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Community Strategic Plan

Research and prepare a community-level strategic plan that addresses a key public health issue.
Potential topics may include:
• Preventing falls in the elderly
• Reducing population salt intake
• Reducing tobacco use among adults
Include the following in your paper:
• Introduction:
o Provide an overview of the community health issue as described in Part A ( Part A- paper attached with this instructions for your references) with identified causes and influences, including knowledge gaps.
o Detail the prevalence of the issue inside and outside the United States.
o Describe potential monetary costs associated with the issue in the United States.
o You must include data as part of your introduction (images, charts, graphs, etc., may be included as well as written data).
• Describe advance practice roles and management strategies that affect change at the community level.
• Identify key community and social resources that negatively and positively affect the selected issue.
• Identify changes or enhancements in community-related services for your selected topic.
• Develop a strategic plan that could decrease the prevalence of your selected topic.The goals for this plan needs to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Include how your plan takes into consideration health literacy, socioeconomic factors, and cultural differences.

Full Answer Section

Prevalence of Tobacco Use

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current smoking rate among U.S. adults aged 18 years or older is 12.5%. While this represents a decline from 20.9% in 2005, tobacco use continues to disproportionately affect certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and those with mental health or substance use disorders.

Causes and Influences of Tobacco Use

The initiation and continuation of tobacco use are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including:

Social Normative Influences: Exposure to smoking peers, family members, or media portrayals of smoking can normalize tobacco use and make it more likely that individuals will initiate or continue smoking.
Psychological Factors: Tobacco use can be associated with stress, anxiety, and depression, as individuals may turn to smoking as a coping mechanism.
Addiction: Nicotine, the primary addictive component of tobacco, acts on the brain's reward system, leading to cravings and dependence.
Marketing and Advertising: Tobacco companies aggressively market their products, often targeting vulnerable populations with appealing imagery and messages.

Monetary Costs of Tobacco Use

The economic burden of tobacco use on society is immense. In 2019, the direct and indirect medical costs related to tobacco use in the United States were estimated to be $176.6 billion. This includes expenses associated with healthcare utilization, lost productivity due to smoking-related illnesses, and premature death.

Community-Level Strategic Plan

To effectively address the issue of tobacco use among adults, a comprehensive community-level strategic plan is essential. This plan should encompass a multifaceted approach that targets individual, social, and environmental factors contributing to tobacco use. Key components of the plan should include:

Public Education and Awareness Campaigns: Implement targeted public education campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco use, dispel common myths, and promote healthier alternatives. Utilize various media channels, including social media, community events, and local partnerships, to reach diverse populations.
Tobacco Cessation Programs and Support Services: Provide accessible and effective tobacco cessation programs and support services to help individuals quit smoking. These programs should offer counseling, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral interventions tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Price Policies and Regulatory Measures: Implement policies that increase the price of tobacco products, making them less affordable and less appealing, particularly to youth and low-income populations. Additionally, support regulatory measures to restrict tobacco advertising, marketing, and sales.
Smoke-Free Environments: Promote smoke-free policies in public places, such as workplaces, schools, and parks, to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure and reduce social acceptability of smoking.
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Foster community engagement and empowerment by involving local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders in the development and implementation of tobacco control initiatives. Encourage peer support groups, community-based education programs, and advocacy efforts to promote a culture of tobacco-free living.

Conclusion

Addressing the issue of tobacco use among adults requires a comprehensive, community-wide approach that targets individual, social, and environmental factors. By implementing a strategic plan that encompasses public education, cessation support services, price policies, smoke-free environments, and community engagement, we can effectively reduce the prevalence of tobacco use, improve public health outcomes, and save lives.

Sample Answer

Introduction

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide, claiming the lives of approximately 8 million people annually. In the United States, tobacco use accounts for nearly 480,000 deaths each year, making it the second leading cause of preventable death after cancer. The prevalence of tobacco use remains a significant public health concern, particularly among adults.