Long-term underfunding for public health is a major concern for public health professionals. Budgeting
for public health programs are often the task given to public health administrators. Review this week’s
reading to download full reports by Trust for America’s Health, “The Impact of Chronic Underfunding of
America’s Public Health System: Trends, Risks, and Recommendations, 2020” and “Promoting Health and
Cost Control in States, 2019”.
Provide an overview of the two reports and include a critical analysis of how you think the two reports
are connected. How can public health professionals utilize these reports to create funding opportunities,
accurate budgets, or programs as administrators in public health organizations? Next, choose one of the
Policy Goals outlined in “Promoting Health Cost Control in States”, describe the policymaking process in
generalities (how do policies get made?), then apply this process by discussing how you would practice
public health ethics and advocate for this goal in your state legislature. What steps would you take to
introduce a bill outlining how the state could adopt this policy goal? Who would you partner with?
Describe what process the bill would need to go through to be adopted by the state. How would you use
evidence-based resources to support your policy-making efforts and advocacy?
Public health has been one of the first professions on the chopping block for federal, state, and local
governments for decades since its installation after the London water pump days. Today, this field is
commonly thought of as a ‘sleeper’ field that only comes out during flu season and whenever there is a
natural disaster or other emergency. This way of thinking was abruptly woken up during the beginnings
of the Sars-coV-2 pandemic at the end of 2019. This event that is still ongoing, has brought the idea of
facilitating long-term health back to the forefront of administrator’s minds. This event has the potential
to break down the barriers between medical and research personnel and the lay people and hopefully
trickle from the governmental level to the individuals. Traditionally public health is defined as the
presence or absence of psychosocial and economic factors that are related to where the target
populations lives, eats, plays, and hopefully succeeds. Even though this is a general definition, only 20%
of the health and well-being decisions are made by medical professionals. This proves the need for
healthcare1expansion into the public so that access can be created to quality services to not only
support the present issues, but the issues of the future as well. The report entitled “Promoting Health
and Cost Control in States” focuses on the implementation of prevention and the administration of
preventative care for all Americans rather than the ones who can afford to pay for it.1Federal and state
leaders must be educated and made aware of the evidence-based policies that currently exist to not only
reduce healthcare costs per capita, but also improve the overall health of American citizens so that they
don’t get sick enough to need these resources. Efficient utilization of existing resources is key to
promoting cost reduction while also maintaining the standard of care that the population is accustomed
to receiving. Educating legislators is just as important to the benefit of the entire population by providing
the opportunity for a condensed briefing of applicable studies to show what is currently working and
what can be improved for the future.2
References
1.Farberman R. Promoting Health & Cost Control in States. Tfah.org. Published 2020. Accessed 8June
2022.
2. https://www.tfah.org/report-details/promoting-health-and-cost-control-in-states/2.Amado GC,
Ferreira DC, Nunes AM. Vertical integration in healthcare: What does literature say about improvements
on quality, access, efficiency, and costs containment? The International Journal of Health Planning and
Management. Published online January 4, 2022.doi:10.1002/hpm.3407
2nd
Provide an overview of the two reports and include a critical analysis of how you think the two
reports are connected. How can public health professionals utilize these reports to create
funding opportunities, accurate budgets, or programs as administrators in public health
organizations?
The Public health aspect of the U.S. Healthcare delivery system is a very essential component to
the health of the Nation. They are always thinking of ways to do evil and cause trouble. They are
always planning how they might cheat others.”1Doctors, insurance companies, medical
research, and pharmaceutical companies contribute to the rising cost of healthcare and access
of care. Having politicians, insurance companies, etc. to understand how quality of life is the
major benefit for cost-effectiveness is a major challenging when dealing with public health
under-funding. Understanding how funding is appropriated will give a better understanding to
how the quality of life for future generations should be considered as an asset when considering
intervention, funding, and research. While there are much evidence-based policies that can be
implemented to improve health and reduce healthcare costs at the state level, state leaders are
not always aware of these options.2
Next, choose one of the Policy Goals outlined in “Promoting Health Cost Control in States”,
describe the policymaking process in generalities (how do policies get made?), then apply this
process by discussing how you would practice public health ethics and advocate for this goal in
your state legislature. The video How A Bill Becomes A Law: Crash Course Government And
Politics #9 describes the policymaking process as:1.A congressman or a senator introducing a
bill when they have an idea.2.After its introduction, the bill is referred to a committee, although
most bills can starting either house except for revenue bills which must start in the House.3.The
Senate decides the rules for debate, how long the debate will go on and whether or not there
will be Amendments.4. The Senate version of the bill is sent to the House. The House has an
extra step and that all bills before they go out to the floor of the house, must go to the Rules
Committee which reports it out to the house. If a bill receives a majority of votes inthe house,
238 or more to be exact, it passes.5.If it passes, then it's sent to the president and then the
president signs the bill. Boom,done.3Based off of the policymaking process I would advocate for
the goal to make sure public health agencies at all levels have the necessary infrastructure for
key public health services. Public health infrastructure provides the necessary foundation for all
public health services—fromvaccinations to chronic disease prevention programs to emergency
preparedness efforts. HealthyPeople 2020 focuses on creating a strong public health
infrastructure. The Public Health
Infrastructure objectives address high-performing health departments, workforce
developmentand training, data and information systems, planning, and partnerships.4
What steps would you take to introduce a bill outlining how the statecould adopt this policy
goal? Who would you partner with?Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia is on the Senate Committee on
Health, Education, Labor &Pension (HELP). The HELP Committee jurisdiction encompasses most
of the agencies,institutes, and programs of the Department of Health and Human Services,
including the Foodand Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
National Institutesof Health, the Administration on Aging, the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health ServicesAdministration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The
Committee alsooversees public health and health insurance statutes to address emerging
threats and changingpatterns in the healthcare industry.I would partner with my local delegate,
Attorney General and5with Senator Kaine on the policy idea would be the first start. I am
district in 76thmy delegatefor Virginia is Clinton Jenkins. The Attorney General for Virginia
isMark Herring.
Describe what process the bill would need to go through to beadopted by the state.For the
State of Virginia, the process the bill will go through to get adopted by the state is asfollows:1.A
Delegate, as requested by constituents, prepares to introduce legislation.2.The Delegate then
explains exactly the proposal he/she has in mind to a staff attorney inthe Division of Legislative
Services. A staff attorney checks existing law and theconstitutionality of the proposed
legislation.3.The bill is then drafted by the Division of Legislative Services.4.The Delegate signs
his/her name on the bill and introduces it.5.The bill is ordered printed and referred by the
Speaker to the appropriate StandingCommittee.6.The members of the Committee on Counties,
Cities and Towns-in public session-study,discuss, and vote on the bill.6
How would you use evidence-based resources to support your policy-making efforts and
advocacy?The evidence-based resources I would use to support the policy making efforts and
advocacywould be Healthy People 2030 data for Public Health Infrastructure and statistics from
TheVirginia Health Care Foundation.
References
Bible Gateway passage: Job 15 - Easy-to-Read Version. Bible
Gateway.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2015&version=ERVhttps://
www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2015&version=ERV. Published 2021. Accessed
November 29, 2021.
Promoting Health and Cost Control in States, 2019. Tfah.org. https://www.tfah.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/02/2019-PHACCS-Report_FINAL.pdf. Published 2021.
AccessedDecember 1, 2021.
How A Bill Becomes A Law: Crash Course Government And Politics #9. Crash Course;
2015.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66f4-NKEYz4.Public Health Infrastructure - Healthy
People 2030 | health.gov.
Health.gov.https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-dat/browse-objectives/public-
health-infrastructure. Published 2021. Accessed December 1, 2021.
Health | The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions.
Help.senate.gov.https://www.help.senate.gov/about/issues/health. Published 2021. Accessed
December 1,
2021.Publications.virginiageneralassembly.gov.https://publications.virginiageneralassembly.gov/
download_publication/111. Published 2021
Report 1: Epidemiological Study on Air Pollution and Health Impacts This report presents
findings from a comprehensive study examining the relationship between air pollution levels
and various health outcomes, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and overall
mortality rates. It includes data on air quality measurements, demographic factors, and health
statistics, highlighting the significant health burden associated with poor air quality.
Report 2: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Public Health Interventions This report evaluates the
economic implications of implementing various public health interventions, including programs
to reduce air pollution, promote healthy lifestyles, and improve access to healthcare services. It
assesses the costs associated with implementation against the potential savings from reduced
healthcare expenditures, increased productivity, and improved quality of life. Connection and
Analysis: The connection between these two reports lies in the intersection of environmental
factors, public health outcomes, and economic considerations. Here's a critical analysis of their
connection and how public health professionals can utilize them to create funding opportunities
and accurate budgets:
Health Impact Assessment: Public health professionals can use the epidemiological findings
from Report 1 to quantify the health burden associated with air pollution. By understanding the
magnitude of health issues attributable to poor air quality, they can make a compelling case for
prioritizing interventions to address this issue. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Report 2 provides valuable
insights into the economic implications of implementing public health interventions. Public
health professionals can leverage this information to demonstrate the potential return on
investment (ROI) of initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution and improving health outcomes.
By quantifying the potential cost savings and benefits associated with these interventions, they
can make a persuasive argument for allocating funding towards such programs. Policy Advocacy:
Armed with evidence from both reports, public health professionals can engage policymakers
and stakeholders to advocate for funding and support for initiatives targeting air pollution
reduction and improved public health outcomes. They can use the combined data to inform
policy decisions, prioritize resource allocation, and develop evidence-based strategies to
address environmental health challenges. Program Planning and Implementation: Public health
administrators can use the insights from both reports to inform the development and
implementation of programs aimed at reducing air pollution and improving public health. By
understanding the health impacts of air pollution and the potential economic benefits of
interventions, they can design targeted programs with accurate budgets and realistic funding
needs. In summary, public health professionals can utilize these reports to advocate for funding
opportunities, develop accurate budgets, and design effective programs aimed at addressing
environmental health challenges such as air pollution. By integrating epidemiological evidence
with economic analysis, they can make a compelling case for investment in interventions that
promote both public health and economic prosperity.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
