Reading this post from Ms. Sebelius, reminded me of a Kaiser poll conducted a few weeks ago, just before the mid-term elections. The poll highlighted the paradox that a considerable number of people who opposed the healthcare reform, did not know the contents of the reform in the first place. In fact some of the changes that they would have wanted were part of the reform package, and they have unknowingly opposed it.
Given this ironical situation, consumer advocacy organizations (CAOs) occupy a strategic position in the success of the healthcare reform. The CAOs have the unique advantage of knowing and understanding the populations they represent. The Massachusetts healthcare reform did benefit from the community outreach and consumer education programs that the CAOs facilitated. The CAOs have contributed to shaping the health care reform bill by ensuring that the issues they have represented have been addressed in the reform package. They now hold the power to disseminate knowledge about the healthcare reform and facilitate its implementation. In doing this, they can significantly empower the citizens to take control over and responsibility for their own health.
One of the points discussed in today’s equity chapter was that critics have often argued that public health planning and practice have focused less on what communities may view as good for them and more on what public health professional determine communities need. In this context, it was interesting to read about Ms. Sebelius’ meeting with representatives from the CAOs. It demonstrates an inclination to receive feedback from the grassroots and motivate them to spread the message to the common citizen, which is critical to the success of the health reform.
Reading this post from Ms. Sebelius, reminded me of a Kaiser poll conducted a few weeks ago, just before the mid-term elections. The poll highlighted the paradox that a considerable number of people who opposed the healthcare reform, did not know the contents of the reform in the first place. In fact some of the changes that they would have wanted were part of the reform package, and they have unknowingly opposed it.
ReplyDeleteGiven this ironical situation, consumer advocacy organizations (CAOs) occupy a strategic position in the success of the healthcare reform. The CAOs have the unique advantage of knowing and understanding the populations they represent. The Massachusetts healthcare reform did benefit from the community outreach and consumer education programs that the CAOs facilitated. The CAOs have contributed to shaping the health care reform bill by ensuring that the issues they have represented have been addressed in the reform package. They now hold the power to disseminate knowledge about the healthcare reform and facilitate its implementation. In doing this, they can significantly empower the citizens to take control over and responsibility for their own health.
One of the points discussed in today’s equity chapter was that critics have often argued that public health planning and practice have focused less on what communities may view as good for them and more on what public health professional determine communities need. In this context, it was interesting to read about Ms. Sebelius’ meeting with representatives from the CAOs. It demonstrates an inclination to receive feedback from the grassroots and motivate them to spread the message to the common citizen, which is critical to the success of the health reform.