NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-222 Health & Wellness
Prof. Name
Date
Week 7: Health Promotion Strategies
According to the data, as a nation, are we improving or declining, and why is this important to our health as a country?
The Healthy People 2020 initiative highlights high school graduation as a key Leading Health Indicator (LHI) under the topic of Social Determinants of Health. This metric is defined by the percentage of students who receive a regular diploma within four years of starting the 9th grade. According to data provided on the Healthy People 2020 website, the baseline graduation rate in 2010 was 79%. The target was set to increase this to 87% by the end of the decade.
As of the 2016–2017 academic year, the graduation rate had improved to 85%, indicating significant progress toward the national goal. Although the final goal had not yet been met at that time, the upward trend suggests that the United States was moving in a positive direction. The continuing rise in graduation rates could potentially meet or even surpass the target once more recent data is considered.
NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies
However, it’s worth noting a potential limitation in the data collection. While the results are presented as national indicators, the data is reportedly derived from only three states: Idaho, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. This narrow sampling raises concerns about the representativeness of the findings and whether they accurately reflect trends across the entire nation. Broader, more inclusive data would strengthen the reliability of these indicators.
The significance of this indicator goes beyond education statistics. High school graduation is closely tied to long-term health outcomes. Individuals who fail to graduate are more likely to face unemployment, lower income levels, and poverty—factors that can significantly limit access to healthcare services. Employment often provides individuals with health insurance and the means to engage in preventive healthcare. Without these resources, people may forego regular medical care, leading to untreated health conditions and overall poorer health outcomes.
This demonstrates the interconnectedness of education and public health. Promoting higher graduation rates is not only an educational goal but also a public health strategy. Ensuring that more students complete high school within four years can contribute to reducing health disparities and improving the nation’s overall well-being.
Summary Table: Graduation Data and Health Implications
| Indicator | Baseline (2010) | Target (2020) | Latest Data (2016–2017) | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rate | 79% | 87% | 85% | Increased likelihood of employment, higher income, and access to healthcare; reduced risk of poverty and chronic health issues |
| Data source representation concern | 3 states only | N/A | Idaho, Kentucky, Oklahoma | Limited representation may skew results; need for broader data collection to ensure national accuracy |
| Health impact of dropping out | N/A | N/A | N/A | Associated with limited job prospects, lack of health benefits, lower preventive care use, and higher risk for long-term poor health outcomes |
References
High School Graduation. (n.d.). Healthy People 2020. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-health/interventions-resources/high-school-graduation
NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies
Students graduating from high school within 4 years of starting 9th grade (percent). (2020). Healthy People 2020. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/data/Chart/3949?category=1