Maternal mortality is the term used to describe the death of a mother as a result of complications during pregnancy, complications during childbirth, or termination of pregnancy. Although the state of California has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates out of any state within the United States, 91 Californians passed away within a year of having a child in 2021; this statistic illustrates an urgent need for increased efforts to decrease the maternal mortality rate within the state. This proposal mandates that maternal healthcare providers throughout the state of California educate expectant mothers regarding the maternal-mortality-contributing conditions preeclampsia and eclampsia in order to increase awareness and mitigate the effects of these conditions. This education may be provided through physical and/or online educational resources made accessible to the pregnant individual at earliest during their first trimester and no later than the beginning of their third trimester of pregnancy. The preventative measure of early education regarding these conditions would play an essential role in decreasing the maternal mortality rate through educating expectant mothers regarding signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and eclampsia, increasing chances of early detection and therefore preventing mortal outcomes.
Access to a healthy and reliable source of food is vital for the well-being of today's youth. Currently, many individuals within the US face food insecurity, which is rooted in socioeconomic and racial inequities. This also has implications in the mental and physical health of today's children. There is a need to ensure they have access to a healthy and consistent food source and that is exactly what this proposal mandates. Through the addition of a community garden within every school district, we can ensure children have steady nutritional access. Further, this proposal has educational benefits to children, teaching them healthy eating habits that can be carried into adulthood. Moreover, students will develop agricultural skills while learning which plants best fit different terrains. There is also a community aspect, increasing social welfare by bringing members of society together to upkeep the garden. Through the implementation of a community garden within school districts, we can bring healthy habits and skills to our young community.
Medical debt is a problem that is pervasive in America, with roughly 1 in 12 adults facing medical debt culminating to $220 billion totally. Low-income and uninsured adults are more likely to face medical debt and research has found that unaffordable drugs play a key role in exacerbating health costs. To help address this issue, the federal government has instituted a program called the 340B Drug Pricing Program that allows eligible hospitals and clinics serving low-income and uninsured populations to purchase prescription drugs from pharmaceuticals at heavily discounted prices, with the intention of passing on savings to the vulnerable populations they serve. However, lack of regulation and oversight of this program makes it difficult to assess the impact of this program and makes it easy for pharmaceuticals and hospitals to not pass on savings to consumers, exacerbating medical costs for their patients. This proposal aims to increase transparency surrounding the 340B program by requiring hospitals to publicly report costs and savings in relation to the 340B program, and also enforce compliance of this program by eligible pharmaceuticals. Through these means, policymakers can better analyze the benefits of the 340B program and ensure funds are being used appropriately to reduce healthcare costs for the low-income and uninsured populations they serve.
There is a strong need for legislative change to better the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. Through a comprehensive approach, we can address these needs while decreasing the rising rates of recidivism; the tendency for previously incarcerated individuals to reoffend. Through the addition of supportive staff certified to enroll others in health insurance present within prison systems, at the time of release, exonerated individuals can be enrolled in health insurance. This ensures consistent and appropriate access to mental health support after release. This can have implications in the socioeconomic status of these individuals, increasing food job security, housing, and heightening the likelihood of continued education. Together, this solution can promote successful reentry into the community.
This literature review examines the progressive issue of proliferating pharmaceutical prices, focusing on the challenges posed by off-patent, life-saving medications. We address the impact of monopolistic pricing strategies, specifically prices of medications distributed by private pharmaceutical companies, the ethical responsibility of ensuring access to necessary medicines, and the role of government regulations in the pricings of pharmaceutical products. Our paper highlights the need for effective and equitable policies to regulate pricing, including the involvement of pharmaceutical benefit managers, and the potential for reform through governmental intervention to ensure equal access to affordable medications.
Congenital genetic disorders, otherwise known as birth defects, stem from a myriad of probable causes including, but not limited to, genetic mutations, environmental factors, and changes in epigenetics. Throughout this paper, we explore a multitude of studies surrounding congenital anomalies like heart defects, Phenylketonuria, Sickle Cell Disease, Beta-thalassemia, Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency, and several eye disorders. While preliminary results from laboratory and clinical studies demonstrate potential, it is important to consider challenges in safety, delivery, and cost-accessibility. Gene therapy offers hope for effective and lasting treatments for these lifelong-lasting conditions.
Physician-assisted suicide, otherwise known as PAS, has remained one of the most ethically controversial debates in modern medicine since the 1960s [1]. PAS is often limited to terminally ill patients, however, in recent times PAS has expanded to include individuals with severe mental health disorders and disabilities [2]. This paper explores widespread tensions between patient autonomy and the integrity of our medical system through the analysis of case studies, policies and legislations, and global cultural perspectives. We dive into the many intricacies of expanding PAS eligibility with the consideration of familial relations and involvement, public safety, and clinical misconceptions. We argue that nuanced, ethically informed approaches that prioritize patient-centered, compassionate, and evidence-based care and policy implementation.
The prevalence of opioid use disorder and overdose is continually growing on college campuses. Unfortunately, most university staff are not properly equipped to handle this reality. This can lead to devastating impacts to university students, staff, and families. Reality is, staff members need to be equipped to help and manage students in life threatening situations related to opioid use. This proposal aims to directly tackle this issue through a mandated drug overdose response procedure certification. This would be a requirement for university resident assistants, RAs, and security staff. This would be a requirement for public universities and staff would take the course during the onboarding process with a yearly review course. A solution like this can save many lives and allow for a safer campus that will further academic and personal success. The proposal will require funding for curriculum building, reimbursement for staff that undergo the training, and purchase of naloxone kits.
Healthcare disparities persist due to systemic barriers such as socioeconomic inequality, discrimination, and limited access to care. This proposal emphasizes the need for local, state, and national reforms to address these inequities by prioritizing targeted policies and sustained efforts to ensure equal healthcare opportunities for all. The proposed solution mandates a medical equity course for all individuals enrolled in a graduate level healthcare institution. Key features on the course include: cultural competence, communication skills, historical context, and structural and social determinants. Included in the course are next steps given successful implantation and results. Fiscal impact will be different for various institutions, with an option to petition for state funding. The implementation of this course fosters respect for different communities within future healthcare providers.
Medical expenses constitute a majority of United States citizens’ financial concerns, with four in ten adults reporting debt due to medical or dental bills. Billing is at the heart of the unease surrounding medical expenses. Healthcare facilities often surprise their patients with hidden fees and additional costs, leading to 1 in 5 individuals receiving a hospital bill they either do not agree with or cannot afford. The lack of transparency within the healthcare sphere regarding the costs of treatments and services continues to contribute to a lack of healthcare affordability within the United States. This proposal mandates government-funded healthcare facilities to provide a document that lists the costs of all treatments and services offered in that facility. This document should be presented to the patient before treatment, in non-emergency situations. This can mitigate the effects of surprise billings by government-operated facilities to ensure healthcare affordability and cost transparency.
