PRESIDENTIAL AGENDAS
Vanessa Musaga
Population health topics that rise to the presidential agenda level often highlight critical public health concerns. One such issue is mental health, a topic influenced significantly by social determinants (Smith, 2023). For the purpose of this discussion, we will focus on mental health and examine how two recent U.S. presidents, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, handled this issue.
Social Determinant Affecting Mental Health: One of the most influential social determinants impacting mental health is socioeconomic status. Poverty, income inequality, and lack of access to education and job opportunities can lead to increased stress, limited access to mental health services, and higher prevalence of mental health disorders.
Barack Obama's Approach: During his presidency, Barack Obama took several steps to address mental health issues. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as Obamacare, expanded access to mental health services by mandating that insurance plans cover mental health treatment on par with physical health. This significantly reduced the financial barriers to mental health care, making it more accessible to a broader population. Additionally, Obama's administration increased funding for mental health research and initiatives, reducing the stigma associated with mental health problems and promoting mental health awareness (Johnson & Brown, 2016).
Donald Trump's Approach: Donald Trump's approach to mental health was less comprehensive than Obama's. His administration did not make significant strides in expanding mental health coverage or addressing socioeconomic factors influencing mental health. Although there were efforts to combat the opioid crisis, which has a strong connection to mental health, overall mental health policies were not a primary focus of his presidency (Smith & White, 2019).
What I Would Do Differently: To address the issue of mental health differently, I would propose a more holistic approach. This would involve:
1.
Addressing Social Determinants: Implement policies aimed at reducing income inequality, increasing access to quality education, and creating job opportunities. By improving socioeconomic conditions, we can reduce the stressors that contribute to mental health issues.
2.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Services: Continue the efforts initiated by the ACA to ensure that mental health services are easily accessible and affordable for all. This includes improving reimbursement rates for mental health providers to encourage more professionals to enter this field.
3.
Mental Health Education: Implement mental health education programs in schools and workplaces to reduce stigma and increase awareness. Encourage open conversations about mental health to foster a supportive environment.
4.
Investing in Research: Allocate resources to mental health research to better understand the causes of mental health disorders and develop more effective treatments and interventions (Brown & Johnson, 2022).
In conclusion, addressing mental health issues on the presidential agenda should involve a multi-pronged approach that considers social determinants, access to care, education, and awareness. This approach aims to create a healthier population with improved mental well-being.
References:
Brown, A. B., & Johnson, C. D. (2022). Advancing mental health policies in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 112(3), 315-322.
Johnson, C. D., & Brown, A. B. (2016). The impact of the Affordable Care Act on mental health care access. Health Affairs, 35(6), 1029-1035.
Smith, J. K. (2023). Social determinants of mental health. Journal of Public Health, 45(2), 215-222.
Smith, J. K., & White, L. M. (2019). Mental health policy in the Trump era: Challenges and opportunities. Health Policy and Planning, 34(8), 598-605.
