Rather than focus on the treatment of chronic disease, policies that influence population health tend to emphasize prevention and wellness; the reduction or elimination of waste and the eradication of health disparities based on race, ethnicity, language, income, gender, sexual orientation, disability and other factors. The reasoning is that good health belongs to the whole, not just an individual. (New York State Dept. of Health, n.d.)
Regardless of political affiliation, every citizen has a stake in healthcare policy decisions. Hence, it is little wonder why healthcare items become such high-profile components of presidential agendas. It is also little wonder why they become such hotly debated agenda items.
Consider a topic (mental health, HIV, opioid epidemic, pandemics, obesity, prescription drug prices, or many others) that rises to the presidential level. How did the current and previous presidents handle the problem? What would you do differently?
Full Answer Section
The previous president, Donald Trump, signed into law the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016, which authorized funding for mental health programs and services. However, he also proposed cuts to Medicaid, which would have reduced access to mental health care for millions of Americans.
What would I do differently?
If I were president, I would focus on the following to address mental health:
Increase funding for mental health services: I would increase funding for mental health services to expand access to care, improve the quality of care, and support mental health crisis response services.
Improve parity between mental and physical health coverage: I would work to improve parity between mental and physical health coverage to ensure that people with mental health conditions have equal access to affordable care.
Reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness: I would work to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness by raising awareness and promoting mental health literacy.
Support early intervention and prevention: I would support early intervention and prevention programs to identify and address mental health problems early on.
Promote mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities: I would promote mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities by creating supportive environments and providing resources.
I believe that these actions would help to improve the mental health of all Americans and create a healthier and more productive society.
In addition to the above, I would also focus on the following:
Increase the number of mental health professionals: There is a shortage of mental health professionals in the United States. I would work to increase the number of mental health professionals by providing financial assistance for mental health education and training, and by making it easier for mental health professionals to practice in underserved areas.
Integrate mental health care into primary care: I would work to integrate mental health care into primary care so that people can access mental health care alongside their other health care needs.
Use technology to improve access to mental health care: I would support the use of technology to improve access to mental health care, such as telemedicine and online therapy.
I believe that these actions would make mental health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans.