Choose a topic on which to develop a health policy. This topic may address a needed change in technology,health care literacy, staffing, billing, diagnosis, etc. 

Discussion Topic: Health disparities in rural communities

Health disparities are differences in the health of different groups, which can be attributed to socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors. Rural areas often suffer from significant health disparities because of limited healthcare access, poor levels of health literacy and high rates chronic diseases and poverty.

In order to address the health disparities that exist in rural areas, it is possible to develop a policy to promote health, to improve healthcare access, to raise health literacy levels, and to encourage healthy lifestyles. This policy could include:

1. Rural health facilities are often limited in resources and have outdated equipment. Increase funding to these facilities can help improve the quality of care and technology and also attract and retain healthcare professionals.
2. Telehealth is a great way to improve access to care for rural residents. Telehealth services include telemedicine, patient monitoring and education, as well as virtual support. These programs are a great way to help fill the gaps in rural areas that may lack easy access to medical facilities.
3. Improve health literacy. Rural residents often have low health literacy. This can result in misunderstandings of medical information, poor adherence to treatment and medication regimens, and negative health outcomes. In order to address this, it is possible to develop health education programs that are focused on improving health literacy as well as promoting healthy behaviours.
4. Healthy behaviors are encouraged: Many rural communities face challenges unique to their community, including limited access and opportunities for outdoor recreation. This policy could include funding to support community gardens, recreational areas and healthy food education.
5. Improvement of transportation infrastructure. Limited transportation access can present a barrier in accessing health care services for residents living in rural areas. To improve rural resident access to healthcare, the policy could include funding for transport services such as ride sharing programs and mobile clinics.

Conclusion: Developing a policy that addresses health disparities can help improve rural community access to health care, promote health behaviors, and increase health literacy. We can reduce health disparities by investing in rural health facilities, developing health literacy programs, encouraging healthy behavior, improving transportation infrastructure and developing telehealth.