The assignment should be written in an APA-formatted essay. The essay should be between 1250 and 1500 words in length and include at least two scholarly sources other than provided materials. MY TWO GOALS ARE (ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES & PREVENTING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES) THIS IS THE LINK FOR HEALTHY PEOPLE
Access to healthcare services and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are two significant goals outlined in the Healthy People 2020 initiative. The Healthy People 2020 initiative is a comprehensive, evidence-based national health agenda developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promote health and well-being for all individuals, communities, and populations.
Access to healthcare services is a fundamental aspect of a well-functioning healthcare system and a key determinant of health outcomes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), access to healthcare services means “the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes.” In the context of Healthy People 2020, access to healthcare services is defined as “the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best possible health outcomes.” The initiative recognizes that barriers to access, such as lack of insurance coverage, transportation, and health information, can impede individuals’ ability to obtain needed healthcare services.
One of the primary goals of Healthy People 2020 is to improve access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services for all individuals. The initiative aims to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and appropriate healthcare services, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, or other factors. To achieve this goal, Healthy People 2020 focuses on various strategies, including expanding insurance coverage, improving healthcare infrastructure, promoting health information technology, and addressing cultural and linguistic barriers.
Expanding insurance coverage is a crucial strategy for improving access to healthcare services. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, was a landmark legislation that aimed to increase access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans. Under the ACA, individuals can obtain health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion or the Health Insurance Marketplace. Medicaid expansion allows low-income individuals and families to access comprehensive healthcare services, while the Health Insurance Marketplace provides a platform for individuals to compare and purchase insurance plans. By increasing insurance coverage, the ACA has helped to reduce financial barriers and improve access to healthcare services.
Improving healthcare infrastructure is another strategy to enhance access to healthcare services. The availability and distribution of healthcare facilities, providers, and services play a crucial role in determining individuals’ access to care. Healthy People 2020 aims to increase the number of primary care providers, improve healthcare workforce distribution, and enhance the capacity of healthcare facilities to meet the needs of the population. Additionally, the initiative encourages the use of telehealth and other innovative technologies to overcome geographical barriers and provide care to underserved communities.
Promoting health information technology (IT) is also vital for improving access to healthcare services. Health IT, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine, can facilitate the efficient exchange of medical information, enhance coordination of care, and improve access to specialized services. Healthy People 2020 emphasizes the adoption and meaningful use of health IT to support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. By implementing health IT systems, healthcare providers can streamline administrative processes, reduce medical errors, and improve access to health information for patients.
Addressing cultural and linguistic barriers is an essential component of ensuring access to healthcare services for diverse populations. Language barriers, cultural beliefs, and health literacy can hinder individuals’ understanding and utilization of healthcare services. Healthy People 2020 promotes the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services to meet the unique needs of diverse populations. By training healthcare providers to deliver culturally competent care, providing interpreter services, and improving health education materials, the initiative aims to reduce disparities in access to healthcare among different cultural and linguistic groups.
In conclusion, access to healthcare services and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases are central goals of the Healthy People 2020 initiative. The initiative recognizes the importance of enhancing access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, or other factors. By implementing various strategies, such as expanding insurance coverage, improving healthcare infrastructure, promoting health IT, and addressing cultural and linguistic barriers, Healthy People 2020 strives to improve access to healthcare services and ultimately improve health outcomes for all individuals and communities.