Assignment Task: Muddiest Point and Peer Feedback
Feedback and guidance are an integral part of any successful plan. Accessing the expertise, experience, and ideas of others allows us to fully examine topics and plans to ensure no stone is left unturned.
For this Discussion, you will utilize the expertise of your colleagues to assist you in developing your Personal Legislative Agenda. You will construct 1-2 questions regarding any areas of concerns or guidance for colleague support and suggestion. Want Online Tutoring?
Resources:
Readings:
- Dawes, D. E. (2020). The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
o Chapter 5, "Wining the Game That Never Ends: Success Means Continuous Employment of the Political Determinants of Health" (pp. 112-130)
- Porche, D. J. (2023). Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
o Chapter 12, "Evidence Informing Policymaking " (pp. 175-183)
o Chapter 15, "Politics: Theory and Practice" (pp. 201-237)
- Document: Personal Legislative Agenda and Action Plan Exemplar (Word Document) Download Personal Legislative Agenda and Action Plan Exemplar (Word Document)
- Association of Public Health Nurses Public Health Policy Committee. (2021). Public health policy advocacy guidebook and tool kit
- Congress dot gov
- Congress.gov. (2022). State legislative websites. [Interactive media].
- Gustafson, A. (2017, December 12). How to be a political influence-as an average citizen. Currents.
- Rees, A. (2013, August 6). Digital and online activism. Reset: Digital for Good.
- Social Current. (n.d.). Policy, advocacy, and communications toolkit.
- White, N. (2018). Introduction: Why read the Effective Activist Guide. In Effective activist: An evidence-based guide to progressive social change. (pp. 6-10). Effective Activist.
To Prepare:
- Begin work on the Personal Legislative Agenda.
- Consider questions or concerns you have about the plan.
Post a response detailing the following:
Construct one to two (1-2) questions for your colleagues detailing any questions or concerns you may have regarding the Personal Legislative Agenda. Your questions should clearly describe areas you may need clarification and/or guidance for the continuation of your work on the Personal Legislative Agenda.
Hello everyone,
As I begin developing my Personal Legislative Agenda, I have several questions and concerns that I believe need to be addressed in order to ensure that the policies I advocate for are both impactful and grounded in evidence-based practices. The goal of this agenda is to create policies that positively affect vulnerable populations, specifically those struggling with substance use disorders, homelessness, and health disparities. I understand that creating effective and sustainable policy requires not only understanding the needs of these populations but also ensuring that the policies I advocate for are backed by research and address systemic issues. With that in mind, I have two specific questions that I would like to pose to my colleagues for feedback and guidance.
Question 1: How Can I Effectively Integrate Evidence-Based Practices into the Development of My Personal Legislative Agenda?
One concern I have as I move forward in creating my legislative agenda is ensuring that the policies I propose are grounded in evidence-based practices. I am particularly focused on the issues of substance use disorders and homelessness, which have long been plagued by ineffective policies and fragmented care systems. I want to ensure that any legislative action I advocate for is rooted in the best available research to ensure it is both actionable and effective.
For example, policies such as the Housing First approach and integrated healthcare models have shown promise in addressing the complex needs of individuals with substance use disorders and homelessness (Tsemberis, 2021; Rosen et al., 2021). I am interested in understanding how to systematically incorporate these evidence-based practices into the legislation I will be advocating for. What is the most effective way to integrate specific data and research findings into policy proposals, ensuring that lawmakers can see the direct correlation between the proposed interventions and the expected outcomes? Furthermore, how can I present the evidence in a compelling way that resonates with policymakers who may not have a clinical background? Ensuring that the policy is both evidence-driven and adaptable to the unique needs of the target population is critical for its success.
In addition, how can I use available data and research to influence policymakers at the state and federal levels? For example, if I advocate for increased funding for substance use treatment programs, I will need to reference research that shows how this funding can lead to long-term improvements in public health and reduced healthcare costs. Having a strategy for presenting evidence-based practices in a clear and persuasive manner will be crucial for garnering support.
Question 2: How Can I Address Systemic Barriers in Legislative Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations?
Another significant challenge I face in creating my Personal Legislative Agenda is addressing the systemic barriers that marginalized populations, particularly those dealing with homelessness and substance use disorders, often face. These individuals are disproportionately affected by the intersection of multiple social determinants of health, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, and criminal justice involvement. Therefore, it is essential to advocate for policies that not only address the immediate needs of these populations but also offer long-term solutions that break the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and substance use.
In my experience working with Whipple Ministries, I have seen firsthand how fragmented care and lack of access to housing can undermine recovery efforts for individuals with substance use disorders. Research has shown that individuals with co-occurring disorders, such as substance use disorders and mental health issues, are particularly vulnerable to negative outcomes when they do not have stable housing (Tsemberis, 2021). The Housing First approach, which prioritizes stable housing before addressing other issues such as substance use, has been shown to improve long-term outcomes by reducing homelessness and increasing engagement with treatment (Tsemberis, 2021). However, policies like these are often not fully implemented due to political and logistical challenges, such as insufficient funding, lack of coordination between service sectors, and resistance from stakeholders who may not see the value of a holistic, patient-centered approach.
In light of these challenges, my question is how I can best advocate for policies that address these systemic issues in a way that resonates with lawmakers. For example, while Housing First programs have been successful in some areas, they are often not as widespread or adequately funded as they need to be. What are the most effective strategies for advocating for the expansion of such programs at the state and federal levels? How can I make the case for integrating housing with healthcare services to legislators who may prioritize other types of policy interventions? Understanding how to frame these systemic issues in a way that aligns with broader policy goals, such as reducing healthcare costs or improving public safety, will be critical for the success of my legislative agenda.
Additionally, what steps can I take to ensure that the policy changes I advocate for are sustainable in the long term? Advocating for initial funding is important, but without a strategy for long-term sustainability, even well-designed policies can fail. I would appreciate guidance on how to incorporate a sustainability plan into my legislative agenda to ensure that these programs continue to serve vulnerable populations for years to come.
In conclusion, as I continue to work on my Personal Legislative Agenda, I hope to gain further insights into how to integrate evidence-based practices effectively and advocate for policies that address the systemic barriers faced by vulnerable populations. Your guidance and feedback on these questions will help ensure that the policies I propose are not only feasible but also impactful in creating lasting change.
References:
Rosen, J., Johnson, D., & Myers, R. (2021). Integrated housing and healthcare: A model for improving outcomes in addiction recovery. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 130, 42-49.
Tsemberis, S. (2021). Housing first: A proven approach to ending homelessness for individuals with substance use disorders. Addiction, 116(2), 269-276.
Cowan, D. M., McGonigal, T., & Peltier, J. L. (2022). Implementing evidence-based protocols in emergency nursing practice: Improving patient outcomes. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 48(4), 376-382.