For this discussion, I selected the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2020 as my proposed health care policy. If passed, this bill would grant authority for the Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) program to provide mental health services in schools. This program is run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA) and would provide care to students dealing with trauma such as grief, suicidal ideations, and violence (Congress.gov, 2020). Project AWARE would advance mental health awareness and staff training to identify and handle these types of students correctly. Behavioral interventions and family involvement in preventing mental illness and alleviating trauma would also be components of this program. Lastly, this program would also establish a way for children to report incidents.

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Because children are at school almost as much as at home, school is an excellent place to intervene, prevent, and detect mental health problems. Students commonly experience mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief, bullying, and stress (NASP, 2021). Providing mental health services in schools can aid in removing the stigma around mental illness and encourage more students to seek help when they need it. Assisting these types of students will promote better learning and safety for the children. Early detection of mental illness is also a benefit of providing services within the school because staff will be able to collaborate with the family to discuss what they see at school versus what the parents notice.

I believe that there is an evidence base to support the Mental Health Services for Students Act because multiple studies have been conducted on the subject. For instance, in North Carolina, a tier prevention model called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) was placed in an effort to triage students’ needs (Schultz et al., 2020). In Tier 1 of this model, all students are screened for mental or behavioral health issues that may require intervention. Tier 2 involves students whose interventions from Tier 1 did not work or could be improved. Lastly, Tier 3 focuses more specifically on each individual’s needs, potentially involving one-on-one therapy. I found this strategy to be exceptionally organized and systematic in helping the students who need mental health services. Aside from this strategy, many other methods exist for implementing mental health care in the school system. The Mental Health Services for Students Act could be very beneficial in changing the lives of many students, especially those whose issues may otherwise go unaddressed.

References

Congress.gov. (2020, September 30). H.R.1109 – Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2020. Congress.gov. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1109/text.

National Association of School Psychologists. (2021). Comprehensive school-based mental and Behavioral Health Services and school psychologists. National Association of School Psychologists. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/mental-health/school-psychology-and-mental-health/comprehensive-school-based-mental-and-behavioral-health-services-and-school-psychologists.

Schultz, B. K., Al-Hammori, D., Mirabelli, K., & Gaither, L. (2020). Mental Health Services in North Carolina’s Public Schools. North Carolina Medical Journal, 81(2), 111–115. https://doi.org/10.18043/ncm.81.2.111

I lived in NC for most of my life. I remember years ago when the two largest inpatient mental health facilities down-sized, one closing all together. Patients who had not lived outside the facility for years were suddenly thrust into communities they were completely unfamiliar with. For some outpatient treatment worked well, for others, though, outpatient treatment was not enough. As you mention, rural areas are often lacking in access to mental health care, however, many nurses in urban areas that have larger numbers of mental health professionals feel access is still subpar. As you consider this bill, do you feel it goes far enough to help improve access and affordability for all patients who may need it?

Dr. Mooring

Hello Marissa,

This act is a very useful one because it allows us to help students with their mental health, which is very important in ensuring we get adults who are more stable and more prepared to appropriately handle their mental health. According to the website of the congresswoman that introduced this bill, It has been implemented in Congresswoman Napolitano’s congressional district (in 35 schools) since 2001 and has been very successful (Napolitano, n.d.). My hope is that with the introduction of this bill, we will begin to see a decrease in suicide rates because the children this bill covers would finally be receiving the help they desperately need to process things. Currently in Congresswoman Napolitano’s district (32nd district in California), there are 17 firearm suicides on average which is pretty low compared to some of the surrounding districts, which are in the 30s-40s, which could serve as further proof that this bill is in need of being implemented in schools everywhere (Everytown Research & Policy, 2020).

References

Napolitano, G. (n.d.) Facts on the mental health services for students act. https://napolitano.house.gov/issues/hr-721-mental-health-services-students-act/facts-mental-health-services-students-act

Everytown Research & Policy. (2020, Oct. 2). Firearm suicide by congressional district. https://everytownresearch.org/report/firearm-suicide-by-congressional-district/ 

Hi Marissa, I enjoyed reading your post, very informative and such a great topic. Mental health is so real and so overlooked, especially amongst our youth. This act will be very useful in early detection of mental issues/concerns such as depression, suicide, anxiety or hopelessness. I try to do “mental health checks” with our kids and my husband, just a way to keep track of what we are all facing everyday and offer support.

References

Congress.gov. (2020, September 30). H.R.1109 – Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2020. Congress.gov. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1109/text.

National Association of School Psychologists. (2021). Comprehensive school-based mental and Behavioral Health Services and school psychologists. National Association of School Psychologists. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/mental-health/school-psychology-and-mental-health/comprehensive-school-based-mental-and-behavioral-health-services-and-school-psychologists.

Response

Hi Marissa, thanks for your post, I like your topic very much. Mental health is something that is usually overlooked, much attention is not given to it as it is given to other health problems; However, just like DM, cardiac problems and other health problems, mental health is also a disease of the brain and should receive the same recognition and care as any other disease. There are also so many stigmatizations associated with mental health which prevent people with mental health from seeking for help. According to an article, “People with lived experience of mental illness commonly report feeling devalued, dismissed, and dehumanized by many of the health professionals with whom they come into contact”(Knaak, et al., 2017). The fear of being prejudiced and discriminated against prevents people with mental health to go for treatment when they are sick which leads to psychiatric emergencies (Silva, et al., 2020). I am always happy about anything that protects people with mental health and this bill you talked about will surely be beneficial to the students and will protect their safety.

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References

Knaak, S., Mantler, E., & Szeto, A. (2017). Mental illness-related stigma in healthcare. Healthcare management forum. Healthc manage forum. 2017 Mar; 30(2): 111-116. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5347358/

Silva, A. G. D., Baldacara, L., Cavalcante, D. A., Fasanella, N. A., & Palha, A. P. (2020). The impact of mental illness stigma on psychiatric emergencies. Frontiers in psychiatry. Front psychiatry. 2020; 11: 573. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7319091/

As someone who has worked in mental health care, it really is an aspect of overall bodily health that is heavily overlooked. I completely agree that providing mental health services at school for students could be very beneficial in regards to early detection and removing stigma. Having school-aged children myself, there are many concerns that young children may not share with parents so having a resource at school that can help provide professional guidance is a great asset. With COVID regulations and some schools going partially or fully virtual do you think students staying home 24/7 has an impact on their mental health and how would you combat this?

References:

Congress.gov. (2020, September 30). H.R.1109 – Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2020. Congress.gov. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1109/text.

National Association of School Psychologists. (2021). Comprehensive school-based mental and Behavioral Health Services and school psychologists. National Association of School Psychologists. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/mental-health/school-psychology-and-mental-health/comprehensive-school-based-mental-and-behavioral-health-services-and-school-psychologists.

Author: CHRIS – PAUL BLAIR Date: Sunday, January 16, 2022 9:41:26 PM EST Subject: RE: Discussion – Week 7

As someone who has worked in mental health care, it really is an aspect of overall bodily health that is heavily overlooked. I completely agree that providing mental health services at school for students could be very beneficial in regards to early detection and removing stigma. Having school-aged children myself, there are many concerns that young children may not share with parents so having a resource at school that can help provide professional guidance is a great asset. With COVID regulations and some schools going partially or fully virtual do you think students staying home 24/7 has an impact on their mental health and how would you combat this?

References:

Congress.gov. (2020, September 30). H.R.1109 – Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2020. Congress.gov. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1109/text.

National Association of School Psychologists. (2021). Comprehensive school-based mental and Behavioral Health Services and school psychologists. National Association of School Psychologists. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/mental-health/school-psychology-and-mental-health/comprehensive-school-based-mental-and-behavioral-health-services-and-school-psychologists.

Response to Marissa

Hello Tamisha, I enjoyed your insightful post. I believe Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act could not have been passed at a better time than in 2021 when healthcare workers confronted major staffing challenges associated with significant consequences (American College of Radiology, 2021). I like that the bipartisan legislation will authorize grants to create programs that offer behavioral health services for front-line health care workers. Besides, it mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to study and recommend strategies to address health care provider burnout and facilitate resiliency; launch a campaign encouraging health care workers to seek assistance when needed; and require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the extent to which federal substance use disorder and mental health grant programs address SUD and mental health conditions among health professionals (American Hospital Association, 2021). The successful advocacy for the passage of the bill by Dr. Lorna Breen highlight our possible role of advocating for our needs both at state and national levels. What do you think?

References

American College of Radiology. (2021, December 9). House passes Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/Advocacy-News/Advocacy-News-Issues/In-the-Dec-11-2021-Issue/House-Passes-Dr-Lorna-Breen-Health-Care-Provider-Protection-Act

American Hospital Association. (2021, November 17). Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act advances in House. https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2021-11-17-dr-lorna-breen-health-care-provider-protection-act-advances-house

Main Post

Nothing is painful than a woman going to have a baby and not returning. For this discussion, the proposed health bill I selected is the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2020. This bill was proposed on 11/08/2019 and passed to the house on 09/21/2020. The purpose of this bill is to reduce the maternal deaths in American mothers, which is more prevalent in blacks. “In the United States, there is an estimated 700 pregnancy-related deaths per year and 60 percent of these are considered preventable” (Burgess, 2021). This bill is going to put in place evidence-based practices and plans to improve maternal health. It is also to help provide training programs to health professionals on prejudice towards some racial and ethnic groups (blacks, people of color) which affects the quality of maternal health, as well as giving funds to obstetrics in rural areas to decrease morbidity and mortality rate in women (Burgess, 2021).

According to an article, maternal mortality rate is raising high as compared to other high income countries. There are many factors such as cardiovascular problems, hemorrhaging, and overdose among other that contribute to this issue; however, ethnic and racial inequalities play a vital role in this problem. Maternal mortality rate is higher in blacks than it is in white population, “3 to 4 times higher” due to racial inequalities (Collier & Molina, 2019).

This bill is very important and will be very useful. Losing a mother could be very painful, especially leaving a baby and other children behind, and most of these causes of the deaths could be prevented and that is why this bill was proposed. I believe this is an evidence based bill in the sense that, according to Burgess, Indiana is noted to have high maternal mortality rate. Also from 2008 to 2017, Ohio had 59% of pregnancy induced deaths and those deaths could have been prevented (Burgess, 2021).  There are also statics on maternal mortality that still show an increase “The maternal mortality rate increased by 23% from 20.6 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births in 2008-2009 to 25.4 in 2013-2014 ( MacDorman, et at., 2017). Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act will integrate Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act (MOMMA’s) which is also to reduce maternal mortality.  With these two together, more lives will be saved during childbirth.

References

Burgess, M. C. (2021). Bipartisan bill to reduce maternal deaths introduced in congress. U.S. house of representatives. https://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403300

Congress.gov. (n.d.). https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4995/actions

Collier, A. Y., & Molina, R. L. (2019). Maternal mortality in the United States: Updates on trends, causes, and solutions. Neoreviews. 2019 Oct. 20(10): e561-e574. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5400697/

MacDorman, M. F., Declercq, E., & Thoma, M. E. (2017). Trends in maternal mortality by socio-demographic characteristics and cause of death in 27 States and the district of Columbia. Obstet gynecol. 2017 May; 129(5): 811-818. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5400697/

One issue that arises in the discussion of maternal mortality is the lack of representation in congress for Women of Color. Nursing is a diverse profession made up of people from all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. As nurses we can do our part at the bedside to improve outcomes and decrease maternal mortality. But, How can we work toward improving legislation in this area, as well. What can we do to influence things from a top down approach?

Dr. Mooring

Hi Yvonne,

I enjoyed reading your article and the information you provided on maternal mortality in the United States. I found it disheartening that many pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Also, that racial and ethnic disparities play a role as well. I reviewed more information on the Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act or “MOMMA’s” Act mentioned in your discussion. One of the most beneficial benefits of this bill is expanding Medicaid and CHIP coverage for postpartum care from 60 days to a year (Every mother counts, 2022). This has a tremendous impact on access to care for mothers through the postpartum period. “According to Urban Institute research, if every state adopts this new provision, approximately 123,000 uninsured mothers could become newly eligible for Medicaid/CHIP coverage during their infant’s first year” (McMorrow, Haley, & Johnston, 2021). Nurses can be instrumental in advocating for their state to expand Medicaid coverage if they have not done so already. This can only improve postpartum care and mortality for new mothers, specifically women of color.

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References

Every mother counts. (2022). THE MOMMA’S ACT. Learn more about ongoing legislative efforts. https://everymothercounts.org/policy-and-advocacy/the-mommas-act/

McMorrow, S., Haley, J.M., Johnston, E.M. (2021, March 19). The American Rescue Plan Contains an Evidence-Based Policy Win for New Mothers. Urban Wire: Health and Health Care. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/american-rescue-plan-contains-evidence-based-policy-win-new-mothers

Claudia,

The use of medical marijuana is a hot topic of discussion with mixed opinions, especially when it comes to use in pediatric patients. Policymaking is based on both public opinion, evidence-based data, and political agendas. Once Bill 182 was signed into law by Governor Ron Desantis, this comment was offered by Commissioner Nicole Fried in support of the patients who benefit from this treatment:

“Patients should be able to access medicine in the form their doctor determines best for them. Whether it’s smoking medical marijuana or other delivery mechanisms, treatment decisions should be made by physicians, not politicians”(2019).

Although the branches of government that formulate health policy have access to extensive information, data, and research, politics can still get in the way (Milstead & Short, 2019).  A policy may be blocked or repealed if legislature is dominated by one political party and ideological beliefs (Milstead & Short, 2019).

Over the past few years, there has been much talk about the use of marijuana for epilepsy in pediatric patients. According to Detyniecki and Hirsch (2015), there is data showing that two main biologically active cannabinoids—tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)— have anticonvulsant properties in acute seizures and epilepsy. 84% of children, ages 2 to 16 years with treatment resistant epilepsy, saw a reduction in seizure while using CBD enriched cannabis, and their parents reported other positive effects, such as improved alertness and better sleep and mood (Detyniecki & Hirsch, 2015).

More than half of U.S. states, including Florida, have legalized some form of medical marijuana. So far, clinical evidence only supports the use of marijuana in pediatric patients for life-limiting or severely debilitating conditions, such as epilepsy and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (Children’s Hospital Colorado, 2022). More study is still needed to determine if medical marijuana is appropriate for any other pediatric condition.

References

Children’s Hospital Colorado. (2022). Marijuana as medicine. https://www.childrenscolorado.org/health-professionals/professional-resources/charting-pediatrics-podcast/medical-marijuana-in-children/

Commissioner Nikki Fried on Signing of Smokable Medical Marijuana Bill. (2019, March 18). States News Service.

Detyniecki, K., & Hirsch, L. (2015). Marijuana use in epilepsy: The myth and the reality. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 15(10), 65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-015-0586-5

Milstead, J.A., & Short, N.M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

I chose to cover the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act of 2021 (S.2779). This bill aims to “coordinate federal programs for maternal mental health and create a national strategic plan for addressing maternal mental health disorders” (Wickramatilake, 2021). More often than not, women who have just delivered a child are expected to be knowledgeable on how to raise a child, and are expected to not feel any other emotion apart from happiness and joy. Dr. Michal Regev (2021) puts it best: The myth of motherhood, or society’s viewpoint of new mothers is that they are expected to feel fulfilled, happy, strong, in tune with their child, or like their life is now complete after they have their child. Virtually the expectation is for all new mothers to be supermom, and this expectation can be especially detrimental to the new mother because it’s unrealistic. Giving birth is an exhausting feat, and not everyone is in tune with their baby’s needs. The mental health of a new mom might also suffer tremendously, and they could fall into severe postpartum depression (PPD) which is more common than people realize. According to Jenna Carberg (2021), “Approximately 70% to 80% of women will experience, at a minimum, the ‘baby blues’”, many of which (~20%) will experience the more severe PPD.

For something that is as commonly experienced as this, the amount of resources, support and education around the mental health disorders new mothers might experience are few and far between. This bill aims to provide support at the federal level for new mothers, as well as bring more light to the issues new moms face so they won’t be suffering in silence. PPD also negatively affects everyone around the new mother, including their child, families and other relationships. Being able to bring awareness to this issue, and provide regular screening and support/resources to help deal with PPD and other mental disorders will enable new mothers the opportunity to heal and get better, and could help us as a society erase the stipulation that all mothers must be supermoms unable to feel sad, distraught, or any other non-happy/joyful feeling.

References

Wickramatilake, S. (2021, Sept. 24). Triumph for new moms act introduced in the Senate. https://www.mom-congress.com/blog/9/24/2021/triumph-for-new-moms-act-introduced-in-the-senate

Regev, M. (2015, Mar. 29). The myth of motherhood: The way unrealistic social expectations of mothers shape their experience. https://drregev.com/blog/the-myth-of-motherhood-the-way-unrealistic-social-expectations-of-mothers-shape-their-experience/

Carberg, J. (2021, June 3). Postpartum depression statistics. https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistics/

We are taking a top down look at legislation, but often times, bills start from the bottom-up with grassroots efforts. It is so important for the stakeholders to have a voice in how legislation is written. Do you think the community played a part in how this bill was written? If so, do you think the bill meets their needs?

Dr. Mooring

The Men’s Health Awareness and Improvement Act was introduced on November 16, 2021, and referred to the house committee on energy and commerce. No other action has been taken at this time. Men’s health has been a concern for some time. According to the (ODPHP) Office of Prevention and Health Promotion, “men die an average of five years earlier than women.” Healthy People 2030 targets improving men’s health with several topics to focus on. The overall goal is to improve health and well-being for men. The leading causes for death for men include heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.

One of the objectives for men’s health is improving; prostate cancer deaths have decreased from 18.3 deaths per 100,000 males to 18.3 prostates cancer deaths per 100,000 males (ODPHP, 2021). One of the differences in men’s and women’s health is that women are more diligent in getting regular medical care and getting preventive tests done (medline plus, 2021). Men are more likely to use alcohol and tobacco (CDC, 2020).

This bill has fourteen co-sponsors and is a much-needed health issue to be addressed. Both parties in Congress should support this and all other health policies. There is enough evidence to support the need for this policy. Hopefully, the bill will continue to advance. For now, the bill is still in the introduction stage.

References

CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020).

https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm

(NIH) National Library of Medicine. (2021). Medline Plus. Men’s Health.

https://medlineplus.gov/menshealth.html

(ODPHP) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2022). Healthy People 2030.

https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/men-take-charge-your-health

References

Andy , K. (2021, April 5). H.R.2364 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act. Legislation. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2364/text?r=5&s=2

Ayoo, K., Mikhaeil, J. S., Huang, A., & Wasowicz, M. (2020, April 27). The Opioid Crisis in North America: facts and future lessons for Europe. termedia.pl. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.termedia.pl/The-opioid-crisis-in-North-America-facts-and-future-lessons-for-Europe,118,40494,1,1.html

Summary of H.R. 2364: Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act – GovTrack.us. (2021). GovTrack.us. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/hr2364/summary

Hi Melanie,

I do agree with you that we definitely need to keep going trying to prevent this issue of opioid abuse. One good step was making the physicians be held accountable and keeping up with all prescriptions on a nationwide database. I have seen way too many friends and loved ones suffer from addiction of opioids in this country.

Andy , K. (2021, April 5). H.R.2364 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act. Legislation. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2364/text?r=5&s=2

Ayoo, K., Mikhaeil, J. S., Huang, A., & Wasowicz, M. (2020, April 27). The Opioid Crisis in North America: facts and future lessons for Europe. termedia.pl. https://www.termedia.pl/The-opioid-crisis-in-North-America-facts-and-future-lessons-for-Europe,118,40494,1,1.html

Week 7 Main Discussion

I chose the S.2173 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)- Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-based Strategies Act or the PREVENT DIABETES Act. This bill was introduced in Senate (06/22/2021).

This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to allow online or virtual diabetes prevention programs that meet standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to participate in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Expanded Model. The model provides CDC-approved training on dietary changes, physical activity, and other behavioral strategies for beneficiaries who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. With the world moving more toward online or virtual methods of communication, especially since COVID-19 pandemic, this is a much-needed program.

Mr. Scott of South Carolina (for himself, Mr. Warner, Mr. Cotton, Ms. Sinema, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Cramer, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, and Ms. Smith) introduced the following bill: which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

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With the world moving more and more towards technology advances, online and virtual meetings are becoming more prominent especially since the pandemic of COVID-19. More virtual or “tele” health have came into play in the last few years. This not only allows patients to either stay at home and speak over the phone or through their computer to a physician but also allows physicians to see and treat patients hundreds of miles aways from each other. I think we will see this becoming more and more popular soon.

References

(n.d.). Congress.gov. Retrieved 2022, from https:/www.congress.gov

Milstead, J., & Short, N. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington,MA: Jones & Barlett Learning.

Telehealth Model. (n.d.). Rural Health Information Hub. Retrieved 2022, from https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org

 

10 months ago

Quanza Mooring WALDEN INSTRUCTOR MANAGER 

RE: Discussion – Week 7

COLLAPSE

Welcome to Week 7! Can you believe we are over halfway through the course, already?

This week we turn to evidence based nursing practice and evidence based legislation. Consider laws that have been enacted in your area. What were the catalysts for those laws? Was it based in science and research or was the bill introduced because of some emotional reaction to an event. My first thought, as I consider this week’s prompt, is the vaccine debate. There is lots of scientific evidence to support vaccines, and there are some true, deep-rooted, emotional responses, as well. Does one outweigh the other? Should elected officials value science over feelings and beliefs?

CLICK HERE to view a video on the vaccination debate from both an emotional and a scientific perspective. If the link doesn’t work, copy and paste the following url into your browser window.

What is the health policy issue you chose this week? Does it have support from the evidence, why or why not?

Here’s to another great week of discussion!

Dr. Mooring

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