Advocacy Through Legislation Essay
Advocacy Through Legislation Essay
Nurses promote healthcare interventions aimed at enhancing quality of life and improving the overall wellness of individuals and health populations. As patient advocates, nurses must understand issues that affect their communities and launch advocacy based on existing evidence on the best interventions to address the issues. Underage drinking is becoming a critical national health issue and affects millions of young people (Finkelman, 2017). As such nurses must work with families and communities as well as other stakeholders to develop solutions to the issue. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of underage drinking and the use of advocacy as a way of generating solutions to the problem.
| Problem
In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues. |
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| The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2022) asserts that underage drinking is a serious public health concern in the United States. The organization opines that alcohol is the most widely used substance among the youth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2022) advances that underage drinking can have serious harmful effects on the young people. In its report, the CDC asserts that about 29% of high school students drink alcohol with about 14% having binge drinking. The report also notes that 5% of drivers drove after taking alcohol while about 17% of people rode with drivers under the influence of alcohol. Excessive drinking among underage individuals has serious effects on their wellness and health based on a host of parameters. Underage drinking increases the risk of accidents, deaths and even serious injuries. CDC (2022) asserts that it leads to school problems like higher rates of absence and lower grads, social issues like fighting and reduced participation in youth initiatives, and legal issues as the young people increase their risk for arrests for driving under influence or physical assault against others. Other dangerous outcomes include unwanted, unplanned and unprotected sexual activities that result to unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Underage alcohol problem may also become chronic leading to addiction and future alcoholism issues. It also leads to increased risk of suicide and homicide alongside physical and sexual violence like rape among other issues (Finan et al., 2019). The implication is that stakeholders, especially nurses and physicians, should work collaboratively with legislators and other administrators to develop interventions to address the issue. | ||
| Idea for Addressing Solution
In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy. |
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Reducing the availability and accessibility of alcohol through regulation of alcohol shops and placing caps on how they should sell their products to customers will be critical in addressing the issue of underage drinking. For instance, reducing their density will increase the cost of getting alcohol as young people will be required to walk longer distances to buy their best brands. Advocacy through legislation means the need to integrate elected officials to develop legislative frameworks at state or federal government’s levels to reduce the density of these establishments (Pedroni et al., 2020). A reduction in the hours of selling alcohol among other measures through a bundled approach will help address the issue and the state government can make regulations to implement these provisions.  Struggling to meet your deadline ?Get assistance on Advocacy Through Legislation Essay done on time by medical experts. Don’t wait – ORDER NOW! Legislation is the best way to advocate for the issue since legislators have a duty to develop interventions that are backed up by laws and institute mandatory requirements for dealers and clients to adhere to the provision. As patient and health populations’ advocates, nurses work with other stakeholders in healthcare to develop effective and evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions to tackle community health issues like underage drinking, not just at state but also at the federal and local levels. Advocacy provides a framework to integrate all key stakeholders like parents, families, schools and their administrators as well as the offenders. The use of advocacy demonstrates the integral role of all people, especially nurses in providing care that leads to better outcomes, especially primary public health interventions. The use of legislation as an advocacy approach underpins the importance of legislation in formulating effective laws to address health-related issues, especially in public health matters. ORDER A PLAGIARISM FREE-PAPER HERE |
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| Research the Issue
Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states. |
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| Evidence 1 | A study in Western Cape, South Africa by Carels et al. (2022) shows that alcohol consumption increases the risk for sexual behaviors among adolescents. The study notes that social influences and interpersonal influences are leading causes of young people engaging in alcohol drinking before attaining their majority age. The study shows that interventions at individual, parental and community levels are essential in addressing the issue because of its effects on the social and personal development of the affected young people. The study asserts that community interventions should focus on drinking conduct, levels of drinking and treatment measures as well as recovery support. | |
| Evidence 2 | The article by Stellefson et al. (2018) focuses on different resources that stakeholdrs can use to reduce risks associated with underage drinking and its related harms. Using social ecological perspectives, the study presents different interventions at individual and environmental-level to determine the best resources to lower the use of alcohol among college students and related harms. The study notes that individuals establish drinking habits before enrolling for their college education. Therefore, this study proposes the need to identify these risks before one can join college and entrench the developed drinking habits. | |
| Evidence 3 | The study by Sanchez-Puertas et al. (2022) conducts a narrative and critical review of recent publications on ways to prevent alcohol consumption among children and youth in different community settings. The study notes that school-based alcohol prevention programs are relevant clinically to deter alcohol consumption among children. These programs increase attitudes and intentions on prevention conduct and reduce social norms as well as acceptance of alcohol. They also lower intoxication and increase perceptions concerning the negative effects of drinking. | |
| Stakeholder Support
Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support. |
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| Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1 | The stakeholders who will support this proposed idea include parents, community members and stakeholders like teachers and religious leaders because of the adverse and harmful effects of alcohol. The community has several outlets selling alcohol and have no regulations, especially on hours of operating. The implication is that more young people become vulnerable to the alcohol because they can easily access it in shops and this promotes binge drinking. | |
| Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2 | The state and local governments will support this idea because it will allow them to collect more revenues from productivity of the young people as they engage in better activities to generate incomes. State and local governments spend substantial resources to offer treatment to individuals suffering from alcohol poisoning and injuries as well as rehabilitation programs. Excessive use of alcohol leads to poor productivity and even performance a school. Therefore, the proposed idea is essential in addressing these issues. | |
| Stakeholder Opposition
Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would be in opposition and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations. |
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| Owners of the Alcohol Establishments | The owners of these outlets will oppose the ideas because of their business interests as it reduces the operating hours and the proximity of their establishments. Employees working in these establishments will oppose the change as it will mean losing their livelihoods and sources of income. It means that limited jobs will be available in the sector. However, the owners should understand that they have a social corporate responsibility that entails protecting communities and customers from excessive drinking and selling alcohol to underage individuals. They should also be reminded about the need to adhere to set regulations. | |
| Alcohol Manufacturers | Alcohol manufacturers will also oppose this idea as it means that they will have reduced output and production because of a decline in demand. The move will have serious effects on their market share and their overall revenues as well as productivity. However, they should understand that developing interventions to limit consumption of alcohol is a community initiative aimed at protecting the lives of young people. They should know that they have a social corporate responsibility to serve others in the community despite the need to make profits. | |
| Financial Incentives/Costs
In no more than 250 words, summarize the financial impact for the issue and the idea (added costs, cost savings, increased revenue, etc.). Provided support. |
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The proposed idea will result in positive financial incentives in the long-term for the community and the individuals. The financial burden of funding programs on treatment of alcoholism and its associated effects like addiction will be mitigated through this proposed intervention. Excessive and early consumption of alcohol has adverse effects on the growth and development of young people, especially brain development and functioning (Pedroni et al., 2020). Alcohol use increases the risk of fatal accidents, suicide contemplation and ideation as well as engagement in violence, especially sexual assault. The treatment of such events leads to financial burden not just for the individuals but also their families and communities. The implication is that families, communities and local governments are compelled to allocate limited health resources to cater to such needs among the affected individuals. The resources spent on treatment of substance abuse conditions, sexually transmitted infections and injuries pose a rise in medical expenses yet prevention is better (Sánchez-Puertas et al., 2022). For instance, a CDC report notes that in 2010, the federal government spent over $24 billion as economic costs related to excessive use of alcohol among the young people. Governments at the state and federal levels invest substantial resources to enhance and provide education and prevent school dropout and engagement in criminal activities. Therefore, the proposed idea will help parents to save funds and negative effects of alcoholism that may lead to loss of school and interest in education. Crime is closely associated with alcohol use and such events lead to increased criminal activities. The implication is that this idea will help save financial resources among all the stakeholders.
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| Legislature: Information Needed and Process for Proposal
Discuss the how to advocate for your proposal using legislation. Include the following: |
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| Provide the name and complete contact information for the legislator. | Tom Suozzi (Democratic Party)
Contact: 407 Cannon House Office Building (202) 225-3335 Website: https://suozzi.house.gov |
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| Describe the steps for how you would present this to your legislator. | I will contact the legislator’s office to have an appointment and present the issue of underage drinking in our community. The presentation will be through an evidence-based article to show the negative effects of underage drinking on individuals, families and the community. The presentation will also focus on the causes of the problem, especially a huge number of alcohol outlets selling these products to underage individuals at all times. The presentation will then offer a solution which requires legislation to be enacted by the state government. The proposed idea is to reduce the number of outlets and their density as well as regulate operational hours. I will invite the legislator to ask me clarifications and questions concerning this idea. | |
| Outline the process if your legislator chooses to introduce your idea as a bill to congress. | The legislator will draft a bill and introduce it to Congress. The bill will then be referred to a substantive committee, in this case, the health committee, to study it based on its content and invite stakeholders to offer their views. Upon the completion, the committee will make necessary changes and recommendations before passing it and taking it back to the House for debate and other amendments. The legislator will lobby for support for the bill so that it can pass and be voted for in the Senate after hearing and debate. The bill will then be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In case of any differences, Congress will form a conference committee to iron them out before approval. The president will then ascent to the bill to make it law and take effects as scheduled. | |
| Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy
In no more than 250 words, discuss how principles of a Christian worldview lend support to legislative advocacy in health care without bias. Be specific as to how these principles help advocate for inclusiveness and positive health outcomes for all populations, including those more vulnerable, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion/belief, etc. |
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| The Christian worldview has a host of principles that include solidarity, human dignity, love and respect as well as sacrifice for the common good of the majority. Advocacy, especially legislative, is essential for vulnerable populations because it demonstrates one’s commitment to the Christian values of sacrifice and attainment of common good. Nurses as healthcare providers have a duty to promote and respect sanctity of life since man is created in God’s image based on the idea of Imago Dei. The dignity of an individual supersedes any aspect of individualism and requires sacrificial actions and decisions like advocacy for measures to prevent underage drinking because of its devastating effects on the minors, their families, and even the community and the government at different levels.
Nurses and even the owners of these outlets must know that they are part of a community and any adverse effects and events stand to water down efforts to improve its welfare. They should work for the common good and love for their community. These principles underpin the use of advocacy because it offers opportunities to include all stakeholders without any bias or favoritism. These principles ensure that advocates on such issues do not do it for self-glory but for the benefits of the common good of all people, irrespective of their socioeconomic conditions and political affiliations. The proposed idea to address underage drinking is for the common good and benefits of the victims as their development has effects on community. The prevention of underage drinking using legislative actions will enhance the wellbeing of the community and the health of those involved. |
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Conclusion
Nurses are patient advocates and can use advocacy to influence the formulation of policies for the common good of the majority. The proposed solution to address underage drinking is essential to helping community and its inhabitants to reduce associated financial burdens and promotion of wellness among the individuals. As such, advocacy through legislation will help promote Christian principles of respect and dignity for those impacted by the issue of underage drinking
References
Carels, C., Florence, M., Adams, S., Sinclair, D. L., & Savahl, S. (2022). Youths’ perceptions of the relation between alcohol
consumption and risky sexual behaviour in the Western Cape, South Africa: a qualitative study. Child indicators research, 1-25. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-022-09913-9
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2022). Underage Drinking.
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
Finan, L. J., Lipperman-Kreda, S., Grube, J. W., Balassone, A., & Kaner, E. (2020). Alcohol marketing and adolescent and young
adult alcohol use behaviors: A systematic review of cross-sectional studies. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, Supplement, (s19), 42-56. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsads.2020.s19.42
Finkelman. (2017). Professional nursing concepts: competencies for quality leadership. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2022). Underage Drinking.
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking
Pedroni, C., Dujeu, M., Lebacq, T., Desnouck, V., Holmberg, E., & Castetbon, K. (2021). Alcohol consumption in early adolescence:
Associations with sociodemographic and psychosocial factors according to gender. PloS one, 16(1), e0245597. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245597
Sánchez-Puertas, R., Vaca-Gallegos, S., López-Núñez, C., & Ruisoto, P. (2022). Prevention of alcohol consumption programs for
children and youth: a narrative and critical review of recent publications. Frontiers in psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.821867
Stellefson, M., Barry, A. E., Stewart, M., Paige, S. R., Apperson, A., Garris, E., & Russell, A. (2019). Resources to reduce underage
drinking risks and associated harms: social ecological perspectives. Health promotion practice, 20(2), 160-166. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524839918814736
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Nurses often become motivated to change aspects within the larger health care system based on their real-world experience. As such, many nurses take on an advocacy role to influence a change in regulations, policies, and laws that govern the larger health care system.
For this assignment, identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity for advocacy through legislation. Research the issue and use the “Advocacy Through Legislation” template to complete this assignment.
You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.