Three top healthcare issues with room for improvement in rockfor

1. Three top healthcare issues with room for improvement in
Rockford, Illinois, are opioid abuse, high blood pressure, and
obesity (NYU Langone Health, 2021). Obesity is a significant
contributor to multiple chronic diseases and metabolic disorders
(Jakobsen et al., 2018). Chronic diseases accounted for most US
healthcare costs and decreased productivity (Chapel et al.,
2017). Global Burden of Disease researchers (Institute for
Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2021) acknowledge that these
diseases increase societal costs, morbidity, and mortality by
limiting healthy days lived.
Several national initiatives are underway that have a local
impact on this burden of disease. The Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) endorses
using Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) to mitigate opioid
abuse and the societal effects of chronic substance abuse
(SAMHSA, 2020). The American Heart Association provides a
comprehensive public health education program on steps to
control high blood pressure to reduce heart disease and strokes
(American Heart Association, 2021). The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (2021) offers multiple interventions to
reduce obesity in the Healthy People 2030 goals outlined by the
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.
Concerned voters could influence local policymakers to
transfer these national initiatives to Rockford with an informed
advocate, such as the DNP scholar. The advocate starts by
building a grassroots coalition of the voting public to endorse
specific improvements to existing health policy. Next, prepare a
health policy brief, then research and contact the policymakers
to open discussion. The brief should specify the problem and
current policy while providing a rationale for change that
includes the impact of the health problem on the constituency.

2. Harnessing the power of multiple voters increases the likelihood
that those in power will actively consider a policy change.
Social media, like Twitter, can be used to build this coalition.
My suggested tweet is #HealthyPeople 2030, #Healthy
Rockford! Improve our community step by step!
Healthy People 2030 | Data & Statistics | DNPAO | CDC (Links
to an external site.)
Dr. Riley presented her case to Congressman Aiken just as
recommended. The DNP scholar was prepared and researched
the issue and her audience's stance on healthcare access. Dr.
Riley met with stakeholders to inform discussion with the
congressman on the impacts and relevance of improving access
to transportation in her community. Dr. Riley introduced herself
as a concerned health professional and advocate, presented the
pros and cons of the proposed clinic bill, and stated
appreciation for partial gains while remaining open to future
improvements. She was thankful and expressed her willingness
to offer professional support on future projects. Dr. Riley's
approach left Congressman Aiken with a positive memory of Dr.
Riley, specifically, and the profession of nursing and nurse
practitioners as collaborative partners in health policy. She
could have provided a business card, including email in parting.
A follow-up email thanking the congressman would support this
memorable encounter.
References
American Heart Association. (2021). Five steps to control your
blood pressure.
Five Simple Steps to Control Your Blood Pressure | American
Heart Association (Links to an external site.)
Centers for Disease Control and Health Prevention. (2021).
Healthy People 2030: Indicators and objectives align with
DNPAO's work.

3. Healthy People 2030 | Data & Statistics | DNPAO | CDC (Links
to an external site.)
Chapel, J.M., Ritchey, M.D., Zhang, D., & Wang, G. (2017).
Prevalence and medical costs of chronic diseases among adult
Medicaid beneficiaries.
American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 53(
6, S2), S143-S154.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.07.019 (Links to an
external site.)
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (2021). GBD
Compare.
GBD Compare | IHME Viz Hub (healthdata.org) (Links to an
external site.)
Jakobsen, G.S., Smastuen, M.C., Sandbu, R., Nordstrand, N.,
Hofso, D, Lindberg, M., Hertel, J.K., & Hjelmesaeth, J. (2018).
Association of bariatric surgery vs. medical obesity treatment
with long-term medical complications and obesity-related
comorbidities.
JAMA 319(
3), 291-301.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.21055 (Links to an external
site.)
NYU Langone Health. (2021). City Health Dashboard:
Rockford, Illinois.
Rockford, IL - City Highlights | City Health Dashboard (Links
to an external site.)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
(2020). Naltrexone.
Naltrexone | SAMHSA
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