[nurse_corinne]

Hi there!

I was hoping if I can get some ideas for a political action assignment in the community setting. The intent of the assignment is for us to gain experience with the process of political action; were looking at social issues with implications for community health.

thank you all for your feedback

[pickledpepperRN]

Many nurses in California worked for funding the Healthy Families program.
Now we are working to ensure children who qualify are enrolled.
http://www.calendow.org/news/press_r.../12/120805.stm

Other states too:
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=179&Q=237394&healthRNavradE82F7=|

Safety issues such as helmet laws, traffic lights and crossing guards.
Places to play and be active. With crime and child abuse/abduction children in many areas don't get to play on the sidewalk, vacant lot, or ride a bike on a gravel road like we did.
Supervised parks and activities are a good thing to work for. Ways to get the whole family active!
Maybe nutrition education. Have older kids teach younger kids. That needs a plan. Free fruit is a plus. With volunteers these take political action to create the program. It may take educating your City council or County Board.

I may be thinking too small. Just like your assignment.

[nurse_corinne]

Hi spacenurse! thank you for sharing your ideas. Are you involved in any of these programs as well?

[pickledpepperRN]

Many years ago I worked on the seatbelt law. More recently with the Emergency Nurses organization (not a member) for thebicycle helmet law for children.

For several years I participated as a volunteer going to schoold to teach high school students to teach nutrition to elementary students.
It 3was basically to eat more fruits and vegetables and have fun being active.
We brought apples, little boxes of raisins, and jump ropes. Then the funding was gone and the program was ended.
What funding? Volunteer nurses and dieticians gave our time, copied the materials ourselves (after running out of the slick originals) and brought the food and ropes.

Our present mayor is sending volunteers into schools and community centers to make people aware of the "Healthy Families Program". This is health insurance for children of low income working parents whose employers don't provide it. Fees are sliding scale. I don't think such a program is needed in Canada.

All kinds of fun activities are needed from team sports, dance, and just a supervised play area with adult supervision.

Other ideas other nurses participate in are screening for kidney disease, diabetes, and blood pressure checks.