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When developing a culture of health, one must understand how racism, discrimination, and ethnicity affect a community. Research an example of a public health situation related to racism, discrimination, or ethnicity. Discuss whether you agree with how the situation was handled by public health leaders and explain why. Considering the tenets of servant leadership and your personal leadership style, explain how you would address the situation if you were the leader in this community. Please cite ANY AND ALL REFERENCES USED.
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Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is crucial to understand the impact of racism, discrimination, and ethnicity on public health. It is important to research relevant and recent examples of public health situations related to these issues and evaluate whether the approach taken by public health leaders was appropriate. Additionally, understanding and implementing the tenets of servant leadership is essential in addressing these issues effectively. This article will explore an example of a public health situation related to racism, discrimination, or ethnicity and discuss the approach taken by public health leaders. Furthermore, it will explain how I would use my personal leadership style, incorporating the principles of servant leadership, to address the situation in the community.
Answer:
One of the public health situations related to ethnicity that gained a lot of attention recently is the COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Black and Latinx communities. A study conducted by the CDC found that these communities were more likely to suffer from higher rates of hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19, highlighting underlying health disparities related to socioeconomic and systemic factors.
Public health leaders addressed the situation by implementing measures to target and support these communities. For instance, the CDC launched a campaign to educate and provide resources for these communities. Additionally, state and local governments provided funds to facilitate access to healthcare and other essential services for marginalized communities.
I agree with the approach taken by public health leaders to address the situation. The measures implemented were critical in addressing the existing health disparities among marginalized communities. Furthermore, leveraging a bottom-up approach by engaging the community in the design and implementation of new interventions would promote support and trust in such communities.
In addressing the situation in my community, I would use a servant leadership approach. Firstly, I would seek to understand the existing health disparities in my community and the underlying factors causing them. I would create a platform that fosters trust and collaboration among stakeholders, including members of marginalized communities. I would involve them in designing and implementing the interventions that target their underlying social determinants of health. Having trust and support within the community is critical in addressing health disparities. Therefore, use a servant leadership approach that values respect, empathy, care, and empowerment towards all stakeholders involved in promoting health equity.
In conclusion, racial, and ethnic disparities in public health require collaboration, empathy, and involvement of the entire community in interventions’ design and implementation. As medical students, it is essential to acknowledge and address the underlying social determinants contributing to health disparities, thus making public health interventions more equitable and accessible.