• 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.
Health Policy Paper Criteria
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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).