55-J-10-2 Having reviewed my initial forum post, with minimal changes, I uphold my views that health equality and health disparities represent one of the most significant challenges facing the health of the global population given its correlation with good health and well-being (goal 3). With that said, I feel it's important to back away from using the terms health equality and health disparities using instead the term health equity. Notably, this change results from research conducted during module seven in which I happened upon the following quote. Equity is the absence of avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people, whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically, or geographically. Health inequities, therefore, involve more than inequality with respect to health determinants, access to the resources needed to improve and maintain health or health outcomes. They also entail a failure to avoid or overcome inequalities that infringe on fairness and human rights norms. (World Health Organization, 2018, para. 1) Thus, health inequities and health disparities become interchangeable as forms of unjust health differences, which unfavorably affect groups of people. As such, "equity is the process and equality is the outcome" ("Equity", 2016, para. 2). In other words, "the route to achieving equity will not be accomplished through treating everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone equitably, or justly according to their circumstances" (Dressel, 2014, para, 2). Notably, sustainable development goals one (poverty) and two (hunger) are linked to good health and well-being (goal 3), which in turn correlates with equity (United Nations, 2015). Thus, it's my view that by addressing equity on a global scale, you begin to break down the exasperating challenges associated with poverty, hunger, and good health and well-being. With that said, the knowledge obtained throughout this course will prove beneficial as I further carve my career pathway in the areas of both public health and community health education as it relates to HIV/AIDS. The latter has been an area of extreme interest since the beginning of the epidemic back in the early 80s, yet that interest intensified ten-fold when, after 25 years of safely navigating the gay culture, I was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 41. Now ten years later, I stand in amazement that the vulnerabilities that led to my diagnosis persist; thus, continue to place the sexual health of today's youth at an increased risk. Subsequently, having completed this course, I feel more prepared to address the increased incidences of HIV within Phoenix's LGBT community. In closing, I feel confident in suggesting that each chapter of the course textbook has content that's applicable to my field of work at the community level. Notable chapters that helped develop skills include chapters two (Culture, Behavior, and Health), four (Reproductive Health), five (Infectiou.

1. 55-J-10-2
Having reviewed my initial forum post, with minimal changes, I
uphold my views that health equality and health disparities
represent one of the most significant challenges facing the
health of the global population given its correlation with good
health and well-being (goal 3). With that said, I feel it's
important to back away from using the terms health equality and
health disparities using instead the term health equity. Notably,
this change results from research conducted during module
seven in which I happened upon the following quote.
Equity is the absence of avoidable or remediable differences
among groups of people, whether those groups are defined
socially, economically, demographically, or geographically.
Health inequities, therefore, involve more than inequality with
respect to health determinants, access to the resources needed to
improve and maintain health or health outcomes. They also
entail a failure to avoid or overcome inequalities that infringe
on fairness and human rights norms. (World Health
Organization, 2018, para. 1)
Thus, health inequities and health disparities become
interchangeable as forms of unjust health differences, which
unfavorably affect groups of people.
As such, "equity is the process and equality is the outcome"
("Equity", 2016, para. 2). In other words, "the route to
achieving equity will not be accomplished through treating
everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone
equitably, or justly according to their circumstances" (Dressel,
2014, para, 2). Notably, sustainable development goals one
(poverty) and two (hunger) are linked to good health and well-
being (goal 3), which in turn correlates with equity (United
Nations, 2015). Thus, it's my view that by addressing equity on
a global scale, you begin to break down the exasperating
challenges associated with poverty, hunger, and good health and

2. well-being.
With that said, the knowledge obtained throughout this
course will prove beneficial as I further carve my career
pathway in the areas of both public health and community
health education as it relates to HIV/AIDS. The latter has been
an area of extreme interest since the beginning of the epidemic
back in the early 80s, yet that interest intensified ten-fold when,
after 25 years of safely navigating the gay culture, I was
diagnosed with HIV at the age of 41. Now ten years later, I
stand in amazement that the vulnerabilities that led to my
diagnosis persist; thus, continue to place the sexual health of
today's youth at an increased risk. Subsequently, having
completed this course, I feel more prepared to address the
increased incidences of HIV within Phoenix's LGBT
community.
In closing, I feel confident in suggesting that each chapter of
the course textbook has content that's applicable to my field of
work at the community level. Notable chapters that helped
develop skills include chapters two (Culture, Behavior, and
Health), four (Reproductive Health), five (Infectious Diseases),
six (Nutrition), nine (Mental Health), and 14 (Pharmaceuticals).
Each chapter addresses issues that directly affect persons living
with HIV. As such, the knowledge gained when applied proves
beneficial to improving the health and well-being of persons
affected by HIV/AIDS. ReferencesDressel, P. (2014). Racial
equality or racial equity: The difference it makes.
http://racemattersinstitute.org/blog/Racial-Equality-Racial-
Equity-%20Whats-the-Difference-What-Difference-Does-It-
Make
Equity. (2016). In the Glossary of Education Reform.
http://edglossary.org/equity/
United Nations. (2015). Sustainable development goals: 17
goals to transform our world.
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-
development-goals/
World Health Organization. (2018). Health Systems: Equity.

3. http://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/equity/en/
55-DQ10-1
Having reviewed the article associated with this week's
discussion question, and the subsequent poll results, it reaffirms
my dislike for these types of surveys. The latter does not
suggest that all studies are bad, yet, it does suggest there's an
element of bias when those polled do not fully understand the
issue. The article collaborates my position when it states, "on
average, Americans say spending on foreign aid makes up 31
percent of the federal budget" (DiJulio, Norton, & Brodie, 2016,
para. 11). To that end, a widespread misguided perception about
the amount of U.S. federal dollars spent on global health will
unquestionably lead to uninformed respondent responses. Thus,
I feel, the public's opinion would, in fact, produced different
results if they were made aware that only "1 percent or less of
the federal budget is spent on foreign aid" (DiJulio, Norton, &
Brodie, 2016, para. 11). To that I would argue, there's an
element of danger when misguided views give way to policy
decisions about Americas investment in global health.
Additionally, as long as Americans (Democrat, Republican, or
Independent) continually witness domestic struggles (poverty,
homelessness, etc.) within their communities, said concerns
trump those of foreign aid. Thus, it's safe to say such matters
can result in a biased view when questioned if American is
spending too much or too little on global health. Notably, if I
were to believe that 31 percent of the federal budget went to
foreign aid while poverty and homelessness remain rampant in
America, I too would say we are spending too much money
abroad. The last point I will make about public opinion is that
when we witness tangible results, we then see the value of the
investment; however, most Americans are not privy to the many
successes resulting from our investment abroad.
With that said, its essential for all Americans to understand that
our global investment plays a significant role in protecting

4. America from the proliferation of disease; especially, when
considering the ease of international travel. A perfect example
is the Ebola scare when in 2014, a man who had traveled to
Dallas, Texas from Liberia would become the first laboratory-
confirmed case of Ebola in the United States (Centers for
Disease Control & Prevention, 2014). Safe to say, if not for our
interest (a product of investment) to prevent entry of those
displaying symptoms, an outbreak could have ensued. In this
instance, Americans witnessed tangible results; therefore,
understood the value of investing in global health.
Subsequently, it's my view that American must continue its role
and commitment in the future of global health when
considering, a health issue abroad presents a domestic threat.
Aside from that, life is precious; thus, if we can play an
influential role in protecting and advancing the health and well-
being of those living in low- and middle-income countries, it's
my belief, we have a moral obligation to do so. That
commitment can take many paths when considering issues of
poverty, disease, access to nutrient-rich foods, access to
healthcare, treatment, and services, as well as teaching
independent community sustainability (growing foods, etc.). To
that end, I would like to see America contribute more to global
health, yet, such contributions must not weaken efforts to
protect and advance the health and well-being of our citizens.
While this is a topic, which I have many views about; thus,
could go on and on, I will spare you the agony.
In closing, I will say that low- and middle-income countries do
not have the financial resources nor a clear leadership structure
to play a significant role in shaping global health. However,
through our contributions, as well as the contributions from
other countries, they will acquire the necessary education,
skills, and experience to reshape their approach to bring health
and well-being to their citizens. The latter is dependent on their
willingness to eradicate elements of corruption, which only
serves to suppress their people. I will end by saying these
underserved populations are worthy of our investment

5. regardless of our differences (culture, religion, race, etc.). As
such, these people should have equitable access to protection
from communicable and non-communicable diseases (HIV,
malaria, tuberculosis, cancer, heart disease, etc.), as well as
access to maternal and child health, family planning, and
reproductive health services. Therefore, if as a country, we are
in a position to provide aid, we must because an investment
abroad is to some degree, the equivalent of national health
investing.
Given this is the final discussion, I want to thank each of you
for enriching my experience and advancing my knowledge by
way of your discussion contributions. I wish each of you,
tremendous success on your educational journey.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Ebola
(Ebola Virus Disease): Cases of Ebola Diagnosed in the United
States. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-
africa/united-states-imported-case.html
DiJulio, D., Norton, M., & Brodie, M. (2016). American’s views
on the role the U.S. role in global health. Retrieved from
https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/poll-
finding/americans-views-on-the-u-s-role-in-global-health/
55-DQ-9-1
Hurricane Katrina, formed as a tropical depression in the
Atlantic Ocean on August 23, 2005, over the southeastern
Bahamas. After passing over the southern tip of Florida, "the
hurricane entered the Gulf of Mexico and quickly rose in
intensity to category 5, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson
scale. Its predicted track took it straight up the delta of the
Mississippi River toward New Orleans" (Mazzeno, 2013, para.
2). Officials at every level of government feared the effects of

6. Katrina given much of the city sits below sea level; especially
areas between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain.
Katrina made landfall on August 29th as a category three
hurricane hitting the extreme southeast of Louisiana then
veering slightly eastward to strike the Mississippi Gulf coast
(Mazzeno, 2013).
At the height of the hurricane, the storm surge exceeded 25 feet,
whereby, it obliterated nearly every building within a mile of
the cost. Subsequently, this surge placed inordinate stress on
the levees guarding the Greater New Orleans area and within
hours the stress became too much; as a result, the levees
breached bringing flooding to 80 percent of the city (Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 2016). Hurricane Katrina
resulted in 1,833 fatalities and left tens of thousands homeless
and without basic supplies. Additionally, Katrina affected
92,000 square miles and caused $108 billion in damage (un-
adjusted 2005 dollars), and a total economic loss reaching as
high as $250 billion (National Weather Service, 2016).
Although hurricane Katrina is a story of mass devastation, the
disaster response would take on a story in and of itself.
With that stated, it's my opinion the emergency response was
not successful; however, it's important to point out that the
procrastination displayed by the city's mayor, Ray Nagin,
significantly complicated response efforts. Notably, his decision
not to issue a mandatory evacuation order until the day before
the storm hit resulted in excess of one hundred thousand people
stranded in New Orleans (Mazzeno, 2013). Subsequently,
individuals had little choice but to seek refuge in attics,
rooftops, flee to higher ground or make the passage (when
/where possible) to the Superdome, which was designated as an
emergency evacuation center (Mazzeno, 2013). The latter
proved extremely challenging when considering the city's Lower
Ninth Ward and the affluent subdivision of Lakeview was
inundated and made uninhabitable.
Arguably, had Mayor Nagin heeded governmental concerns and
issued mandatory evacuation orders sooner, I feel confident in

7. suggesting the death toll would have been reduced, as too would
the numbers of persons in need of rescue. The latter presented a
significant challenge for those responding to the disaster. Also,
the risks of a major hurricane striking New Orleans were well
known; especially, concerns about the levee's, which were in
need of reinforcement. Despite this knowledge and the fact,
there was enough warning of the threat of Katrina that
declarations of emergency were made days in advance of
landfall. However, responders failed to convert this information
into a level of preparation appropriate with the scope of the
impending disaster. (Moynihan, 2009, p. 1)
However, the response failure extends beyond Mayor Nagin's
errors and the errors regarding preparation given there were
failures at all levels of government. Notably, "the key
institutional capacities to manage the response at every level of
government were inadequate. In particular, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had been weakened
during the Bush administration" (Moynihan, 2009, p. 1).
In closing, hurricane Katrina was devastating not primarily
because of human failures, but because of the size and scope of
the tasks created by Katrina. While good management might
modify disasters, it cannot eliminate them; that aside, it does
not excuse the fact there was poor coordination among the
network of responders, key players did not act with a sense of
urgency, and related risk factors were overlooked due to defunct
management and policy. Sadly, despite knowledge of the risk, a
major hurricane would bring to the city they failed to take
proactive measures, which unquestionably would have
minimized the losses caused by Katrina (human and structural).
Thus, I would argue the response failures correlates with the
procrastination to resolve in advance these know risks.
Yours in learning,
Cliff
References

8. Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2016). Hurricane
Katrina. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-katrina
Mazzeno, L. W. (2013). Hurricane Katrina. Salem Press
Encyclopedia, Retrieved from
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vi
d=2&sid=d79fb824-c62b-4787-ad85-
2d81704c1799%40sessionmgr104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWx
pdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=89138967&db=ers
Moynihan, D. P. (2009). The response to hurricane Katrina.
Retrieved from
https://www.irgc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2012/04/Hurricane_Kat
rina_full_case_study_web.pdf
National Weather Service. (2016). Extremely powerful
hurricane Katrina leaves a historic markon the Northern Gulf
Coast: A killer hurricane our country will never forget.
Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/mob/katrina