A letter to the editor can be a powerful outlet for voicing opinion on health is

A letter to the editor can be a powerful outlet for voicing
opinion on health issues. Your letter should be 250-500 words in length. The
objective of a letter to the editor is to increase understanding of an urgent
public health problem, foster a dialogue around a specific issue involving the
author and the community, and provide direction for future action on the issue.
For this assignment, select a recent public health policy action at the local,
state, or federal level. Prepare a response to the policy action in the form of
a letter to the editor. Use the “Guidelines for Preparing a Letter to the
Editor” resource and the following criteria to prepare your letter to the
editor. Consider your audience for the public health problem. Think about news
outlets that you would like to write to, instead of writing to your instructor.
Clearly state your position. Articulate whether you agree or
disagree with the chosen policy action (or inaction). Highlight the uniqueness
of your opinion so that it is not simply restating the position or opinion in
the chosen policy action (or inaction).
Critique the merits of the action. Describe the impact the
action will have on health outcomes. Comment on what you would do differently
(if you disagree with the action) or highlight why the course of action was
appropriate (if you agree with the action). Critique whether the authors have
used compelling data to support the action or challenge the action if you
disagree. Describe whether the authors have identified criteria to measure the
policy action or recommend what you would use as criteria.
Provide recommendations. Propose specific steps that should
be taken to strengthen efforts. Offer one or two suggestions, maximum. Avoid
statements such as “more funding needed” or “more research
needed.”
Use appropriate tone. Use professional language that focuses
on the merits of the positions. Do not include language that is disparaging or
condescending, or content that is irrelevant to the argument.
Cite references. Include a minimum of three references and
no more than five references.
You are required to cite to three to five sources to
complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and
appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content.
Benchmark Information:
This benchmark assignment assesses the following
programmatic competencies:
Masters of Public Health
4.3: Advocate for political, social, or economic policies
and programs that will improve health in diverse populations.
Attachments
PUB-650-RS-GuidelinesPreparingLetterE