Policy design
Prepare your final policy design paper (10-12 pages, not including the executive summary) in a well-organized document that includes the following sections:
Executive Summary.
Write a one-page summary of the important items in your document (This should be written last).
Introduction to the Policy Topic.
Clearly state the policy topic you have chosen to analyze and the state or county it relates to.
Justify why this is a public health issue by describing the scope, magnitude, and impact of the problem. Include who is affected, how big the problem is, and what contributes to it.
Historical Context.
Discuss the historical background of the policy topic by highlighting significant events, developments, or legislative actions that have shaped the policy topic over time.
Explain how the historical context has influenced current public health practices and policies related to this issue.
Justification for the Policy Analysis.
Explain why this policy topic is important to analyze and what makes it a critical public health issue.
Discuss the potential impact of the policy topic on population health, considering both positive and negative outcomes.
Discuss at least one existing regulation or policy related to the chosen topic? How effective is it? Highlight any gaps or challenges in current policy approaches that your analysis addressed. (If there are no existing regulations or policies explain why a new policy is necessary and what gaps or challenges exist that current policies do not address.)
Sample Answer
Executive Summary
This policy paper examines [policy topic] in [state/county]. The issue is significant due to its impact on [affected population] and its contribution to [negative health outcomes]. The historical context of [policy topic] reveals [key historical events and trends]. To address the identified gaps in current policies, this paper proposes a new policy that [policy goal]. This policy is expected to [positive outcomes] by [mechanism of action].
Introduction to the Policy Topic
[Clearly state the policy topic and its relevance to public health.]
Justification for the Policy Analysis