Population Health Advocacy Community health MOD1 Essay

Population Health Advocacy Community health MOD1 Essay

Population Health Advocacy Community health MOD1
Population Health Advocacy Community health MOD1
The use of opioid medications has cast a dark cloud over the healthcare system in the United States, specifically in Arizona. It is regrettable that problems related to opioids, such as injury and overdose, continue to afflict many people, families, and communities across the country. In the United States, opioid addiction continues to be a leading cause of injury-related deaths. Recent data from 2021 shows that there were 107,622 drug overdose deaths in the country (CDC, 2022). This crisis is also affecting Arizona, specifically Maricopa County. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) reports that within this county, there are approximately 46.7 non-fatal opioid overdoses per 100,000 residents and a rate of 22.3 fatal opioid overdoses per 100,000 population (City of Phoenix, 2023). Even more discouraging, the deaths of 991 individuals in Phoenix alone were attributed to drug overdoses in 2022 (City of Phoenix, 2023). These alarming figures highlight the magnitude of the issue and underscore the urgency to tackle Arizona’s opioid crisis. This essay examines Senate Bill 1254, a potential measure for regulating opioids, and emphasizes how advocacy is crucial in reshaping healthcare policies to confront this public health emergency directly.
Overview of SB1254
Senate Bill 1254 (SB1254), titled “Opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal,” emerges as a beacon of hope in the battle against the opioid pandemic in Arizona. The legislation addresses crucial aspects of opioid prescription, distribution, and regulation (Arizona SB1254, 2023). SB1254 is a measure sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp, Senator Sonny Borrelli, Senator David Gowan, Senator Steve Kaiser, and Representative Austin Smith. As the primary cause of the opioid epidemic, it focuses on controlled substances, specifically opioids. The proposed legislation enforces rigorous criteria and labeling regulations to reduce the persistent increase in opioid addiction and deaths caused by opioids. It tackles multiple concerns related to the prescription process for controlled substances, emphasizing that prescriptions must now include detailed information such as the prescriber’s name, address, and federal registration number. It restricts prescription orders for Schedule II controlled substances to a single drug per prescription form. Therefore, this provision is designed to enhance oversight over these potent drugs known for their high addictive potential.
The legislation highlights the importance of pharmacists in recording any modifications to prescription orders and ensuring transparency during the dispensing process. Importantly, SB1254 also addresses the need for electronic prescriptions, particularly for opioids classified as Schedule II controlled substances. It recognizes that electronic prescriptions have potential benefits in reducing errors and preventing misuse (McLeod et al., 2019). In today’s digital era of healthcare, requiring electronic prescriptions aligns with modern practices. Therefore, SB1254 is a comprehensive effort aimed at addressing the opioid crisis by updating healthcare regulations accordingly.
Importance of Addressing the Opioid Crisis
The monitoring and management of opioid prescriptions go beyond being simply a policy concern; it is a necessity in the effort to address this crisis. Opioids, although valuable for pain relief when used appropriately, pose significant risks such as misuse, dependency, and overdose (Bolshakova et al., 2019). They have both beneficial effects for therapy and inherent hazards that must be considered. Regulating opioid prescriptions is crucial in preventing unnecessary harm. Effective regulation can decrease over-prescription rates, prevent diversion onto illegal markets, and mitigate the risk of opioid addiction. Senate Bill 1254 marks a notable stride towards achieving better control over the ongoing opioid epidemic by addressing aspects of prescribing practices that play a vital role in this endeavor.
Engaging in advocacy efforts is crucial to strengthen this policy further. Advocates can collaborate with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure the bill’s successful implementation and identify potential improvement areas (Brassard et al., 2020). They can raise awareness about the importance of this policy, underscoring its alignment with addressing the pressing issue of opioid abuse. Additionally, they can contribute to public health campaigns aimed at educating healthcare professionals, patients, and communities on the dangers associated with opioids and promoting responsible usage of these medications (Brassard et al., 2020). Supporting SB1254 and advocating for its effective enforcement can take a significant stride toward reducing the harm caused by opioids and saving lives.
Advocacy Role for Healthcare Consumers and Professionals
In Arizona’s multifaceted fight against the opioid crisis, the dedication is to protecting the rights and well-being of healthcare consumers while also supporting responsible opioid prescription practices among healthcare professionals. As an advocate, one aims to educate and support healthcare consumers by providing vital information about the risks associated with opioids (Van Cleave et al., 2021). With the belief that knowledge empowers individuals, the advocator’s role involves spreading crucial information on preventing overdoses, managing medications responsibly, and exploring alternative options to opioids when appropriate. As part of their advocacy work, they strive to encourage individuals facing challenges with opioid addiction or those in need of improved pain management strategies to seek assistance promptly. Doing so can prevent harm and strengthen our community’s health and well-being.

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In their efforts to promote the judicious utilization of opioids, their focus is directed toward healthcare professionals who play a pivotal role in mitigating the opioid epidemic. As a mediator between experts and policymakers, they aim to cultivate cooperation and ensure that healthcare providers possess up-to-date knowledge regarding prevailing optimal methodologies (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). They emphasize the importance of healthcare professionals having the necessary expertise and resources to uphold ethical standards when prescribing and dispensing opioids. They believe that implementing Senate Bill 1254 is essential in achieving this goal, and they are committed to promoting its integration into everyday healthcare practices. Their objective is to create a supportive environment where healthcare professionals can excel in providing optimal care for their patients while ensuring patient safety and ethical delivery of healthcare services. As advocates, they aim to facilitate positive transformation by connecting healthcare consumers and professionals, with a focus on reducing the adverse effects of opioid usage and prioritizing patients’ and caregivers’ welfare.

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Impact of SB1254 on the Public and Particular Populations
Senate Bill 1254 has wide-ranging implications for Arizona’s general public and specific population groups. This policy has a dual impact, targeting both the overall population and those who are particularly vulnerable to the opioid crisis. For the general public, SB1254 represents a significant advancement in addressing the devastating consequences of opioid misuse. It promotes safer practices regarding prescription medications, thereby reducing access to opioids for non-medical purposes (Van Cleave et al., 2021). To address the widespread issue of opioid addiction and its associated consequences, a proposed legislation called SB1254 aims to implement more stringent measures in the prescription and distribution of opioids. The primary objective is to promote responsible usage of these drugs, limiting their use only for medical purposes while mitigating risks such as dependence or misuse.
Certain groups, such as individuals suffering from chronic pain, will be directly impacted by SB1254. This policy has the potential to bring about alterations in opioid prescription practices, potentially resulting in more rigorous evaluation and supervision. While these precautions are crucial for public safety, they may also affect those who depend on opioids to manage their pain (Van Cleave et al., 2021). Healthcare providers will face increased scrutiny and must comply with new regulations outlined in SB1254. They now bear a responsibility to make well-informed choices regarding the medical necessity of using opioids, which could ultimately lead to shifts in how pain is managed. Implementing SB1254 could have significant implications for individuals in addiction treatment programs. The policy can facilitate better tracking and monitoring of controlled substance distribution by focusing on electronic prescriptions and improved documentation. This has the potential to decrease the diversion of prescription opioids into illicit markets, which may positively impact the effectiveness of addiction treatment programs by reducing opioid availability for misuse.

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Collaborating with Stakeholders to Promote the Cause
To effectively advance the cause of responsible opioid prescribing and address the opioid crisis through Senate Bill 1254, it is imperative to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders. These stakeholders should include healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, who directly influence prescription management (Gerlach et al., 2020). Their involvement can entail providing educational resources, promoting compliance with SB1254 guidelines, and advocating for responsible opioid prescribing practices. Patient advocacy groups also play a crucial role in amplifying advocacy efforts by raising awareness among patients and offering support services—especially for those dealing with chronic pain or recovering from substance use disorders. Additionally, collaboration with addiction treatment centers and rehabilitation organizations is essential to gain insights into how these policies affect individuals seeking assistance for their opioid addiction and establish effective pathways toward treatment opportunities.
The collaboration of law enforcement agencies is crucial in combating illicit opioid distribution and prescription fraud, making their cooperation essential for enforcing policies. State health departments, such as the Arizona Department of Health Services, play a critical role by providing necessary data and insights that support evidence-based advocacy efforts and ensure that policies align with public health needs. Building relationships with legislators and policymakers who introduced and supported SB1254 is vital to gaining ongoing support and addressing any proposed amendments effectively (Rasheed et al., 2020). Local community-based organizations have valuable knowledge about community challenges, which can be leveraged to lead grassroots advocacy efforts at the community level. Educational institutions like medical schools and nursing programs can also contribute by educating future healthcare professionals on SB1254’s provisions and emphasizing responsible opioid prescribing practices. Engaging in collaborative efforts with these key stakeholders can establish a unified approach that ensures the policy’s effectiveness and addresses the ever-changing complexities of the opioid crisis.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis in Arizona is a pressing and complex issue that requires comprehensive solutions and unwavering support. The statistics are disheartening, with a rising number of deaths caused by overdoses, causing immense devastation to our communities. Senate Bill 1254 provides hope as it offers a multifaceted approach to tackling the opioid pandemic. By implementing strict regulations on prescription practices and strengthening oversight of controlled substances, SB1254 has the potential to make a significant impact in reducing the opioid crisis. Advocacy plays an integral role in driving the success of this policy by emphasizing awareness-raising efforts, educating stakeholders, and fostering collaboration among diverse groups for its effective implementation.
As a proponent for the well-being of healthcare consumers and professionals, the focus is on empowering individuals with information, advocating for responsible opioid usage, and fostering communication between healthcare providers and policymakers. The impact of SB1254 extends to both the general public as well as specific populations to reduce the harmful effects associated with opioid misuse. Collaborating effectively with critical stakeholders can address this urgent public health concern and positively change our healthcare system. Togetherness can make significant progress toward saving lives, strengthening communities, and ultimately overcoming the challenges posed by the opioid crisis.

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References
Arizona SB1254. (2023). LegiScan. https://legiscan.com/AZ/text/SB1254/id/2772929
Bolshakova, M., Bluthenthal, R., & Sussman, S. (2019). Opioid use and misuse: health impact, prevalence, correlates and interventions. Psychology & Health, 34(9), 1105–1139. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2019.1622013
Brassard, A., Quinn, W. V., Little, P., & DiChiacchio, T. (2020). Advocacy for Nurses and Consumers. In Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership: A Global Perspective (pp. 313–326). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20550-8_23
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023, August 8). Understanding the opioid overdose epidemic. Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/epidemic.html
City of Phoenix. (2023). Health office opioid facts. Phoenix.gov. https://www.phoenix.gov/healthsite/Pages/Opioid-Facts.aspx
Gerlach, N., Michiels-Corsten, M., Viniol, A., Schleef, T., Junius-Walker, U., Krause, O., & Donner-Banzhoff, N. (2020). Professional roles of general practitioners, community pharmacists and specialist providers in collaborative medication deprescribing – a qualitative study. BMC Family Practice, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-020-01255-1
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Participation of nurse managers in the health policy process: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators. International Nursing Review, 68(3), 388–398. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12657
McLeod, M., Karampatakis, G. D., Heyligen, L., McGinley, A., & Franklin, B. D. (2019). The impact of implementing a hospital electronic prescribing and administration system on clinical pharmacists’ activities – a mixed methods study. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-3986-4
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, extent of involvement, and the impact of nurses’ involvement in politics and policy making in in last two decades: An integrative review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 446–455. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12567
Van Cleave, J. H., Booker, S. Q., Powell-Roach, K., Liang, E., & Kawi, J. (2021). A scoping review of nursing’s contribution to the management of patients with pain and opioid misuse. Pain Management Nursing: Official Journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses, 22(1), 58–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2020.11.007

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Population Health Advocacy

Human trafficking, extreme poverty, preventable diseases, the opioid crisis and the lack of adequate low-income housing are a few current societal concerns worthy of social change. Nurses and healthcare leaders are in a good position to shape and influence health care policy.

Think of a cause you believe in strongly. Access the website of your elected officials either at the local, state, or federal level using the following link: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/ or use the website of your choice. Explore some of the issues and committees your legislators are involved in and select at least one that interest you or align with your beliefs. You may also contact your legislator’s office and speak to his or her legislative assistant by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard operator at (202) 224-3121 for the Senate and (202) 225-3121 for the House. Legislator assistants are very knowledgeable about the legislator’s agenda and can provide a wealth of information.

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This assignment will be at least 1500 words or more. This week reflect on advocacy, collaborative partnerships with other health care practitioners and stakeholders, and the policy making process and write a paper that addresses the following:

Describe the policy issue, policy problem of interest or a particular bill that your legislator has introduced.

Elaborate on why the policy matters and what you can possibly do to strengthen the policy?

Briefly define the role you would play as an advocate for the healthcare consumer and healthcare professionals.

Explain how the policy impacts the public at large or a particular population.

What stakeholders would you collaborate with to promote the cause?