Health Risks in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

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Table of Contents

Health Disparity
Environmental and Occupational Risks: Unintended Injuries and Violence
References

Healthcare systems should be developed in such a way that they meet the needs of all citizens. Governments should present adequate resources and finances to deliver positive results. Unfortunately, the problem of healthcare disparity continues to face many populations or communities in the United States. This paper begins by describing infant mortality as one of the health disparities affecting Anne Arundel County. It goes further to propose a powerful strategy to deal with it. The discussion also identifies an effective plan for reducing unintentional injuries.

Health Disparity

Infant Mortality

The selected health disparity for Anne Arundel County is that of infant mortality (IM). From 2010-2016, the IM rates for minority groups were quite high compared to that of the white population (“Anne Arundel,” n.d.). Williams and Purdie-Vaughns (2016) indicate that African Americans’ infant mortality rates are 2.2 times higher than those of the majority groups. This means that more African American children below the age of a year die in the county. This disparity should, therefore, be addressed using evidence-based measures.

This health disparity can be analyzed using the economic, social, and environmental factors in this county. From a social perspective, African Americans (and other minority groups) record higher infant mortality rates because they embrace traditional healing practices. Women from such cultural groups are required to take up household chores or roles. This social practice makes it impossible for them to focus on their maternal health goals (Lowe, Chen, & Huang, 2016). Traditional medical practices also contribute to this disparity. Underage girls from minority groups have increased chances of becoming pregnant. Due to the lack of adequate education and resources, such women find it hard to monitor their maternal health statuses.

Individuals from minority races such as African Americans lack adequate economic opportunities. This gap explains why many women lack jobs and stable careers. This problem makes it impossible for them to get quality and timely maternal health services (Singh, Kogan, & Slifkin, 2017). On the other hand, majority races tend to have adequate resources and opportunities, thereby being in a position to afford high-quality maternal health services.

High IM rates are also attributable to environmental conditions. For example, many African Americans and minority groups live in unhealthy surroundings. This means that different women are at risk of deadly diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis. Domestic violence is also believed to contribute to this health disparity (“Anne Arundel,” n.d.). African Americans women are exposed to secondhand smoke or use cigarettes. Some females are usually required to seek permission from their husbands or seniors before taking their sick babies to the hospital. These factors have contributed to this disparity.

Strategy

Anne Arundel County stands a chance to benefit from an evidence-based strategy to reduce this disparity. The most appropriate approach needs to focus on the health outcomes of all women from every racial background. This initiative will ensure that those who are pregnant receive adequate prenatal care and support. Underage women should also be sensitized about the dangers of early pregnancies, how to prevent tem, and the importance of timely medical checkups (Williams & Purdie-Vaughns, 2016). Appropriate prenatal medical care and support should be available to all pregnant women. Delivery clinics can also be introduced in every community.

Women should always be encouraged to visit health centers frequently throughout their pregnancies. Health facilities in regions with more African Americans and other minorities should be equipped with adequate resources. Social workers can also be empowered to offer adequate maternal support and care. Those who have given birth should be guided to take good care of their babies. Newborns can receive timely immunizations and medical care until the age of five (Lowe et al., 2016). New job opportunities should be available to women. Such a strategy will address this disparity and support the needs of many children in Anne Arundel County.

Environmental and Occupational Risks: Unintended Injuries and Violence

People are usually exposed to occupational and environmental risks that can result in mortality and morbidity. Individuals working in unsafe environments have increased chances of being injured. Violence in the workplace and at home can also result in morbidity (Quigley, 2016). These health challenges can, therefore, be addressed using an effective risk reduction strategy.

Risk Reduction Strategy

The most appropriate risk reduction strategy for unintentional injuries should be supported by different stakeholders. This approach should begin by implementing appropriate policies and laws to monitor the effectiveness of working environments. There is a need for companies to support their employees using adequate protection or safety equipment. Hazardous materials have to be stored properly. Surrounding environments should also be monitored in order to prevent any form of injury (Aktürk & Erci, 2016). For instance, footpaths and playing grounds can be managed properly. Road signs should also be installed strategically.

There is a need for members of the public to be educated about occupational and environmental risks. They should also be sensitized about the dangers of violence. Those who abuse others can be identified and punished accordingly. Any injury arising from a person’s ignorance or inability to protect others should be addressed using legal means (Aktürk & Erci, 2016). Existing policies on workplace and domestic safety have to be implemented efficiently. The combined use of these initiatives will reduce the risk for intentional injury and improve the health outcomes of many people in Anne Arundel County.

Public Health Communication Initiative

Background Information
Unintentional injuries have been on the rise in the different parts across the United States. This health problem affects young children, the elderly, and adults (Quigley, 2016). Those who are distressed by this health problem find it hard to pursue their academic, personal, or career goals.
Potential Causes
The major causes of this public health problem include driving under influence of alcohol, domestic violence, binge drinking, poor working environments, recklessness, and falls (Aktürk & Erci, 2016).
Intended Message
A coordinated approach can ensure that the problem of unintentional injuries is addressed in our community.
What Should We Do?

Avoid binge drinking
Drink responsibility
Label slippery floors and tiles
Cover open ditches and/or trenches
Monitor children continuously
Report any form of domestic violence
Employers should provide safe working environments
Personal protective equipment (PPEs) should be available to employees

What is the Role of the Community?

Community members should identify areas that can increase the risk of intentional injuries.
Violent people should be reported to the authorities.
Proper programs and campaigns should be implemented to educate individuals about the potential causes of injuries and the most appropriate preventative measures (Quigley, 2016).
Areas for improvement should also be identified continuously in order to deal with this health problem.

Concluding Remarks
The involvement of different stakeholders, community members, and organizations will ensure that this public health challenge is addressed. Consequently, more people will lead quality lives and achieve their potential.

References

Aktürk, Ü., & Erci, B. (2016). Determination of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding factors causing home accidents and prevention in mothers with a child aged 0-5 years. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(18), 142-153.

Anne Arundel. (n.d.). Web.

Lowe, M., Chen, D., & Huang, S. (2016). Social and cultural factors affecting maternal health in rural Gambia: An exploratory qualitative study. PLoS One, 11(9), e0163653. Web.

Quigley, P. A. (2016). Evidence levels: Applied to select fall and fall injury prevention practices. Rehabilitation Nursing, 41, 5-15. Web.

Singh, G. K., Kogan, M. D., & Slifkin, R. T. (2017). Widening disparities in infant mortality and life expectancy between Appalachia and the rest of the United States, 1990-2013. Health Affairs, 36(2), 1423-1432. Web.

Williams, D. R., & Purdie-Vaughns, V. (2016). Needed interventions to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in health. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 41(4), 627-651. Web.

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