Global nonprofit organization or government agency to determine how it contributes to public health
Research a selected local, national, or global nonprofit organization or government agency to determine how it contributes to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and improves the quality of life within the community. Submit your findings in a 3–5 page report.
Many organizations work to better local and global communities' quality of life and promote health and safety in times of crisis. As public health and safety advocates, nurses must be cognizant of how such organizations help certain populations. As change agents, nurses must be aware of factors that impact the organization and the services that it offers. Familiarity with these organizations enables the nurse to offer assistance as a volunteer and source of referral.
This assessment provides an opportunity for you gain insight into the mission, vision, and operations of a community or public health resources organization from the list provided.
Preparation
As you begin to prepare this assessment, it would be an excellent choice to complete the Nonprofit Organizations and Community Health activity to gain insight into promoting equal opportunity and improving the quality of life in a community. The information gained from completing this activity will help you succeed with the assessment.
After completing this activity, select one of the local, national, or global nonprofit organizations or government agencies presented in the Assessment 2 Supplement: Community Resources [PDF].
You may find the organization's website in the Community Organizations reading list or in the Assessment 2 Supplement: Community Resources [PDF].
Scenario
You are interested in expanding your role as a nurse and are considering working in an area where you can promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in your local or global community. You are aware of several nonprofit organizations and government agencies whose work contributes to this effort in some way. You are particularly interested in one of these organizations but would like to know more about its contribution to public health and safety improvement. You would also like to report the results of your research in a scholarly paper that you could submit for publication.
Instructions
Research a selected local, national, or global nonprofit organization or government agency from the document provided. Determine how the organization or agency contributes to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and improves the quality of life within the community. Submit your findings in a 3–5 page report.
The requirements outlined below correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide, so be sure to address each point. Read the performance-level descriptions in the scoring guide for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed.
• Explain how an organization’s mission and vision enable it to contribute to public health and safety improvements.
o Provide examples of ways a local and/or global initiative supports the mission and vision and promotes public health and safety.
• Evaluate an organization’s ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in a community.
o Consider the effects of social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers.
o Be sure to go beyond simply describing what the organization does in these areas but evaluating the impact.
• Assess the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on an organization's service delivery.
o Consider the potential implications of funding decisions, policy, and legislation for individuals, families, and aggregates within the community.
o Remember to actually include the policies, legislation, and funding avenues for your chosen organization.
• Explain how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.
o Consider how nurses might become involved with the organization.
o How are nurses involved within this organization?
Report: The American Red Cross: A Pillar of Public Health and Safety
Introduction
In the pursuit of expanding my role as a nurse and contributing to community well-being, I have researched the American Red Cross (ARC), a national and global nonprofit organization. This report analyzes how the ARC contributes to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and enhances the quality of life within communities.
Mission and Vision: Enabling Public Health and Safety Improvements
The American Red Cross's mission is to "prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors." Its vision is to be "the most trusted organization leading humanitarian services to build stronger, safer communities." These guiding principles directly translate into tangible public health and safety improvements.
- Disaster Relief: The ARC provides immediate assistance during natural disasters and other emergencies, offering shelter, food, and emotional support. This rapid response mitigates the health impacts of disasters, preventing the spread of disease and providing essential resources to affected populations. For example, during widespread flooding, the ARC sets up shelters, provides clean water, and educates residents on hygiene practices to prevent waterborne illnesses.
- Blood Services: The ARC collects and distributes blood and blood products, ensuring a stable blood supply for hospitals and patients. This critical service saves lives and supports essential medical procedures. Globally, the ARC works with other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to improve blood safety and availability.
- Health and Safety Training: The ARC offers training in first aid, CPR, and other life-saving skills. By empowering individuals with these skills, the ARC increases community preparedness and resilience in the face of emergencies. For example, local ARC chapters provide community CPR training classes, that empower citizens to respond to cardiac arrest.
- International Services: The ARC supports international disaster relief and development programs, addressing health and safety needs in vulnerable communities worldwide. This global reach extends the organization's impact beyond national borders.
Promoting Equal Opportunity and Improving Quality of Life
The ARC strives to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life for all individuals, regardless of their background.
- Addressing Barriers: The ARC recognizes the effects of social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers on access to services. It actively works to overcome these barriers through targeted outreach and culturally competent programs. For instance, the ARC provides disaster relief in underserved communities, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need.
- Volunteer Engagement: By engaging volunteers from diverse backgrounds, the ARC fosters a sense of community and promotes inclusivity. This volunteer network helps the organization to reach a wider range of individuals and address diverse needs.
- Community Programs: The ARC offers various community programs that address specific needs, such as health education, disaster preparedness, and support for military families. These programs enhance the quality of life for individuals and families by providing essential resources and support.
- Impact Evaluation: The ARC constantly evaluates the impact of its programs to ensure they are effectively addressing community needs. This ensures that the organization is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
Impact of Funding Sources, Policy, and Legislation
The ARC relies on a combination of funding sources, including donations, grants, and government contracts. These funding sources influence the organization's service delivery.
- Funding Decisions: Changes in funding levels can impact the ARC's ability to provide services. For example, a decrease in donations during an economic downturn may limit the organization's capacity to respond to disasters.
- Policy and Legislation: Government policies and legislation, such as disaster relief funding and blood donation regulations, directly affect the ARC's operations. For example, changes in blood donation eligibility criteria can impact the availability of blood products.
- Implications: Funding decisions, policy, and legislation can have significant implications for individuals, families, and communities. For example, cuts in disaster relief funding can leave vulnerable populations without essential support. The ARC actively advocates for policies that support its mission and ensure the availability of its services.
Impact on Local Community Health and Safety Needs
The ARC plays a vital role in meeting the health and safety needs of local communities.
- Disaster Preparedness: The ARC provides disaster preparedness education and resources, empowering communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies. This proactive approach reduces the impact of disasters on community health and safety.
- Emergency Response: The ARC's immediate response to emergencies provides essential support to affected individuals and families. This rapid response mitigates the health impacts of disasters and prevents further harm.
- Community Health Programs: The ARC offers various community health programs that address specific needs, such as blood pressure screening and health education. These programs improve the overall health and well-being of community members.
- Nurses' Involvement: Nurses can become involved with the ARC in various ways, including:
- Volunteering: Nurses can volunteer their time and expertise to provide direct care during disasters, conduct health screenings, and teach health and safety classes.
- Leadership Roles: Nurses can serve in leadership roles within the ARC, contributing to program development and implementation.
- Advocacy: Nurses can advocate for policies that support the ARC's mission and ensure the availability of its services.
- Employment: Nurses are employed by the ARC in various roles, including blood services, disaster health services, and health and safety training.
Conclusion
The American Red Cross is a vital organization that contributes significantly to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and enhances the quality of life within communities. By understanding the organization's mission, vision, and operations, nurses can effectively collaborate with the ARC to address community needs and promote well-being