Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet – The Opioid Epidemic

Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet – The Opioid Epidemic

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Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid

Identify the Population Health concern you selected.	The opioid epidemic is the population health concern I selected.
Describe the Population Health concern you selected.	The opioid epidemic is a significant population health concern that has reached crisis proportions in the United States. It refers to the widespread misuse and addiction to prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and illicit opioids, like heroin and fentanyl (Dowell et al., 2019). The epidemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in opioid-related overdoses, deaths, and social consequences. Opioid misuse and addiction devastate individuals, families, and communities. It leads to physical and psychological harm, financial burdens, and strained healthcare systems. The opioid epidemic transcends socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic boundaries, affecting people from all walks of life (Dowell et al., 2019). The complex nature of the opioid epidemic demands a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. It requires addressing issues related to overprescribing opioids, improving access to evidence-based treatment and recovery services, enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs, promoting education and awareness about the risks of opioids, and addressing the social determinants that contribute to addiction (Dowell et al., 2019). Efforts to combat the opioid epidemic must involve collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and individuals.
Administration (President Name)	President Donald Trump	President Joe Biden
Explain how each of the two presidential administrations approached the issue.	President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency in 2017, signalling his administration’s recognition of the severity of the crisis. His administration prioritized enhancing law enforcement, border control, and interagency coordination (Milstead & Short, 2019). They also sought to promote non-opioid pain management alternatives and encouraged research and development of innovative pain medications (Alexander & Ballreich, 2020). However, some critics argued that the Trump administration did not allocate sufficient funding to expand treatment and prevention programs.	President Joe Biden’s administration aims to expand access to evidence-based treatment, prevention, and recovery services for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. They have allocated significant funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to support substance abuse treatment and mental health services Alexander & Ballreich, 2020). Additionally, the Biden administration has emphasized the use of telehealth services to increase accessibility and has prioritized harm reduction strategies. They also plan to increase funding for research on pain and addiction and support local prevention efforts. This approach reflects a commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic through treatment, prevention, and support services (The White House, 2021).
Identify the allocations of resources dedicated to this issue by the current and previous presidents.	During President Donald Trump’s administration, several allocations of resources were dedicated to addressing the opioid epidemic. In 2018, the Trump administration secured $6 billion in funding to combat the crisis, which included expanding access to treatment and recovery services, supporting law enforcement efforts, and promoting public awareness campaigns (Alexander & Ballreich, 2020). Additionally, the administration focused on enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs and implementing measures to reduce opioid prescriptions. While critics argued that the allocated funding was insufficient to address the magnitude of the crisis, these efforts demonstrated a commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic and prioritizing resources towards prevention, treatment, and law enforcement initiatives (Milstead & Short, 2019).	Joe Biden: The Biden administration has taken a multifaceted approach to address the opioid epidemic. The American Rescue Plan Act, passed in 2021, allocated $4 billion to support substance abuse treatment and mental health services (The White House, 2021). The administration aims to expand access to evidence-based treatment, support harm reduction strategies, and promote the use of telehealth services for substance abuse treatment. They also plan to increase funding for research on pain and addiction and support local prevention efforts (The White House, 2021).

Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis

Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, complete the following to document information about the population health/healthcare issue you selected

Administration
Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected? Why is this agency the most helpful?	The administrative agency that would most likely be responsible for addressing the opioid epidemic is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (Dowell et al., 2019). SAMHSA provides leadership and resources for addressing substance abuse and mental health issues, including opioid addiction. Consistently, SAMHSA is well-suited to tackle the opioid epidemic due to its expertise and specific focus on substance abuse and mental health. The agency comprehensively understands the factors contributing to opioid addiction and has developed evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery (Dowell et al., 2019). SAMHSA provides grants, technical assistance, and guidance to states, communities, and healthcare providers to implement effective interventions for opioid misuse and addiction. Additionally, SAMHSA operates the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Certification and Accreditation Program, which oversees the regulation and quality assurance of opioid treatment programs across the country. These programs provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as methadone or buprenorphine, which has proven effective in managing opioid addiction (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). SAMHSA also supports initiatives to expand access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, and promotes integrating substance abuse treatment and primary healthcare services. They work closely with other federal agencies, such as the CDC and FDA, to coordinate efforts and share best practices in addressing the opioid epidemic (Dowell et al., 2019).
How might your selected healthcare issue get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there?	First and foremost, public awareness and advocacy play a significant role in bringing attention to the opioid epidemic issue. Grassroots movements, community organizations, and individuals affected by the epidemic can raise public consciousness, putting pressure on policymakers and presidential candidates to prioritize the issue (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Media coverage and research studies also raise awareness and highlight the problem’s urgency. When the media reports extensively on the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic, it can generate public concern and make it more likely for the issue to be addressed by presidential candidates and eventually included on the presidential agenda (Milstead & Short, 2019). Once the healthcare issue is on the presidential agenda, it can stay there through sustained advocacy efforts, public pressure, and continued research and data collection. Maintaining a consistent presence in public discourse through media coverage and advocacy campaigns ensures that policymakers remain aware of the issue’s significance and the need for ongoing attention and action (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Furthermore, collaborating with key stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals, public health organizations, and community leaders, can help sustain the issue on the presidential agenda. By maintaining active dialogue and engaging in policy discussions, these stakeholders can ensure that the opioid epidemic remains a priority and that effective solutions are developed and implemented (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Ultimately, a combination of public awareness, advocacy, media coverage, research, and ongoing collaboration is necessary to keep the healthcare issue of the opioid epidemic on the presidential agenda and drive meaningful action and policy changes.
Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected? An example is Michael J. Fox, a champion for Parkinson’s disease.	One potential entrepreneur/champion/sponsor for the issue of the opioid epidemic could be former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy. Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for mental health and addiction issues, drawing from his experience with addiction and mental health challenges. He co-founded The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing policies and promoting innovative mental health and addiction treatment approaches (Milstead & Short, 2019). As the son of former U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, Patrick J. Kennedy has the political influence and platform to drive attention and action on the opioid epidemic. His personal story and advocacy work make him a compelling figure to champion the cause. Through public speaking engagements, media appearances, and policy advocacy, Kennedy can raise awareness, advocate for increased funding for prevention and treatment programs, and promote evidence-based solutions to address the opioid epidemic (Milstead & Short, 2019). His involvement would bring visibility and legitimacy to the cause, helping to mobilize resources and support for combating the opioid crisis.

Part 3: Fact Sheet

The opioid epidemic is a critical healthcare issue that demands immediate attention and inclusion in the legislative agenda. This crisis has reached alarming proportions, leading to widespread misuse and addiction to prescription opioids and illicit substances such as heroin and fentanyl. The consequences include a dramatic increase in opioid-related overdoses, deaths, and detrimental social impacts (Alexander & Ballreich, 2020). This epidemic affects individuals, families, and communities across socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic boundaries.

Importance of the Opioid Epidemic and Why it Should be Included in the Agenda for Legislation

Firstly, the opioid epidemic has become a Public Health Crisis. The opioid epidemic poses a significant threat to public health and requires urgent action to prevent further harm to individuals and communities. Secondly, the opioid epidemic has devastating Consequences. Opioid misuse and addiction result in physical and psychological harm, financial burdens, and strained healthcare systems, impacting individuals, families, and society as a whole (Alexander & Ballreich, 2020). Thirdly the opioid epidemic has a widespread impact. The opioid epidemic transcends social, economic, and geographic boundaries, affecting people from all walks of life. It demands a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

Role of Nurses in Agenda-Setting for Opioid Epidemic

Firstly, nurses play an important role in advocating for and demonstrating their expertise. Nurses possess valuable knowledge and firsthand experience in caring for individuals affected by opioid addiction. They can advocate for evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery approaches. Nurses also play a major role in patient advocacy. Nurses are at the forefront of patient care, witnessing the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic (Milstead & Short, 2019). Their involvement in agenda-setting ensures that policies prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals struggling with addiction. Lastly, nurses also have a role in collaboration and education. Nurses collaborate with policymakers, legislators, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies. They educate the public, policymakers, and fellow healthcare professionals about the opioid epidemic, raising awareness and promoting effective solutions (Milstead & Short, 2019).

References

Alexander, G. C., & Ballreich, J. (2020). Prescription opioids: Time for the pendulum to swing back. JAMA, 324(21), 2161-2162.

Dowell, D., Haegerich, T. M., & Chou, R. (2019). CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain — United States, 2016. JAMA, 321(9), 844-845. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.0130

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

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Overdose death rates. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

The White House. (2021). The Biden-Harris administration’s comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to the opioid crisis. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/23/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administrations-comprehensive-strategy-to-prevent-and-respond-to-the-opioid-crisis/

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It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember.

Healthcare has been a policy item and a topic of debate not only in recent times but as far back as the administration of the second U.S. president, John Adams. In 1798, Adams signed legislation requiring that 20 cents per month of a sailor’s paycheck be set aside for covering their medical bills. This represented the first major piece of U.S. healthcare legislation, and the topic of healthcare has been woven into presidential agendas and political debates ever since.

As a healthcare professional, you may be called upon to provide expertise, guidance, and/or opinions on healthcare matters as they are debated for inclusion in new policy. You may also be involved in planning new organizational policies and responses to changes in legislation. For all of these reasons, you should be prepared to speak to national healthcare issues making the news.

In this Assignment, you will analyze recent presidential healthcare agendas. You also will prepare a fact sheet to communicate the importance of a healthcare issue and the impact of this recent or proposed policy on this issue.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

Review the agenda priorities of the current/sitting U.S. president and at least one previous presidential administration.
Select an issue related to healthcare that was addressed by two U.S. presidential administrations (current and previous).
Consider how you would communicate the importance of a healthcare issue to a legislator/policymaker or a member of their staff for inclusion on an agenda.
Use your Week 1 Discussion post to help with this assignment.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid, 1-page Analysis, and 1-page narrative) with a title page. This is an APA paper. Use 2-3 course resources and at least 2 outside resources.

Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid

Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the previous president, and their agendas related to the population health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following:

Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected.
Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue.
Identify the allocation of resources that the presidents dedicated to this issue.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis

Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following:

Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected and why is this agency the most helpful for the issue?
How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there?
An entrepreneur/champion/sponsor helps to move the issue forward. Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected and why would this person be a good entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor? An example is Michael J. Fox, who is a champion for Parkinson’s disease.
Part 3: Fact Sheet

Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page fact sheet that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff about this healthcare issue. Be sure to address the following:

Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.
Justify the role of the nurse in agenda-setting for healthcare issues.