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Discussion 7

Student's Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Name and Number

Instructor's Name

Date
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Discussion 7

(I) Identify

Honorable [Congressman/Congresswoman],

My name is [Student's Name], and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in public health. I

work as an advocate for improved public health. Over the last six years, I have been working in

the area of obesity prevention and management, and I am extremely disturbed about the

skyrocketing rates of obesity in New York City and across the U. S. as a whole.

(S) Situation

Obesity, as you probably know, is a major problem for the health of the general people in both

our state and our nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

the percentage of overweight and obese people in New York State has increased significantly

over the previous decade, now reaching over 40% (Center for Disease Control and Prevention,

2020). The goal of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021 (S. 596) is to make it simpler for

Medicare beneficiaries to get evidence-based care and treatment for obesity.

As the obesity epidemic worsens, failure to implement this legislation would make it more

difficult for New Yorkers to get treatment for their condition.

(B) Background

As a legislator concerned about New Yorkers' health and well-being, I know you are dedicated to

pushing policies that enhance access to healthcare and eliminate health inequities. I share your

dedication to these aspirations and feel that the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021 is a vital

step toward attaining them.

As someone whose career focuses on enhancing public health, I have seen firsthand the toll

obesity has on people and communities.

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The negative effects of obesity extend beyond the body to include mental health, interaction

patterns, and economic opportunities.

(A) Assessment

I am certain that the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021 is an important policy effort that will

improve the health of New Yorkers. This act would boost access to evidence-based therapies,

including behavioral counseling and medication, and money for research and preventative

initiatives.

(R) Recommendation/Request

I highly encourage you to support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021 and strive to have it

implemented as soon as possible. Reducing the prevalence of obesity and the associated health

issues requires making it more convenient for individuals to get the treatment that is supported

by scientific evidence. In the long term, this will result in an improvement in the health of your

constituents.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Public Health Advocate

Contact Information: [Student’s email address and phone number]

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References
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Adult Obesity Facts.

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021). CMS Releases Action Plan to Address

Health Equity in Medicare. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-releases-action-

plan-address-health-equity-medicare

Jurns, C. (2019). Using SBAR to communicate with policymakers. Online Journal of Issues in

Nursing, 24(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol24No01PPT47

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021, S. 596, 117th Cong. (2021).