Interest groups often influence the policy market

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• Treatment: Supporting research into new and improved cancer treatments and providing information and resources to cancer patients and their families throughout their treatment journey.
• Survivorship: Advocating for policies and programs that support cancer survivors in their long-term health and well-being, addressing issues like access to care, financial toxicity, and psychosocial support.
• Research: Funding and conducting research to understand the causes, prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer. They play a significant role in advancing scientific knowledge in the field.
• Advocacy: Lobbying at the local, state, and federal levels for policies that support their mission, such as increased funding for cancer research, access to affordable healthcare, and regulations aimed at reducing cancer risk factors.

Influence on a Recent Health Policy:

The American Cancer Society has been a significant advocate for increasing access to and affordability of cancer screenings, particularly for underserved populations. Their persistent efforts have contributed to the expansion of coverage for preventive services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010.

How the ACS Influenced This Policy:

• Evidence-Based Advocacy: The ACS provided extensive evidence-based research highlighting the benefits of early cancer detection in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs in the long run. They presented data on the effectiveness of various screening modalities and the disparities in access to these screenings among different socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups.
• Lobbying and Political Pressure: The ACS actively lobbied members of Congress and engaged with policymakers during the development and passage of the ACA. They mobilized their vast network of volunteers and supporters to contact elected officials, raise public awareness, and advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive preventive services coverage.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The ACS conducted widespread public education campaigns emphasizing the importance of cancer screenings and the need for affordable access. This helped to create public support for policies that would expand coverage.
• Collaboration with Other Organizations: The ACS worked in coalition with other health advocacy groups, patient organizations, and medical professional societies to amplify their message and exert greater influence on policymakers.
• Providing Expertise: The ACS provided expert testimony and technical assistance to lawmakers and their staff, offering insights into the practical implications of different policy proposals related to preventive care.

Impact of the ACA on Cancer Screenings:

The ACA mandated that most private health insurance plans cover a range of preventive services, including several key cancer screenings (like mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests), without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). This policy change, heavily influenced by the advocacy of groups like the ACS, has led to:

• Increased Access: Millions of Americans gained access to previously unaffordable cancer screenings.
• Reduced Disparities: The policy has helped to narrow the gap in screening rates between different socioeconomic groups.
• Earlier Detection: Increased screening rates have likely contributed to the earlier detection of some cancers, leading to improved treatment outcomes and survival rates.

In conclusion, the American Cancer Society, driven by its belief in the importance of prevention and early detection, played a significant role in shaping the health policy landscape by advocating for and contributing to the expansion of coverage for cancer screenings under the Affordable Care Act. Their evidence-based advocacy, lobbying efforts, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative approach were instrumental in influencing this landmark health policy.

Q3: Reflection/Discussion on Batkid Begins

After watching the documentary "Batkid Begins," here are my responses to your questions:

• What was your favorite moment in the documentary Batkid Begins?

  My favorite moment was the sheer joy and wonder on Miles' face as he fully embraced his role as Batkid. Specifically, the scene where he "rescued" the damsel in distress tied to the train tracks, with the crowd cheering him on, was incredibly heartwarming. The genuine excitement and the feeling of empowerment he experienced were palpable and truly inspiring. It highlighted the transformative power of granting a wish and the positive impact it had on a child facing a serious illness.

• Describe at least three examples of play that you witnessed?

  1. Role-Playing/Pretend Play: The entire "Batkid" event was a massive example of role-playing. Miles was actively pretending to be a superhero, complete with a costume, a Batmobile escort, and staged scenarios where he could "save the day." The city of San Francisco wholeheartedly participated in this elaborate game of make-believe.
  2. Symbolic Play: The various "villains" (Penguin, Riddler) and the damsel in distress were symbolic representations of the challenges Miles might have been facing in his real life. Defeating these "villains" through his actions as Batkid could be seen as a symbolic victory over his illness and a way for him to exert control in a situation where he likely had little.
  3. Social Play: While Miles was the central figure, the event involved a huge amount of social interaction and shared enjoyment. The thousands of volunteers, the police officers, the mayor, and the general public all participated in the play, creating a shared experience of joy and support. This collective participation fostered a sense of community and connection around Miles' wish.

• Do you consider the overall experiences portrayed in the documentary to be considered "therapeutic?" Why or why not?

  Yes, I do consider the overall experiences portrayed in the documentary to be highly "therapeutic" for Miles, for several reasons:

  • Empowerment and Control: Facing a serious illness can leave a child feeling helpless and lacking control. The Batkid event reversed this by giving Miles a role of power and agency. He was the hero, the one making a difference, which likely boosted his sense of self-efficacy and resilience.
  • Distraction and Joy: The day provided a significant and joyful distraction from the often difficult realities of his medical treatments and limitations. Experiencing such unadulterated fun and excitement can have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being.
  • Social Connection and Support: The outpouring of love and support from the entire city was immense. Feeling seen, celebrated, and supported by so many people likely fostered a sense of belonging and reduced feelings of isolation that can sometimes accompany chronic illness.
  • Hope and Positive Outlook: The success of his "mission" and the positive attention he received could have instilled a greater sense of hope and optimism, potentially influencing his overall outlook on his situation.
  • Normalization and Fun: For a day, Miles wasn't just a child with leukemia; he was Batkid. This allowed him to experience a sense of normalcy and fun that might have been missing from his daily life.

  While it wasn't formal therapy, the experience undoubtedly had significant positive psychological and emotional benefits for Miles, aligning with many goals of therapeutic interventions.

Sample Answer

Q2: Influence of a Health-Related Interest Group

Let's consider the American Cancer Society (ACS) as a prominent national health-related interest group.

Overview of Beliefs:

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Their core beliefs and mission revolve around:

• Prevention: Promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors to reduce cancer risk, including advocating for policies related to tobacco control, healthy eating, physical activity, and cancer screenings.
• Early Detection: Emphasizing the importance of regular cancer screenings to detect the disease in its early, more treatable stages. They develop and disseminate guidelines for various cancer screenings (e.g., mammography, colonoscopy, PSA testing).