Vulnerable Population
Many variables exist that could create a vulnerable population. Vulnerable populations are subsets of people from the larger community who experience disparities in health and healthcare due to racial, ethnic, economic, and chronic health conditions (Joszt, 2020). Additionally, social issues such as disability, homelessness, geographical location, sexual orientation, extreme youth, and older age are all factors that create sensitivity towards healthcare disparity (Joszt, 2020). Being part of a vulnerable population can mean many things, but it can also mean that one is part of a group that faces discrimination and reduced access to care in healthcare.
One thing a public health nurse could do to serve vulnerable populations better is to seek out federal grants that would assist in providing the needed care (grants.gov). To better serve these populations, public health nurses should first educate themselves about the available services for those populations; that way, they can inform others. One of the more significant barriers vulnerable populations face in receiving adequate healthcare is their economic status. The working poor and the uninsured often delay or neglect seeking medical care entirely (Duquesne University, 2020). Replacing the existing economic model with one that facilitates care for those that aren’t financially able to cover the costs would ultimately lead to improved health and the enhanced ability of those from vulnerable populations to return to work.
I think the vulnerable populations of the United States could be better served by being given preventative education, awarded grants that would enable the facilitation of care, and receive improved medical coverage. These three actions could theoretically place those from vulnerable populations in a position to rise above that status and live healthier lives.
