Veterans Affairs (VA) was created and designed to provide high-quality medical care to veterans in the United States (O'Hanlon et al., 2016). The VA is the nation's largest integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive care to military veterans who are enrolled (O'Hanlon et al., 2016). The VA aims to address health disparities that veterans may experience. These include, but are not limited to, housing, medications, transportation, and food security. According to one article, the VA often performs better than or similarly to other healthcare systems in terms of safety and effectiveness (O'Hanlon et al., 2016). 

VA Benefits: healthcare, life insurance, disability, pension, records, housing assistance, education/training, careers/employment, benefits for family members, and burials/memorials.  

Conclusion 

"Do small things with great love" -Mother Teresa 

Thank you for reading my blog. I look forward to your comments! 

                                                          -Cassidy Cox 

References 

Agurs-Collins, T., Persky, S., Paskett, E. D., Barkin, S. L., Meissner, H. I., Nansel, T. R., Arteaga, S. S., Zhang, X., Das, R., & Farhat, T. (2019). Designing and assessing multilevel interventions to improve minority health and reduce health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S1). https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2018.304730 

Google Images 

Healthy People 2030 Framework. Healthy People 2030 Framework - Healthy People 2030. Retrieved October 2024, from https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/about/healthy-people-2030-framework

Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. Focus, 18(1), 16–24. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20190028 

O’Hanlon, C., Huang, C., Sloss, E., Anhang Price, R., Hussey, P., Farmer, C., & Gidengil, C. (2016). Comparing va and non-va quality of care: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 32(1), 105–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-016-3775-2 

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