Chapter 2
Up until the past one hundred years health was dealt with on an emergency basis, however now health issues are being dealt with on a continuous basis. However some obstacles still stand in our way to deal with these health issues. In chapter two the book discusses many organizations that have been developed in order to help aid us in our well-being, these following organizations are a few the book dicussed.
World Health Organization (WHO), is the most profoundly known of these organizations, and their key purpose is the “attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health.” The WHO is guided by two documents, the 11th General Programme of Work and the United Nations Millennium Declaration.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for defending the health of all Americans and providing human services for those in need. Programs carried out by HHS include but are not limited to: Administration on Aging (AoA), who tracks the characteristics, circumstances, and needs for older people; as well as develop policies, plans and programs to promote their welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they focus on developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and educational activities designed to improve the health of people in America.
Quasi-governmental health organizations have some official health responsibilities but operate like voluntary health organizations. One of most well-known quasi-governmental health organization would be the American Red Cross. They serve to provide relief from natural disasters, serve the liaison between members of the active armed forces and their families during emergencies. In addition to those official duties, they also have blood drives, nursing and health services, youth services, and community volunteer services.
We particularly like the fact that there are many programs and agencies in place to help aid our efforts in development of our nation’s health. However we did come to the consensus that with all the organization that are provided it may be confusing about where to start or where to go if you need help. Also it was discussed when you calling one of these agencies it is a hassle to get a hold of the right person.
I think that the Department for health and human services is so helpful to families of middle and lower class, and I have always appreciated the work that they do to assist in providing health care, food, and heat to families who need a little boost, my own included. Its not a hand out, just a helping hand.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like what was said in the last paragraph about how confusing it can be to know exactly where to go to get help, and then once you figure that part out, it is sometimes close to impossible to get connected to an actual person who can assist you. That can be very frustrating to us, as citizens seeing help and information, but i can only imagine how much work they on the other end of the line have to do. Thousands of people seek their services every day.