Advocacy Priorities

Identifying barriers and challenges that impact vulnerable and marginalized groups is an important first step, but advocates cannot stop there. What can be done to address the inequities, the challenges, and the barriers? How might an advocate use policy to enact change?

The Allegory of the Orchard required you to consider the barriers and challenges of specific vulnerable or marginalized populations. In our Week 1 Discussion, you identified a specific population connected to your practice, organization, or experience. This week you will explore that population further by determining a specific advocacy priority for the population.

Resources

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

Required Resources

Readings

· Dawes, Daniel E. (2020). The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.

· Chapter 3, “The Political Determinants of Health Model” (pp. 41-77)

Media

· Get it Right! A Global Health Channel. (2020). How to Understand What Are Vulnerable Groups in Less than 3 MinutesLinks to an external site. ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbDRgbI8rsA Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes. Links to an external site.

· HMS DICP. (2020). Voting, Links to an external site. Health Policy, and Social JusticeLinks to an external site. : Political Determinants of Health. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17CDLlXSSMc Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 58 minutes. Links to an external site.

· Malloy, Donald. (2020). Vulnerable Populations in HealthcareLinks to an external site. : Do you Know Who They Are? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h35EQ4Amqto Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes. Links to an external site.

· Satcher Health Leadership Institute. (2021). The Political Determinants of Health — Jessica’s StoryLinks to an external site. . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmMutvgQIcU Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

To Prepare:

· Review your selected population discussed in the Module 1, Week 1 Discussion: Allegory of the Orchard.

· Review the resources on vulnerable or marginalized populations.

· Consider the factors that create and maintain these populations.

· Reflect on nursing’s relationship with these populations and how this shapes our role in policy advocacy.

By Day 3 of Week 2

Using the selected population discussed in the Week 1 Discussion: Allegory of the Orchard, post a response detailing the following:

· What are the advocacy priorities for the population? What are the needs of this population?

· How are disparities reflected in policy and policy reflected in the disparities?

· What is the role of nursing, individually and collectively, in influencing policy decisions that adversely impact vulnerable populations?

RESPOND TO THIS DISCUSSION POST

T ALF

Advocacy Priorities for Marginalized Populations: Addressing Mental Health Disparities Marginalized populations, such as individuals experiencing poverty, racial and ethnic minorities, and those in rural communities, often face significant mental health disparities. These disparities result from systemic inequities, including limited access to care, cultural stigma, and inadequate mental health education. Advocacy priorities for these populations focus on improving access to mental health services, reducing stigma, and addressing the social determinants of health that exacerbate inequities.

Advocacy Priorities and Needs

The following are the main advocacy priorities for marginalized populations:

1. Increasing Access to Mental Health Services: Expanding affordable, community-based mental health services is critical. Many individuals in underserved areas lack insurance coverage or encounter logistical barriers such as transportation and childcare, making it difficult to access care (Shim et al., 2020).

2. Reducing Mental Health Stigma: Stigma remains a significant barrier that deters individuals from seeking treatment. Anti-stigma campaigns and culturally sensitive mental health education can empower communities to address mental health concerns without fear of judgment (Knaak et al., 2021).

3. Improving Health Literacy: Marginalized populations often lack access to information about available services or mental health conditions, limiting their ability to seek appropriate care (Corrigan et al., 2021).

Policy and Disparities

Disparities in mental health care are both a reflection of and perpetuated by policies that inadequately address the needs of marginalized populations. For instance:

· Medicaid Expansion: States that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) show improved access to mental health services for low-income individuals. However, in states that have not expanded Medicaid, disparities in care persist (Panchal et al., 2021).

· Funding Inequities: Policies that fail to allocate sufficient funding for mental health services in rural and low-income urban areas exacerbate existing inequities. These disparities limit access to trained mental health professionals, leaving many without appropriate care.

Conversely, disparities also influence policy by creating cycles of underrepresentation. Marginalized populations often lack political influence due to systemic disenfranchisement, resulting in policies that fail to prioritize their needs. For example, the absence of culturally sensitive mental health policies contributes to poor outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities (Shim et al., 2020).

The Role of Nursing in Influencing Policy

Nurses play a pivotal role in advocating for policy changes that address the needs of vulnerable populations, both individually and collectively.

· Individually: By participating in policy discussions, testifying before lawmakers, and sharing clinical experiences to highlight care gaps, psychiatric nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses are in a unique position to advocate for patients (Corrigan et al., 2021).

· Collectively: Nursing organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) leverage their collective influence to advocate for policy changes. These organizations lobby for increased funding for mental health services, Medicaid expansion, and legislation to reduce health disparities (Knaak et al., 2021).

Nurses also influence policy by conducting research highlighting disparities and providing policymakers with data to inform decisions. Engaging in grassroots advocacy, such as participating in community-based initiatives and collaborating with local organizations, further amplifies their impact.

Conclusion

The advocacy priorities for marginalized populations focus on addressing systemic inequities that perpetuate mental health disparities. Increasing access to care, reducing stigma, and promoting health literacy are critical to improving outcomes. Disparities and policies are interwoven, often reinforcing cycles of inequity. Nurses, individually and collectively, play a crucial role in influencing policies that affect vulnerable populations, leveraging their expertise and advocacy skills to drive systemic change. By addressing these priorities, nurses can help ensure equitable mental health care for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic or cultural barriers.

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