PRESIDENTIAL AGENDAS

Consider a population health topic that rises to the presidential agenda level. Which social determinant most affects this health issue? How did two recent presidents handle the problem? What would you do differently?

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  • Education: People with lower levels of education are also more likely to experience mental health problems. This may be due to limited opportunities and social isolation.
  • Race and ethnicity: People of color are more likely to experience mental health problems than white people. This is due to a number of factors, including discrimination, racism, and trauma.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than men. This is due to a number of factors, including hormonal changes, gender roles, and sexual violence.
  • Housing: People who are homeless or who live in unstable housing are more likely to experience mental health problems. This is due to stress, lack of privacy, and exposure to violence.
How Recent Presidents Have Handled Mental Health In recent years, there has been growing bipartisan recognition of the importance of mental health. Two recent presidents, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, have both taken steps to address mental health issues. President Obama President Obama signed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act into law in 2008. This law requires health insurance companies to cover mental health and substance use disorders at the same level as they cover physical health conditions. President Obama also launched the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline. President Trump President Trump signed the Mental Health Reform Act into law in 2020. This law expands access to mental health care for veterans and improves the availability of mental health services in schools and prisons. President Trump also created the White House Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders. What I Would Do Differently I believe that there are a number of things that can be done to improve mental health care in the United States. These include:
  • Increase funding for mental health research and treatment: The United States spends far less on mental health care than it does on physical health care. We need to increase funding for mental health research and treatment so that everyone who needs help can get it.
  • Expand access to mental health care: Mental health care is often difficult to access, especially for people who live in rural areas or who lack insurance. We need to expand access to mental health care so that everyone who needs help can get it, regardless of their income or location.
  • Reduce stigma around mental health: Mental health stigma is a major barrier to people seeking help. We need to reduce stigma around mental health so that people feel comfortable talking about their mental health and seeking help.
  • Address the social determinants of mental health: We need to address the social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, education, and housing, in order to improve mental health outcomes.
Conclusion Mental health is a critical population health issue that has a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. We need to take steps to improve mental health care in the United States, such as increasing funding for mental health research and treatment, expanding access to mental health care, reducing stigma around mental health, and addressing the social determinants of mental health. By taking these steps, we can help to create a society where everyone has access to the mental health care they need.  

Sample Answer

   

Population Health Topic: Mental Health

Mental health is a critical population health issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, and they have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Social Determinants of Mental Health

There are many social determinants of mental health, which are the social factors that influence a person's mental health. Some of the key social determinants of mental health include:

  • Poverty: People living in poverty are more likely to experience mental health problems than those who are not. This is due to a number of factors, including stress, lack of access to resources, and exposure to violence.