: ANALYSIS OF PATH TO RECENT HEALTHCARE POLICY 1
Analysis of Path to Recent Healthcare Policy
Carole N. Bingley
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR554: Nurse Leader and Healthcare Policy
Running head: ANALYSIS OF PATHTO
RECENTH
March 2018
, ANALYSIS OF PATH TO RECENT HEALTHCARE 2
POLICY
Think of a current health issue. Explain the path of this issue, from
conception toward being in the forefront of society.
Week 4: Analysis of Path to Recent Healthcare Policy
The focus of my healthcare policy issue since NR 506 has been societal awareness of
mental health disorders, especially among adolescents, and eliminating stigmas linked to
individuals suffering from mental illness. Recently, my local channel 8 news featured a week-
long storyline about the teen suicide epidemic in the state of Ohio. Teen suicide and depression
is a major public health crisis that can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and
communities. The Ohio Department of Health (2016) reported: “in the United States, suicide is
the tenth leading cause of death overall and the second leading cause of death among youth and
young adults (aged 10-24 years)”. Since August 2017 there have been 6 teen suicides, ages
ranging from 14 to 18, in 6 months in one Ohio school district. Policy makers have called for a
more critical examination of the mental health treatment system, and advocates are rallying
around federal legislation that would strengthen community-based mental health services for
children and adolescents.
Why is There a Rise in Teen Suicide?
Health factors such as having a mental health disorder, and/or a substance use disorder
are the most significant risk factors for suicidal behaviors. In the late 80s, there was a decline in
teen suicide due to new antidepressants that were more effective and had fewer side effects
(Bichell, 2016). So, what changed? Many experts are unclear what the exact causes are for the
rise in teen suicides. Some speculations include the increased academic pressure and increased
homework loads, continuing changes in family structure, patterns of substance misuse, the lack
of insurance coverage, the inability to access mental health services, and the increased popularity
Analysis of Path to Recent Healthcare Policy
Carole N. Bingley
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR554: Nurse Leader and Healthcare Policy
Running head: ANALYSIS OF PATHTO
RECENTH
March 2018
, ANALYSIS OF PATH TO RECENT HEALTHCARE 2
POLICY
Think of a current health issue. Explain the path of this issue, from
conception toward being in the forefront of society.
Week 4: Analysis of Path to Recent Healthcare Policy
The focus of my healthcare policy issue since NR 506 has been societal awareness of
mental health disorders, especially among adolescents, and eliminating stigmas linked to
individuals suffering from mental illness. Recently, my local channel 8 news featured a week-
long storyline about the teen suicide epidemic in the state of Ohio. Teen suicide and depression
is a major public health crisis that can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and
communities. The Ohio Department of Health (2016) reported: “in the United States, suicide is
the tenth leading cause of death overall and the second leading cause of death among youth and
young adults (aged 10-24 years)”. Since August 2017 there have been 6 teen suicides, ages
ranging from 14 to 18, in 6 months in one Ohio school district. Policy makers have called for a
more critical examination of the mental health treatment system, and advocates are rallying
around federal legislation that would strengthen community-based mental health services for
children and adolescents.
Why is There a Rise in Teen Suicide?
Health factors such as having a mental health disorder, and/or a substance use disorder
are the most significant risk factors for suicidal behaviors. In the late 80s, there was a decline in
teen suicide due to new antidepressants that were more effective and had fewer side effects
(Bichell, 2016). So, what changed? Many experts are unclear what the exact causes are for the
rise in teen suicides. Some speculations include the increased academic pressure and increased
homework loads, continuing changes in family structure, patterns of substance misuse, the lack
of insurance coverage, the inability to access mental health services, and the increased popularity
