Planning Models Health Program Grant Proposal

 

Grant Proposal

In Cumberland County, infectious diseases pose a threat to the community. Statistics show that 50% of the North Carolina residents with sexually transmitted diseases are in this county (University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 2021). The common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the county are HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The county is also populous of youth between 25-34 years old (University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 2021). Therefore, the program’s target population is teenagers and youth. Juveniles have a higher burden of suffering from STDs because of increased drug use and unstable housing. Other factors contributing to high rates of STIs among teenagers include having multiple sexual partners, unavailability of condoms, and early initiation into sexual participation. However, with proper patient education and increased STI testing, teenagers and juveniles can learn vital factors that can reduce their risk of being infected with HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia.
Funding of public health programs increases their efficiency and effectiveness. There are a few possible funding sources for various public health programs. They include grants from state and local governments, the federal government, or grants and charities. Local and state health departments fund most public health programs. This program can qualify for categorical and block grants. The flat funding will be sufficient for the program because it focuses only on sexually transmitted diseases. However, the block grant could also help healthcare providers in the program to study the social determinants of the infections and work to counter them in the communities. Grants from community members and other medical institutions could also fund the activities of the program. These grants can include the availability of spacious rooms to hold patient education activities and transport for the public health providers as they disseminate the information to youth in their neighborhoods, churches, and schools. However, Cumberland County would benefit significantly if STIs were included in the minimum package of public health services. The high prevalence rate should be an indicator that more youth need to be educated on safe sex. Including STDs in the minimum package would ensure professionals and federal funding for programs related to the infections. Planning Models Health Program Grant Proposal
Forming appropriate partnerships with the community individuals would increase the probability of the success of the program. Since the program targets the youth, educators from education institutes are considered. It is harder to inspire juveniles to join public health programs in their leisure time. But educators can introduce sex education in their curriculum, allow public health providers to hold seminars in school, avail condoms, educative pamphlets, and offer counseling sessions. Support from the educators and parents will increase the effectiveness of the program. Communication companies should be urged to partner with the health care professionals in the program. They should also be encouraged to help disseminate the information through local media, local websites, and newsletters. The program leaders should work with advertising companies to create youthful and attractive campaigns that promote safe health practices. They could also lead the fundraising campaigns.
The program would utilize the MAP-IT planning program. MAP-IT has five steps: mobilize, assess, plan, implement, and track. The first two steps include looking for prospective partners in the community who can help achieve the program objectives and acquiring facts about the disease (preventive and treatment measures). Moreover, after investigating that there are enough resources or potential resources that can be used in the program, one should plan the program concisely. Finally, the stage would include defining and documenting the program’s objectives, activities, and tracking measures. When the vision and goals are clearly outlined, partners mobilized, and funding secured, the program is implemented and tracking measures verified.
The model is appropriate for the program because it ensures enough resources, and the correct partners are involved in the activities. Changing the norms among youths is challenging due to their newly found independence. It is, therefore, essential that all valid activities are introduced to invite as many juveniles as possible to participate and receive vital information. Tracking the measures would also allow the public health providers to determine what strategies are working and to replace those that are not. The regular examination of the program will ensure that more youths are present and correct information channels used.
References
University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (2021). County Health Ranking and Roadmaps. County Health Ranking and Roadmaps. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/north-carolina/2021/rankings/cumberland/county/outcomes/overall/snapshot