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Application Exercise

Introduction

Population health is an important aspect as it influences the productivity of the respective population as well as its holistic wellbeing. It is an all inclusive concept that puts in consideration the social, economic and physical welfare of the population. In addition, it addresses the populations’ health practices, the coping capacity of individuals, early childhood development, health services and human biology. Notably, the interplay of these important factors and their balancing culminates in a population that is empowered. This cushions it against the negative impacts of social challenges that undermine its executive functioning. It is against this background that this paper underscores the measures that can be undertaken in collaboration with the population in the case study to counter the current scenario.

To begin with, it would be imperative to undertake research in order to understand the current trends and statistics with respect to the issues related to unemployment, poverty and crime. This would be consistent with the provisions of the health care approach that lays emphasis on the importance of clarifying the linkages between different healthcare indicators (Diem & Moyer, 2004). Besides, the information would provide a basement upon which critical decisions would be made. This research would adopt a participatory approach. In particular, persons undertaking the research would be drawn form the local community.

Besides understanding the cultural domains of the community, this have n upper hand with respect to the problems facing the community. Furthermore, they would be able to use their skills, energy and creativity to attain optimal results in this regards. Thus besides saving on the resources, employment of local in research would enhance the quality of the results and instill a sense of ownership in the entire initiative. In their research, Vollman, Anderson and McFarlane (2003) ascertain that public participation is vital as it allows the community to employ its capacities in resolving health problems. With regard to the case under review, this approach would offer temporary employment to the unemployed segment of the population.

After conducting the research, the resultant information would be analyzed accordingly and the various relationships pertaining to the causes and effects noted. The second step would be to liaise with other interested groups in order to mobilize the resources required for action. These would be attained through advocacy initiatives that would inform interest groups about the nature and severity of the problem. In order to attain this, it would be important to collaborate with the media. According to Anderson and McFarane (2006), the media is influential and reaches populations form diverse backgrounds. Thus the approach would inform a significant percentage of the population about the problem at hand.

After resources have been mobilized through partnerships with different interest groups, I would allocate the resources in order of priority. Notably, the most important step in this regard would be to educate the population about the problems they are facing. Using a participatory approach, the population would aid in identifying projects that are meaningful and which would enable them to curb the issue of poverty, insecurity and unemployment. Since unemployment is the root cause of poverty and crime, it would be given a priority.

When addressing unemployment, it would be important to identify projects that would yield results both on the short term and long term. Notably, the food bank project is a viable intervention measure that would enable the population to recover from the current state. Donors, business owners and the government would be requested to provide the resources for running the food bank. However, in order to benefit from this, locals would be required to pay a certain small fee. In addition, they would be required to provide volunteers that would run the operations of the food store. The small fee would be used to pay for the salaries of permanent employees of this project. However, volunteers would be required to help in running the day to day operations of the food bank. This would enable the community to become more responsible for the activities that they engage in (Diem & Moyer, 2004).

Further, the mobilized resources can be given to the population through loans to enable them set up their individual projects. Although there would be no collateral in this case, the need for accountability and transparency with respect to how the funds are utilized would be requisite. Self employment would not only keep the populations busy but it would also enable them to cater for their financial needs. Populations that are give funds would not be allowed to benefit form the food bank after a specific period of time. Since they would be provided with vital information regarding the projects that they wish to establish, they would be required to assume full responsibility in case of failure of the projects. Put differently, education would ensure that they are empowered to make personal and informed decisions with regard to what they wish to pursue.

These initiatives would be coupled with community education programs regarding health care. In their study, Stamler and Yiu (2004) indicate that education is instrumental in changing attitudes and enabling the community to embrace health promotion. With reference to the case scenario, this population would be taught about the effects of smoking, crime prevention strategies, prevention and control of diseases, the importance of seeking health care services, environmental protection and the importance of healthy diets. This would be carried out in public forums such as community workshops and adult education programs.

As aforementioned, the health of the population is all inclusive and therefore educating them about all these factors would yield positive results. Taking a multifaceted approach is sustainable as it enhances the coping capacity of the population. This would be attained through the reorientation of health services to ensure that different party embers constituting of the individuals, health professionals, community groups, governments and health service institutions play an active role (Nies & McEwen, 2006)

Conclusion

At this point, it is certain that community empowerment is fundamental for solving various health issues and promoting community health. Besides empowering the community with financial resources, related initiatives would also educate the public and equip it with vital skills and knowledge to deal with similar problems in future. Of particular importance is the active involvement of the community in the entire process. This aids in the development of a sense of ownership that enhances the sustainability of the initiatives. Partnering with various institutions, individuals and organizations in addressing the issue is equally important as it enhances capacity building and resource mobilization. The individual contributions of all these parties to the success of this initiative can not be overstated. Ultimately, the project would ensure that he population is safeguarded and enjoys peaceful co existence, has shelter, education, stable income, food, a viable ecosystem, equity and social justice.

References

Anderson, E. & McFarlane, J. (2006). Community as Partner: Theory and Practice in Nursing. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Diem, E. & Moyer, A. (2004). Community Health Nursing Projects: Making a Difference. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Nies, M. & McEwen, M. (2006). Community/Public Health Nursing: Promoting the Health of Populations. USA: Saunders

Stamler, L. & Yiu, L. (2004). Community Health Nursing: A Canadian Perspective. Canada: Pearson Education Canada

Vollman, A., Anderson, E. & McFarlane, J. (2003). Canadian Community as Partner. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins