NUR 4361: Discussion Board 1
Discussion board 1: Identify the vulnerable populations in your community using the guide outline in Stanhope Ch 23.
1. Examine health statistics and demographic data in your geographic area to determine which vulnerable groups are predominant. Look through the Internet for examples of agencies you think provide services to these vulnerable groups. If the agency has a web page, read about the target populations they serve, the types of services they provide, and how they are reimbursed for services. Learn about different agencies. Based on your findings, identify gaps or overlaps in services provided to vulnerable groups in your community. How could you deal with these gaps and overlaps to help clients receive needed services? (one paragraph)
The vulnerable population I have identified in my community is veterans. According to the 2021 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data, the number of veteran population in New Jersey is 437,652. After war, many soldiers face mental, physical, and social issues including depression, brain damage, and PTSD. Witnessing and experiencing life-threatening events, such as disaster, sexual assault, combat, or natural disaster, veterans suffer PTSD. Also, the military environment acts as a catalyst for the development of these mental issues. For instance, separation from loved ones, stressors of combat, and separation from social support systems. Women are more affected compared to men.
2. Identify a specific nurse in your community who works with vulnerable groups. State their name or initials and discuss three roles of this nurse in the community. (one paragraph). Reference the site of information regarding their role.
3. How does the United States (US) welfare system work? Who gets welfare? What should be done to improve the system? Is your state a leader in welfare reform? (one paragraph)
Employed immigrants are twice as likely to be poor as employed natives, and children in immigrant families make up one-quarter of all children below the poverty line. The 1996 welfare law eliminated much of the federal safety net for legal immigrants, including food stamps, Medicaid, and CHIP. Though aimed at immigrants, the impact of these restrictions falls also on children who are U.S. citizens. The children themselves and some immigrant parents remain eligible for benefits, but confusion about eligibility and concerns about the immigration consequences of receiving benefits have lowered participation. Congress should allow states to provide Medicaid, CHIP, and TANF benefits to working poor immigrants and restore food stamp benefits for those who were made ineligible by the welfare law.