Public health and mental health are two different terms that are closely related. All these falls under the healthcare sector, and in one way or another, they are dependent on each other. In trying to explain more about the intersection of public health and mental health, there are various elements of broad strategic thinking that I see demonstrated. Examples of these elements are resource allocation and decision-making process (CDC, 2005). There is a big issue with resource allocation in the entire medical system. Norman states that the US is one country where there is a high rising in medical costs. The country is undergoing budget pressure every year, and there are always complaints about the amount allocated for the healthcare sector ( Barrett et al., 2016). The budget pressures are felt by both the public and private components. Issues in resource allocation affect public health, and this effect is also felt in the few branches of the health care sector, such as mental health. The Decision-making issue lurks behind resource allocation and also some significant factors dealing with management. Public health decisions about the allocation of resources and management are facing reasonable ethical disagreement (CDC, 2005). This is justified by the tradeoffs entailed in the public health policy concerned with improving the quality of mental healthcare and other branches within the healthcare.
In Chapter three of the book, Norman addresses several aspects of social development. Examples of these aspects addressed are the availability of health care services, awareness, quality of treatment, health disparities, and more ( Daniels, 2016 ). Accessibility or availability of public health or mental health is still a big problem in the healthcare sector. For example, some have been suffering from mental disorders but have not received treatment. There is a high stigma concerning mental health, and public health can help make people learn and know more about it. This can be done through the creation of sensitization and awareness. Public health awareness will help in educating people about mental health disorders and advising patients to take regular tests to know their mental status since most people suffer without knowing.
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Moreover, the evidence of healthy public policies that I see from government involvement includes educating the public about healthier life choices and ensuring safe food and water in communities. In the past, the government has been placing more effort into educating citizens from different states about healthier choices ( Daniels, 2016 ). We have been watching these on various televisions and radio programs teaching people healthy dieting and the importance of doing regular exercise. Some public workshops and shows have also been organized by the government in different states to educate people on healthy living ( Daniels, 2016 ). The government has also been massively involved in distributing clean water for drinking in different slums and other areas where the less fortunate people reside. To add, the government has been ensuring that there are distribution and sale of safe food to the community through two significant bodies and these are; Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In my view, I see evidence of system development for health and social policy. An example is the development of community-based programs playing a significant role in the healthcare sector. Some of these roles are geared towards improving health, enhancing the quality of life, and preventing diseases and injuries. These programs encourage and enhance health by teaching people on topics such as substance abuse, nutrition, obesity prevention, mental illness, chronic diseases, and many more. The information that stood out most to me in this case study is that the efficiency of a healthcare system has ethical consequences. This means that the more we act ethically is, the more the healthcare system will be more efficient in service delivery. I can do this in my community by making the right decisions concerning the allocation of resources and treatment.
Reference
Barrett, D. H., Ortmann, L. H., Dawson, A., Saenz, C., Reis, A., & Bolan, G. (2016). Public health ethics: Cases spanning the globe . Springer Nature.
CDC (2005): The Role of Public Health in Mental Health Promotion https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5434a1.htm
Daniels, N. (2016). Resource allocation and priority setting. In Public health ethics: cases spanning the globe (pp. 61-94). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23847-0_3
