Open AccessA Social Work Approach to Policy: Implications for Population Health
Author(s) -
Daniel P. Miller,
Angela R. Bazzi,
Heidi Allen,
Melissa L. Martinson,
Christopher P. Salas-Wright,
Kathryn Jantz,
Katherine Crevi,
David Rosenbloom
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2017.304003
Subject(s) - public health , health policy , value (mathematics) , social determinants of health , health equity , population , social policy , population health , health care , political science , environmental health , medicine , nursing , law , machine learning , computer science
The substantial disparities in health and poorer outcomes in the United States relative to peer nations suggest the need to refocus health policy. Through direct contact with the most vulnerable segments of the population, social workers have developed an approach to policy that recognizes the importance of the social environment, the value of social relationships, and the significance of value-driven policymaking. This approach could be used to reorient health, health care, and social policies. Accordingly, social workers can be allies to public health professionals in efforts to eliminate disparities and improve population health.