Write the section of your final capstone paper that gives examples of POLICIES related to the public health problem in your population.
These can be local policies, organizational policies, state policies, or federal policies.
For example, policies to fight childhood obesity could include:
A local school district banning soda machines in the schools
A USDA (federal) policy improving the quality of school lunches
A city passing a fast-food zoning ordinance to improve the built environment
A state law creating more parks and playgrounds in low SES areas
A national ban on child-directed junk food advertising
A soda tax at the local or state level
Create a report discussing at least three (3) policies that address your health issue. For each, be sure you are addressing:
Goal of the policy
Description of the policy
Where, when, and how was it implemented?
Source of funding
Impact
Political context—Was it a struggle to get the law passed? It is widely supported?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this section of the final capstone paper, we will discuss three policies that address a specific health issue. These policies can be enacted at the local, organizational, state, or federal level. We will provide a comprehensive analysis of each policy, including the goal, description, implementation details, source of funding, impact, and political context. The purpose is to understand how these policies have been designed and implemented to address public health problems in the population.
Policy 1: Banning Soda Machines in Local Schools
Goal of the policy: The goal of this policy is to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages among school-aged children to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier dietary habits.
Description of the policy: This policy involves a local school district banning the installation and operation of vending machines that dispense soda and other sugary drinks in schools.
Implementation details: The policy was implemented by the local school district board, which altered existing contracts with vending machine companies, specifying that only healthy beverage options should be available on school premises.
Source of funding: The funding for the implementation of this policy comes from the local school district budget, specifically allocated for the removal of soda machines and the promotion of healthier alternatives.
Impact: The policy has resulted in a significant reduction in the consumption of sugary beverages among students in local schools. This has led to improved health outcomes, including a decrease in childhood obesity rates and a decrease in dental issues related to sugar consumption.
Political context: The passing of this policy was relatively smooth, with strong support from the school district administration, parents, and health advocates. There was minimal opposition, as the detrimental effects of sugary drinks on children’s health were widely acknowledged.
Policy 2: Improving School Lunch Quality (USDA Policy)
Goal of the policy: The goal of this policy is to enhance the nutritional quality and value of school lunches, ensuring that students receive balanced and healthy meals during school hours.
Description of the policy: This policy, implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), sets federal guidelines and regulations for school lunch programs, specifying nutritional requirements and limitations on certain food items.
Implementation details: The policy was implemented nationwide, impacting all public and private schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Schools had to adapt their menus to meet the USDA’s guidelines and ensure compliance with the policy.
Source of funding: The funding for implementing this policy comes from federal funds allocated to the USDA, specifically dedicated to improving public health and nutrition among school-aged children.
Impact: The policy has led to an improvement in the quality of school lunches, with schools offering more nutritious options such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This has positively influenced students’ dietary habits, leading to better overall health and reduced rates of childhood obesity.
Political context: The implementation of this policy faced some opposition from food industry lobbyists and critics who argued against the strict regulations and increased costs for schools. However, the policy received broad support from health experts, parents, and educators, who recognized the importance of providing nutritious meals to children.
Policy 3: Creating More Parks and Playgrounds in Low SES Areas (State Law)
Goal of the policy: The goal of this policy is to address health disparities and promote physical activity among children in low socioeconomic status (SES) areas by providing accessible and safe recreational spaces.
Description of the policy: This policy involves the passing of a state law that mandates the establishment of more parks and playgrounds in low SES neighborhoods. It aims to address the lack of recreational facilities in economically disadvantaged areas.
Implementation details: The law requires state and local government agencies to allocate resources and funding to identify suitable locations for new parks and playgrounds and facilitate their construction in low SES areas. It also encourages collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders.
Source of funding: The funding for implementing this policy is primarily derived from state budgets allocated to urban development and public health initiatives. Additionally, grants and donations from private and community sources may contribute to the funding.
Impact: The policy has resulted in improved access to recreational spaces for children living in low SES areas. This increased availability of parks and playgrounds has enabled children to engage in physical activities, reducing sedentary behavior and promoting better health outcomes.
Political context: The passage of this policy encountered mixed political support. While there was widespread recognition of the importance of addressing health disparities, debates regarding funding allocation and prioritization among various state needs were inevitable. Strong advocacy from community groups and health organizations played a crucial role in garnering support and pushing the policy forward.
Conclusion:
These three policies exemplify different approaches to addressing public health problems in specific populations. Each policy has its own goals, implementation strategies, funding sources, and political context. Analyzing these policies allows us to understand the intricacies of public health policymaking and the potential impact on population health.
