Essay Sample - Health Policy Proposal

Introduction

A policy proposal is a structured and clear recommendation aimed at solving a certain kind of problem existing in society. It is important to emphasize that the way out of the problem is found through institutional and political actions. Addiction and drug-related harm are the issues that require such an urgent, evidence-based intervention.

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Supervised injection sites (SIS) are an international tool used to address the public health dimension of drug use. The paper outlines the need to implement SIS within the healthcare framework in order to decrease the death rate, connect vulnerable populations with services, and contribute to the safety of the community.

When it comes to the workplace, the employer should have a drug and alcohol policy that is written and clearly spelled out in the workplace. It is thus important for employees to have enough safety and security to come forward and admit they have a problem with substance abuse, and hence, the official workplace policy should be drafted to offer support rather than threats. In this regard, the organization has a moral and legal obligation that encompasses the courageous response to the plight of the drug users. The organization hence provides to drug users with safe injection facilities where they can carry out their activity without exposure to unnecessary risks (Buse, 2012).

Reasons why traditional drug policies fail

Irrespective of the decades of the prohibition-based policies, drug addiction is still a persistent and escalating issue. Over 100 thousand overdose deaths were reported in the US last year. Needle sharing continues to trigger transmission of hepatitis C and HIV. Moreover, public drug use takes away the feeling of safety in the communities.

Thus, the punitive approach turned out to be ineffective for the health policy proposal, as it cannot address the roots of the issue, just some of its outcomes. Criminalization, in turn, frequently pushes people into isolation, deep health issues, and related problems. At the same time, the risks remain the same high, and the disconnection between the necessary care and its recipients increases.

SIS and their necessity

Supervised injection sites are legally functioning facilities that provide individuals with a chance to use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of healthcare or medical experts. The key features of SIS are:

• Safety, which is guaranteed by the medical facility;
• On-site medical staff are helping people avoid fatal overdoses;
• Sterile equipment that minimizes the risk of infection;
• Access to counseling, social services, and addiction treatment;
• Safety and anonymity guarantees;
• Safe disposal of syringes eliminates the public health concerns.

In fact, SIS do not provide free drugs. Instead, they create a bridge between addicts and the healthcare system. Safety, dignity, and support are the aspects that facilities offer to the vulnerable members of society.

Global experience: the results of the research

Analyzing the situation all around the globe, SIS have been implemented in over 100 cities around the world. Currently, the program functions in Switzerland, Canada, Germany, and Australia. The results of their work are positive, as well as the tendencies.

• Vancouver’s Insite, which is the first SIS in North America, reports a 35% reduction in overdose deaths a year.
• In Australia, the number of ambulance callouts related to overdoses near the SIS decreased by 68%.
• Studies prove that SIS enhances the entry into addiction treatment, mainly because of the counseling and care people can get.

Besides, it is indispensable to mention that any fears related to the increase in drug use because of the SIS implementation are groundless, as all the tendencies are opposite.

Implementation plan: how to run SIS effectively

SIS is not a facility that everyone can establish and run. Instead, as it becomes obvious from the main idea of the solution, it requires skilled medical staff and a well-equipped medical space. Therefore, there are multiple parties that can consider starting SIS, such as the Department of Health, medical NGOs, municipal governments, and law enforcement agencies.

In addition to the qualified and professional staff, there is a range of tools required. They include a safe space, public awareness of the facility, a data collection system, and others. To estimate the effectiveness of a new SIS, it is recommended to launch the pilot program, estimate the impact it has on society, and be devoted to gradual expansion.

Expected outcomes

Implementing SIS may result in a lot of unexpected outcomes. However, there are still some that are more typical to appear. Based on the experience of successful SIS functioning around the globe, it is possible to come to the conclusion that fewer overdose deaths, more individual access to rehabilitation, a lower rate of public drug litter, and cost savings are anticipated.

References

Buse, K. M. (2012). Making health policy. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).

Polcin, D. M. (2014). Maximizing Social Model Principles in Residential Recovery Settings. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 46(5), 436443. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2014.960112

Wittman, F. D. (2014). The Evolution of Peer Run Sober Housing as a Recovery Resource for California Communities. International Journal of Self Help & Self Care, 8(2), 157187. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.2190/SH.8.2.c