What would you change about health policy?

We asked our student ambassadors, “If you could change one thing about public health or health policy now or in the future, what would that be?”

Kate Colpetzer, Health Services Management student

As an HSM student, one thing I would really love to see change about health policy is health insurance in the U.S. I strongly believe that health insurance should cover all aspects of healthcare. From dental, eye care, mental health, reproductive rights, and elective procedures, healthcare should be all encompassing so that Americans can receive all necessary care. Not only would this save patients money, but it would work towards creating equitable, holistic population health.

Lucy Khatib, Epidemiology student

As a public health student, I hope that future laws will help support the healthcare and decision of those who can get pregnant. It is important to help support those who will be negatively affected. That is why I have joined Women4Change Indiana this semester to get involved.

Jaida Speth, Health Services Management student

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. It has quickly become one of the biggest threats to humanity in the past 25 years.

If I could change one thing about public health, it would be the amount of funding that goes into fighting climate change. Like most public health issues, it is about health equity. People whose health are being harmed first and worst by the climate crisis contribute the least to it and are the least able to protect themselves against it.

Financial resources are needed to both reduce emissions, promote adaptation to the impacts that are already occurring, and build resilience.

Although a lot of inspiring work has been done, there are always so many more opportunities to fight climate change and a little bit of funding can make it easier to take advantage of those opportunities!