The current health care system has many weaknesses and complications, as a result of which low-income segments of the population are often left without qualified assistance. Since this situation is difficult to correct at the system level, various organizations, such as the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), create unique programs that allow for more localized support. The Edge Runners initiative is one of these measures, although on a larger scale. According to the AAN official website, it is designed to support all nursing interventions and community support that bring new, innovative methods to the healthcare system combining efficiency and cost (“Edge Runner application,” n.d.). In this context, this program is promoted as a general movement to improve the health system through nurses and their practical projects. Thus, Edge Runner is promoted not as a solution to any specific problem but is intended to bring together all enthusiastic individuals and their innovative ideas to address all existing issues. However, this general focus does not preclude effective action in critical areas, as the quality of action depends on the proactive nurses that AAN supports.
Among other topics, the Edge Runner initiative pays a lot of attention to improving the quality of health of vulnerable and underserved populations. They do not stand out in any particular way throughout the program, but the proposed innovations are actively supported if they meet the specified criteria. An example of a publicly funded program would be the FAU dementia care model created to help people with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias (Florida Atlantic University, 2021). With the support of AAN, Florida Atlantic University (2021) was able to launch an initiative to create a healthy living environment for older people. In addition to this program, there are 23 other similar innovative projects on the Edge Runners list that support various vulnerable groups (“Edge Runners by topic,” n.d.). Thus, it can be noted that the organization makes a significant contribution to supporting such initiatives. However, such health promotion for the underserved populations is carried out only at a professional level since AAN is not engaged in disseminating and popularizing information.
References
Edge Runner application (n.d.). American Academy of Nursing. Web.
Edge Runners by topic. (n.d.). American Academy of Nursing. Web.
Florida Atlantic University. (2021). FAU dementia care model designated āEdge Runnerā by the American Academy of Nursing. Newswise. Web.