Learning Experience 1
Health Disparities paper was a true learning and eye opening experience for me to write. It was also significant learning experience for me because I learned that disparities existed in all levels of society. Inequality may exist between races due to income, education and social status. Health disparity is often seen as inequality between races but race is simply one factor out of several. It is important to me that the health disparities we face in this country are addressed not because of race or
income but because it is the right and ethical thing to do. This paper opened my mind to the short falls and possibilities that we as a country have with these important health issues. The paper goes into the top three health disparities in this country infant mortality, cancer screening, and cardiovascular disease. It talks about the factors that contribute to these health disparities such as income, education, and location or environment are explained in the report. I feel that this paper is a good example of the societal health component of program outcome number two. It addresses society in this country, and the prevalence health related differences within our community’s.
Learning Experience 2
The paper titled HS 205 Final was an example of the community involvement and research I did for program outcome number two. During the community research, five organizations were reviewed and studied. Each of the organizations centered on prevention and each one offered a great insight into public health in our community. I picked the Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix as my focus for this project. During this research, I learned so much about the volunteers who help to make this organization run, and the women who utilize the center for health care and support. They help women of all ages who come from various social and economic backgrounds within the community. I learned about community education classes that help teach parenting classes and different parenting styles. New mothers learn about the different stages of child development and resources that can provide further assistance. This project showed me what truly passionate people are capable of when they apply their knowledge. The organization had several health care providers who volunteered their time and expertise to help others at no cost. Maternal health is an important component of our countries over health status. I wanted to help so following this paper I started to collect baby clothing and equipment that family’s might need and donated it to the center and have been doing it ever since.
Learning Experience 3
Another component of the program outcome number two is the understanding of the interconnectedness as it relates to health. We are more than just a group of people, existing, living apart from all others, we are all connected and what we do and say can affect others. I feel the paper on the healing touch is a good example of this interconnectedness, and the role it can play in our healthcare, society and in “our” lives. The paper starts off with a personal story about the power of compassion, and the healing capabilities touch. This experience in the program reinforces my belief that our actions as healthcare providers should always take into account the person, their family, and the part they play in our community. Interconnectedness is more than a sense of belonging to something greater than our self; it is a bridge from the healer to the inflicted. If the interconnectedness of the healthcare providers and public health is not addressed, at the personal or individual level first we may start to lose our sense of compassion and understanding. All the complexities of society with its dynamics and intricacies require understanding and compassion, if we are to address any of the health concerns we face as a nation and world.
Joshua Macey 