Posted: April 27th, 2023

Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Populations
________________________________________
After reviewing Module 6: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following;
How effective are the resources in your community for the vulnerable populations we have discussed over the past 2 weeks? In which areas is there room for improvement?

Submission Instructions:
• Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.
Module 6: Lecture Materials & Resources

Exploration of Vulnerable Populations
________________________________________
Read and watch the lecture resources & materials below early in the week to help you respond to the discussion questions and to complete your assignment(s).
(Note: The citations below are provided for your research convenience. You should always cross-reference the current APA guide for correct styling of citations and references in your academic work.)
Read
• Rector, C. & Stanley, M.J. (2022).
o Chapter 23 – Adult Women and Men
o Chapter 24 – Older Adults: Aging in Place
o Chapter 25 – Working with Vulnerable People
o Chapter 26 – Clients with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses
o Chapter 27 – Behavioral Health in the Community

Watch
• None.

Supplemental Materials & Resources
• Explore at least 1 of the E-Parent Resource GuidesLinks to an external site.
EParent. (2021). Resource guide directories archives. Special Needs Resource. https://www.eparent.com/special-needs-resource-directory/wpbdp_category/resource-guide-directories/
• Health Insurance in the United States 2015 reportDownload Health Insurance in the United States 2015 report
Barnett, J. C., & Vornovitsky, M. S. (2016, September). Health insurance coverage in the United States: 2015. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2016/demo/p60-257.pdf
• Visit the CINAHL Complete under the A-to-Z Databases on the University Library’sLinks to an external site. website and locate the article below:
o Read Peterson, K., Sharps, P., Banyard, V., Powers, R.A., Kaukinen, C., Gross, D., et al. (2016). An evaluation of two dating violence prevention programs on a college campus. Journal of Interpersonal Violence,0886260516636069, first published on March 13, 2016. doi: 10.1177/0886260516636069
• Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE)Links to an external site.
Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE). (n.d.). Who we are. https://www.nicheprogram.org/Links to an external site.
• Family Promise of Grand Rapids (6:03)
Scott Allen Creative. (2015, April 8). Family promise of Grand Rapids: Overcoming homelessness [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/4OeWyGj66fE
Family Promise of Grand Rapids: Overcoming HomelessnessLinks to an external site.

++++++

In recent years, the issue of vulnerable populations has gained increasing attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, and social workers. Vulnerable populations refer to groups of people who are at an increased risk of poor health outcomes and social disadvantages due to their demographic, economic, or health status. These groups include children, elderly adults, individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and behavioral health issues, among others. The effectiveness of resources in communities for these populations varies, and there is still room for improvement in several areas.

One area where resources can be improved is in the provision of healthcare services to vulnerable populations. According to the Health Insurance in the United States 2015 report, approximately 10.5% of the US population lacked health insurance coverage in 2015, which is a significant barrier to healthcare access for vulnerable populations. This is particularly true for individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses who require ongoing medical attention. One solution to this problem is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility in all states to provide more affordable healthcare coverage for low-income individuals.

Another area where resources can be improved is in the provision of mental health services for vulnerable populations. The Journal of Interpersonal Violence article evaluated two dating violence prevention programs on a college campus and found that they were effective in reducing dating violence among college students. However, vulnerable populations such as elderly adults and individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses may face challenges accessing such programs. Therefore, community organizations and healthcare providers should collaborate to provide mental health services that are culturally competent and accessible to all individuals, including vulnerable populations.

The third area where resources can be improved is in the provision of housing services for vulnerable populations. Family Promise of Grand Rapids is an excellent example of an organization that provides temporary shelter, food, and support to homeless families with children. Such organizations are essential in providing housing and other basic needs to vulnerable populations. However, there is a need for more permanent housing solutions for vulnerable populations, such as affordable housing options and policies that protect renters’ rights and prevent homelessness.

In conclusion, resources in communities for vulnerable populations have made significant strides in recent years, but there is still room for improvement. Health insurance coverage, mental health services, and housing services are some areas where resources can be improved to better serve vulnerable populations. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and social workers should collaborate to provide culturally competent and accessible services to all individuals, including those who are at increased risk of poor health outcomes and social disadvantages.