Introduction
I have been practicing nursing for eight months in a psychiatric and substance abuse unit. I am highly passionate and socially skilled in the nursing profession. My interest is to provide quality care and educate the community about various social, environmental, behavioral, and health determinants that influence substance abuse and addiction. Therefore, health needs assessment for a given population facilitates the planning process, as per the identified needs and the distribution of relevant health and care services.
About the Hispania in Mesa, Arizona
The selected vulnerable population in this paper is the Hispania living in Lawrence, in Massachusetts County. The unemployment issue has increased the persistence of poverty in Lawrence, leaving vulnerable communities at risk of substance abuse such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin (Drug & Alcohol Detox in Lawrence, MA: Rehab treatment centers). Hence, social-economic challenges cause low self-esteem, stress-life experiences, and existing emotional issues that influence people to abuse drugs.
Health Needs
The Hispania population needs support such as nutritious food and the security of stable homes to combat issues of poverty. The other essential need is healthy relationships; hence, healthcare providers should educate the community about social relationships with the freedom to express gender and live a toxic stress-free life. The population needs critical, and routine healthcare accessibility means to enhance and maintain the health and safety of the public. The local authority and managers should offer job opportunities to the people of Lawrence to reduce poverty-related problems which lead to substance abuse.
Conclusion
Challenges associated with inadequate healthcare access to primary care affect the safety and well-being of the Hispania people in general. Health education programs and easy access to health care can reduce substance use and addiction risks. Provision of employment, basic needs, public transportation, and emotional support will help Lawrence’s vulnerable population gain self-confidence and value self-worthiness.
Reference
Drug & Alcohol Detox in Lawrence, MA: Rehab treatment centers. The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. (2020). Web.