Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX 4060 Practicing in the Community to Improve Population Health
Prof. Name
Date
Mental health concerns are a pressing issue impacting communities worldwide. Healthcare professionals are making mental health a significant health concern to address for better life quality. To address this growing challenge, this health promotion plan focuses on improving mental well-being in West Virginia’s White (non-Hispanic) community. Raising awareness and providing resources aims to empower individuals, especially young adults, to prioritize mental health and build a stronger, healthier community.
Mental health issues stand as a sensitive health concern in the United States, affecting approximately 57.8 million people’s thinking, behavior, and emotional state, affecting their quality (NIMH, 2023). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five adults in the U.S have some mental health concern, and one in twenty-five have severe mental health conditions (CDC, 2023). Among the U.S states, West Virginia has the population with the worst mental health conditions, especially among mixed-race but majorly White (Non-Hispanic) community members (Haines, 2024).
The survey shows that 32% of adults in Logan County, WV, have complained of depression (KFF Health News, 2023). Numerous factors are responsible for mental health issues, including economic and social factors, such as the environment surrounding the person. These factors can include a family history of mental health issues, poverty, stressful or traumatic events, and relationship with family or employment-related concerns. With the degree of severity, individuals can suffer from challenges in performing daily activities or consider committing suicide after a prolonged psychological battle (Stein et al., 2021).
A multi-pronged approach is crucial to address mental health concerns within the community effectively. This includes implementing community-based education campaigns alongside mental health support programs designed to meet the specific needs of the community members (Larrieta et al., 2022). This plan is built upon the assumption that educational programs can significantly raise awareness and empower individuals to manage their mental well-being (Halat et al., 2023). However, uncertainties are acknowledged. For instance, there is potential resistance from community groups to participate in such programs due to the influence of cultural beliefs on social determinants that impact the long-term sustainability of mental health initiatives (Kirkbride et al., 2024).
The population (32,567) in Logan County, West Virginia, has the worst mental health status, having a diverse demographic and economic profile. The county is predominantly White (96.5%), a small percentage of Black (1.4%), and mixed races (two or more, 1.3%), with a median age of around 43.2 years. The employment sector has retail, education, and administrative jobs, among others, where the workforce consists of 44.3% women and 55.7% men. Regarding educational status, 82.1% of residents over 25 have completed high school, but only 10.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Interestingly, women’s enrolment is higher than men’s in the educational sector, but wage diversity is significantly higher, as men’s median earning is ($49,191) and women’s ($26,175).
So, the median household income is $35 319, which is lower than the national median. The dominant culture reflects Southern Appalachian traditions, having a sense of community and emphasizing family and conservative values. English is the common language. Considering 38.1% of homeowners have a mortgage, 23.3% (nearly a quarter) are under the poverty line, and there are notable health disparities due to socioeconomic factors (Data USA, n.d.). It is essential to address the needs of the mixed racial group that feels isolated due to inaccessibility to education, employment, and health care services.
The health promotion plan focuses on White (non-Hispanic) adults in Logan County, WV. Notably, Jane, a 29-year-old married woman, has been facing anxiety and depression for the past couple of years. She holds a bachelor’s degree and works full-time. She faces difficulties in her daily activities and experiences strained relationships, unaware of the resource options to address her psychological distress. It reflects the age dynamic with potential mental health struggles within the community due to employment or social status. Collaboration with Jane was done for awareness campaigns for her mental health management. Her distress is similar to that of her age group, comprised of exceptionally high school graduates looking for employment sustainability or improving the existing median household income of approximately 35k. However, the most critical selection criteria to collaborate with Jane is her weak community and family ties, irrespective of being married, as isolation and detachment are major symptoms of mental health struggle.
Mental health awareness is crucial for Jane, who belongs to the non-Hispanic community in Logan County, WV, given her unique socio-economic (low-median wage) and cultural challenges (stigma). Her daily activities, along with her familial relations and her work-related productivity, are affected due to her unawareness of health issues, ways to address them, and cost-effective available resources. She requires behavioral and educational support to be aware and manage her mental health informatively. Raising awareness through comprehensive educational programs can help reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and empower individuals to seek help, improving their quality of life (Withers et al., 2021). The adult group, predominantly White, faces economic hardships due to low median income, wage disparities (between men and women), and educational barriers. As a study by Kim et al. (2022), all of this contributes to mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Enhanced awareness can foster a supportive community environment, ensuring better access to resources and mental health services, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient individuals and families (Murray & Knudson, 2023).
The mental health promotion plan aims to achieve the three goals the participant (Jane) set in alignment with Healthy People 2030 goals (Healthy People 2030, 2020). Utilizing the SMART (specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, And Time-Bound) goal approach, Jane collaborated to develop an agreed-upon goal to improve her quality of life. Following are the goals established for the targeted population aged 20-40 of Logan County, WV:
Goal 1: By the end of the educational session after four months (T), Jane will have an increased understanding (educational goal) of mental health conditions and resources by 65% (S). It will be measured through pre- and post-assessment, assessing knowledge of mental health conditions, treatment options, and available support services (M). Monthly educational workshops will cover various topics, such as recognizing symptoms, coping strategies, and accessing local mental health resources using online forums and pamphlet material (A). It will empower her to seek timely support, reduce stigma, and prompt early intervention (R) (Withers et al., 2021).
Goal 2: By the end of three month’s sessions (T), Jane will enhance her coping skills and stress management techniques (behavioral goal), particularly mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), by 75% (S). The outcomes will be measured using behavioral assessments and feedback from Jane, focusing on coping mechanisms, stress levels, and emotional regulation (M). The educational programs will offer bi-weekly mindfulness and stress management workshops, providing practical tools for managing daily stressors and enhancing resilience (A). Strengthening coping skills equips individuals to navigate challenges effectively, leading to better mental well-being and reduced risk of mental health crisis (R) (Toussaint et al., 2021). The goal is to achieve a 25% enhancement in coping skills within three months of workshop implementation (T).
Goal 3: By the end of the four-month educational session (T), Jane will have improved social and community relations (behavioral goal) by fostering support networks and community connections for mental health, reaching a 50% participation rate (S) (Rayland & Andrews, 2023). Tracking participation rates in peer support groups, community events, and online forums focused on mental health is planned (M). To achieve this goal, monthly peer support group meetings, online platforms for sharing experiences, and collaboration with local organizations to host community-building events are agreed upon (A). It will help reduce social isolation, enhance social connectedness, and provide a safe space to share and receive support (R).
In conclusion, addressing mental health concerns in Logan County, WV, through targeted educational interventions is crucial for improving the well-being of the 20-40 age group. By increasing mental health literacy, enhancing coping skills, and fostering support networks, this health promotion plan aims to empower individuals and reduce stigma. It will create a stronger and more resilient community.
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