Identify a public health concern that contributes to health risk or disease. Identity at least three agencies that are involved in addressing this health concern. Why is it important for those agencies to collaborate?
Please address the topic below:
Background facts about the public health concern including incidence and prevalence
The role that the three agencies play in public health including their mission and sphere of influence
- Sub essential public healthcare care services (at least 1)
- How these agencies collaborate and any challenges to collaboration
- Your recommendations to facilitate collaboration and effective public health response
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Public health concerns are critical to the overall well-being of a community. To address these concerns, several agencies collaborate to reduce health risks and promote healthy living. In this response, we will explore a public health concern, the agencies involved in the response, and how they collaborate to achieve their mission.
Identified Public health concern:
Obesity is a severe public health concern that contributes significantly to health risks and disease. In the United States, the prevalence of obesity among adults is 42.4%, while about 18.5% of children aged 2-19 years are obese (CDC, 2020). Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CDC, 2020).
Agencies involved in addressing obesity:
Several agencies play a significant role in addressing obesity, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Mission and sphere of influence:
The CDC’s mission is to protect Americans’ health and promote wellbeing by responding to health threats and preventing diseases (CDC, 2021). The agency’s sphere of influence includes providing information, tools, and resources for the prevention and management of obesity.
The NIH’s mission is to seek knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and apply this knowledge to enhance health and reduce disease (NIH, 2021). The agency, through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), conducts and supports research on obesity-related issues.
The USDA’s mission is to provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management (USDA, 2021). The agency’s sphere of influence includes promoting healthy eating habits through various programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Sub essential public healthcare care services:
One of the essential public healthcare services provided by these agencies is health education. They provide information and resources to the public about healthy lifestyles that can reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.
Collaboration and challenges to collaboration:
The agencies collaborate by sharing information, resources, and funding. One of the challenges to collaboration is the different priorities and approaches of each agency. Additionally, limited funding and resources can impede collaboration efforts.
Recommendations to facilitate collaboration and effective public health response:
To facilitate collaboration, agencies should work together to align their priorities and approaches to address obesity. Resources and funding should be allocated based on each agency’s strengths and abilities to achieve the overall goal. Additionally, partnerships with community-based organizations and other stakeholders can promote collaboration and effective public health response.
Conclusion:
Obesity is a severe public health concern that requires the collaboration of several agencies to reduce the risk of disease and promote healthy lifestyles. The CDC, NIH, and USDA play a significant role in addressing obesity through various programs and initiatives. Collaboration, including the allocation of resources and funding, can help achieve their mission and reduce the prevalence of obesity-related diseases.
