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Respond to both peers with apa format and at least 2-3 references for eachhhhh  and provide additional insight to your colleagues related to issues and topics they may want to also conside

Peer 1

Summary of the findings of the Social Determinants of Health in my community

Most affected individuals/populations

 Women’s health is one of the broad areas of population health that includes all women’s social, mental, physical, and psychological health and well-being. It is influenced by diverse factors, including housing, neighborhoods, transportation, discrimination, racism, job opportunities, education level, income level, access to physical activities and nutritious foods, language barriers, and environmental hygiene (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). It is also impacted by scientific understanding, medical practices, cultural factors, and politics in the community. In Texas, women’s health is significantly impacted by job opportunities, education, safe housing, access to physical activities and nutritious foods, racism, and literacy skills.

After assessing my community, I realized that individuals belonging to ethnic and racial minorities and low-income families are most affected. Also, people with low literacy skills and limited education are highly affected. Such barriers subject individuals to difficulty accessing quality education, job opportunities, transportation options, affordable and safe housing, and comprehensive medical services. For instance, financial constraints prevent them from accessing physical activity programs and nutritious foods, which are crucial for their health and improved quality of life. Social isolation, poverty, and unemployment affect the health of most women in my community. Those living in marginalized and rural areas of the community depend on public transportation, which is unreliable, leading to difficulties in accessing essential services (Rayan-Gharra et al., 2022).

Major challenges I found

 Based on my assessment of the community, the significant challenges I discovered are limited access to healthy and fresh foods, inequalities in educational opportunities and resources, unreliable transportation services, and insufficient options for affordable housing (Rayan-Gharra et al., 2022). Also, I found a significant gap in income levels whereby ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals struggle to afford basic needs and sustain themselves. Women from ethnic and racial minorities, poor households, and those living in rural settings experience unequal medical access. Lack of insurance, low health literacy, and financial obstacles hinder black women from accessing healthcare (Rayan-Gharra et al., 2022). Also, systemic racism, discrimination, and structural inequality negatively affect black women by subjecting them to health disparities such as pregnancy-related mortality, sexually transmitted infections, and cancer, which reduce their health, wellness, and quality of life.

Proposed changes

 The challenges can be managed by implementing various changes. First, comprehensive programs, including community-based organizations, religious groups and institutions, learning institutions, and non-governmental organizations, can be developed to facilitate women’s access to child and maternal healthcare (Schuiling & Likis, 2022). Initiatives to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in access to healthcare and other essential services can be introduced. Adequate financial, educational, and health resources need to be provided to improve women’s health, especially black women. Also, the government can introduce affordable and safe housing measures through incentives and subsidies. Public transportation in rural and underserved areas can be improved to enhance women’s access to healthcare facilities, job opportunities, learning institutions, and other relevant resources and services. Additionally, more job opportunities and economic development need to be ensured to bridge the gap in income level and improve women’s health (Rayan-Gharra et al., 2022).

Risk assessment instruments

 For comprehensive and effective community assessment, the most appropriate instruments are the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), Health Impact Assessment (HIA), Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). CHNA enhances identifying the community’s priority health issues, while HIA evaluates the health impacts of proposed programs, projects, or policies about SODH (Green et al., 2021). SVI assesses the community’s vulnerability to emergencies and disasters based on social factors like housing, education, and poverty level.

Potential health-related risks based on the community age groups

 In Texas, most single mothers and older women are of low socioeconomic status and are likely to suffer from health disparities and poor health outcomes (Schuiling & Likis, 2022). Power imbalance subjects women to a high risk of abuse and violence. For instance, women’s opinions and input are less valued and considered in critical decisions.

Peer 2

The findings related to the social determinants of health within Maricopa County are quite eye-opening and provide significant insight into the ways in which advanced care providers can aid and influence the health of the community. In review of these findings, the most affected group within Maricopa County is that of people of color – out of a population of nearly 2.1 million individuals, 46.8% identify as a person of color (mySidewalk, n.d.). In much of the community, this population is disproportionately affected by barriers to accessible healthcare and unique health challenges (mySidewalk, n.d.). This population is also disproportionately impacted by inadequate and inaccessible reproductive and prenatal care services (mySidewalk, n.d.). While a lack of access to healthcare poses significant public health risks for this population, overt discrimination against this population represents a prevalent systemic issue that must be addressed.

Overt discrimination against people of color can be seen in many facets of the community, including healthcare. Repeated discriminatory attitudes and interactions within the community cause a tense social environment that negatively influences an individuals ability to participate in society and access services. When systemic discrimination exists, unfavorable outcomes are commonplace – such as unemployment, homelessness, suboptimal physical and mental health, and educational disparities (mySidewalk, n.d.). Disparities regarding educational and occupational opportunities are also prevalent and further compounded by other issues disproportionately affecting this population such as lack of reliable transportation or public transportation, complex societal or familial factors, and financial barriers (mySidewalk, n.d.). The physical health of these individuals sees a negative impact from all of these determinants and is exacerbated by disparities in nutrition and access to nutritious foods and venues for physical activity.

Perhaps the biggest challenge in addressing these issues is a financial barrier in the creation and allocation of resources. Maricopa County has seen overall budget cuts in recent years and is expecting another 11% cut for 2025 (Maricopa County, n.d.). Public health and social services are expected to be affected by this, indicating that the introduction and allocation of these services will not see positive change – instead, demand for these services may in fact increase, thus creating further disparity for the populations most affected by the social determinants of health (Maricopa County, n.d.). A potential change to propose is that which aligns with the county’s desire to trim the budget, but to spare the impact that this has on public health and social services. Creating further partnerships with existing corporations and service providers could potentially expand services without strain on the budget set forth by the county.

The Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool offered by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a comprehensive risk assessment instrument that would appropriately assess the community. This instrument can effectively identify social needs that can ultimately negatively impact one’s health such as: food insecurity, housing instability, transportation issues, interpersonal safety and domestic violence, education, mental health, and disability (CMS, n.d.). While this instrument is not considered a standard of care, it is highly encouraged as a tool for providers to better assess and connect patients with vital resources within the community, especially when accessibility issues exist (CMS, n.d.). Health-related risks see an overall increase with age, but some age-specific and age-related risks exist such as: growth and development abnormalities, substance abuse, and family planning concerns (CMS, n.d.). The screening instrument offered is appropriate for patients across the lifespan, making it an effective screening tool for providers in a variety of specialties (CMS, n.d.). Addressing social determinants of health is a key component of providing effective care and optimizing patient outcomes, and is a critical practice for all advanced care providers.

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