In a 8-page proposal (not including title page and references), address the following:
Briefly identify your selected chronic health issue and population (Alcohol Use Disorder in the Veteran population).
Describe the geographic region and important characteristics of this population.
Describe the patterns of the disease in your selected population using the epidemiologic characteristics of a person, place, and time.
Identify one health outcome you would like to improve for the population.
Briefly summarize current evidence that supports the importance of improving this health outcome.
Briefly describe the evidence-based program you are developing, and why this approach will best fit the needs of your population.
Explain what data you would need to collect, and how you would obtain and analyze it. You may choose to collect primary data or use secondary data. Justify your choice.
Using the “SMART” method, write short- and long-term objectives for the program.
Identify the stakeholders who should be involved in program planning.
Identify which program planning model (see Curley, Chapter 7) you selected for your program. Justify your selection of model. Based on the model, explain how you would plan, implement, and evaluate the program.
Explain any relevant cultural or ethical considerations related to your program design.
Explain how you would fund the program.
Describe strategies that would be appropriate for marketing the program.
Geographic Region and Important Population Characteristics
This proposal focuses on Veterans residing in a hypothetical Regional VA Service Area (RVASA) encompassing both urban and surrounding rural counties in the Southwest United States. This region is characterized by a high proportion of older Veterans (Vietnam and Gulf War eras) alongside younger Veterans (OIF/OEF/OND).
Key Characteristics of the RVASA Veteran Population:
Co-morbidity Burden: A high rate of co-occurring mental health issues (PTSD is estimated at 30-50% in this sub-group) and chronic pain, which often leads to self-medication with alcohol.
Geographic Divide: The population is split between densely populated urban centers (with better access to VA facilities) and expansive, sparsely populated rural areas. Veterans in rural areas often face significant barriers to care, including long travel times, limited public transportation, and poor internet access.
Cultural Context: This population possesses a strong military culture emphasizing resilience, stoicism, and a reluctance to seek mental health help, perceiving it as a sign of weakness. There is also a strong community bond fostered through Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs).
Sample Answer
Comprehensive Public Health Program Proposal: Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder in the Veteran Population
I. Introduction and Population Description
Chronic Health Issue and Target Population
The chronic health issue selected for this proposal is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), focusing specifically on the United States Veteran population. AUD is a complex, chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. In the Veteran community, AUD prevalence is significantly higher than in the general population, particularly among those who have experienced combat exposure or have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression.