Special Topics in Public Health

Part 1: Healthy People 2020

Healthy People 2020 is an initiative established by the US Department of Health and Human Services to monitor the progress of the population in reaching national goals and objectives designed for health promotion and prevention. Healthy People 2020 is the product of extensive input from stakeholders. Many of its goals and objectives have been met, but there is still progress to be made.

From the assigned readings this week, review the following Web site:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Healthy People 2020. (2012).http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/default.aspx

Review the listed topics and objectives of Healthy People 2020 and select one that is of interest to you. Then, respond to the following:

• Explain why Substance Abuse is of great significance to the population and the health of the communities.

• Describe the federal program established in response to your selected objective.

• Examine the implications of the program in healthcare in terms of morbidity, mortality, policy, and costs.

Support your statements with appropriate examples and scholarly references.