Identify your selected healthcare concern in your city or state that needs your advocacy with an elected official. What is the impetus and rationale for your selection? Describe the model of policy making that you feel would be best applied to your policy concern and the rationale for selecting this model. Bellow is the page to find more infor about the assignment discussion. https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/40579/pages/week-2-lesson?module_item_id=4958807 Please use one scholar paper within 5 years. minimum of 300 words. Use simple but professional language.
Title: Enhancing Accessibility and Affordability of Mental Healthcare: A Policy Advocacy Initiative in California
Introduction:
The selected healthcare concern that requires advocacy with an elected official is the inadequate accessibility and affordability of mental healthcare in California. Mental health is a critical issue affecting millions of individuals across the state, and it is imperative to address the multiple barriers preventing individuals from accessing timely and affordable mental health services. The primary impetus for selecting this concern stems from the urgent need to address the growing mental health crisis in California and the subsequent consequences it poses to individuals, families, and society at large.
Rationale for Selection:
There are several reasons that justify the selection of this healthcare concern for advocacy. Firstly, mental illnesses affect a substantial portion of the population in California, with an estimated 1 in 6 individuals experiencing a mental health disorder each year (California Health Care Foundation, 2018). Despite this high prevalence, the state’s mental healthcare system is strained, resulting in limited resources, long wait times, and a lack of affordable options for seeking treatment.
Secondly, the consequences of inadequate mental healthcare are far-reaching. Untreated mental illnesses can lead to significant burdens on individuals, their families, and society, including increased rates of homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and even suicide. By addressing the barriers to accessing mental healthcare services, there is an opportunity to prevent these negative outcomes and promote the overall well-being of Californians.
Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the need for effective mental healthcare in the state. The pandemic has resulted in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, further straining an already burdened mental healthcare system. It is crucial to advocate for policies that address these issues effectively at a time when mental health needs are particularly high.
Model of Policy Making:
To address the selected healthcare concern, a comprehensive model of policy making such as the Multi-Stream Model would be best suited. This model, proposed by John W. Kingdon (2003), emphasizes the convergence of three streams – problem, policy, and politics – for policy change to occur.
1. Problem Stream:
The problem stream highlights the recognition and framing of the issue as a significant challenge requiring policy attention. In the case of mental healthcare accessibility and affordability, there is a growing recognition of the inadequacy of the current system. The problem stream would involve garnering support from stakeholders, including mental health professionals, advocacy organizations, and individuals with lived experiences, to highlight the urgent need for policy change.
2. Policy Stream:
The policy stream involves the development of policy alternatives and solutions. This would entail conducting research, analyzing existing evidence-based practices, and considering the experiences of other states or countries that have successfully implemented effective mental health policies. The ultimate goal is to develop evidence-informed policy recommendations that can address the barriers to accessing mental healthcare.
3. Politics Stream:
The politics stream focuses on the political context and opportunities for policy change. This involves understanding the political landscape, building coalitions with key decision-makers, and engaging with elected officials who have the power to influence change. By presenting a compelling case for the necessary policy changes, policymakers can be swayed to support the proposed reforms.
The Multi-Stream Model is an appropriate approach for addressing the selected healthcare concern as it recognizes that policy change requires a confluence of problem recognition, policy development, and political feasibility. By leveraging this model, the advocacy efforts can strategically target each stream, increasing the likelihood of successful policy outcomes.
In conclusion, the selected healthcare concern of inadequate accessibility and affordability of mental healthcare in California warrants urgent advocacy with elected officials. The high prevalence of mental illness, the far-reaching consequences of untreated conditions, and the added strains of the COVID-19 pandemic make this an imperative policy concern. Adopting the Multi-Stream Model of policy making can provide a structured approach to address this issue by recognizing the problem, developing evidence-based policies, and strategically navigating the political landscape. Successful advocacy efforts can lead to necessary policy changes, ensuring improved accessibility and affordability of mental healthcare services in California.