Health Policy Paper Criteria

• Identify a controversial public health issue that interests you. Ex (gun control or vaping))
• Describe how this issue impacts public health
• Select a minimum of 2 articles, one that will support the law/policy and one that does not support the law/policy
• Write an academic paper that presents both the pro and con of the issue. The compare and contrast should be well developed presenting both sides of the issue.
• Who are the policymakers? (city, state, national) Remember that policy makers are at more than one level may be involved.
• Incorporate and properly cite two Habits of a Systems Thinker that you used to analyze the issue.
• In your own words, describe what the term “health in all policies” means.

Full Answer Section

     
  • Emotional health: Gun violence can have a devastating impact on the emotional health of victims, survivors, and their families. Gun violence can lead to anxiety, depression, grief, and anger. It can also damage relationships and social support networks.
Articles
  • Article Supporting Gun Control:
    • Title: "Why Gun Control Is a Public Health Issue"
    • Author: Dr. Donald Berwick, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    • Summary: This article argues that gun violence is a public health issue that requires a public health approach. The article discusses the evidence on the impact of gun violence on public health and calls for action to reduce gun violence.
  • Article Opposing Gun Control:
    • Title: "Why Gun Control Is Not the Answer"
    • Author: Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association (NRA)
    • Summary: This article argues that gun control is not the answer to gun violence. The article claims that gun control laws infringe on the Second Amendment right to bear arms and that they do not prevent criminals from obtaining guns.
Compare and Contrast The two articles present very different perspectives on gun control. The article supporting gun control argues that gun violence is a public health crisis that requires a public health approach. The article opposing gun control argues that gun control laws are ineffective and infringe on the Second Amendment right to bear arms. One of the key differences between the two articles is their focus on the evidence. The article supporting gun control cites a number of studies that show that gun violence is a public health problem. The article opposing gun control does not cite any studies to support its claims. Another key difference between the two articles is their perspective on the role of government. The article supporting gun control argues that the government has a responsibility to protect public health and that gun control laws are one way to do this. The article opposing gun control argues that the government should not interfere with the right to bear arms. Policymakers Gun control laws are made at the city, state, and national levels. However, the most important policymakers on gun control are at the national level. The United States Congress has the power to pass laws that would regulate the sale and possession of guns. Habits of a Systems Thinker Here are two Habits of a Systems Thinker that I used to analyze the issue of gun control:
  • Habit 1: Seeing the Whole: I considered the whole system of gun control, including the different stakeholders, the different factors that contribute to gun violence, and the different potential solutions.
  • Habit 4: Thinking Upstream: I considered the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty, inequality, and mental health problems.
Health in All Policies The term "health in all policies" refers to the idea that all government policies should consider their impact on public health. This means that policymakers should consider the health of the population when making decisions about everything from transportation to education to housing. Gun control is a good example of a health in all policies issue. Gun control laws can have a direct impact on public health by reducing gun violence. Additionally, gun control laws can have an indirect impact on public health by addressing the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty and inequality. Conclusion Gun violence is a major public health issue in the United States. Gun control laws can help to reduce gun violence and improve public health. However, there is significant debate about the effectiveness of different gun control laws. Policymakers should consider the evidence and the different perspectives on gun control when making decisions about gun policy.  

Sample Answer

     

Controversial Public Health Issue: Gun Control

Impact on Public Health

Gun violence is a major public health issue in the United States. Every year, tens of thousands of people are killed or injured by guns. Gun violence has a significant impact on public health, both physically and emotionally.

  • Physical health: Gun violence can lead to death, serious injury, and disability. Gunshot wounds can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and paralysis. Gun violence can also lead to chronic health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).