Question

Grading Rubric for Advocacy Letter

Grading Rubric – assignment worth 100 points

10 points -       Letter is correctly addressed, formatted and punctuated. Spelling counts!

20 points -       Letter identifies a specific public health issue or piece of legislation of interest.

25 points -       Argument regarding the issue or legislation is identified and presented clearly

                        and concisely. Discuss the public health implications and why the identified

                        public health issue is important to public health nurses.

20 points -       Letter provides an example demonstrating why the requested course of action is

                        important.

20 points -       High level evidence supporting the policy or legislation is provided and a      response is requested. (At least 2 evidence based references and supportive statistical data should be discussed and cited). References should be current (within 5 years).

5 points -        Appropriate closing and signature, including professional credentials

The Advocacy Letter should not exceed one typed page single spaced, 11 or 12 size font

Answer 1

*HIV-related stigma and discrimination refer to prejudice, negative attitudes and abuse directed at people living with HIV and AIDS. Stigma and discrimination also make people vulnerable to HIV. Those most at risk to HIV (key affected populations) continue to face stigma and discrimination based on their actual or perceived health status, race, socioeconomic status, age, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or other grounds. Discrimination and other human rights violations may occur in health care settings, barring people from accessing health services or enjoying quality health care. Some people living with HIV and other key affected populations are shunned by family, peers and the wider community, while others face poor treatment in educational and work settings, erosion of their rights, and psychological damage. These all limit access to HIV testing, treatment, and other HIV services. For the issue at primary level, education of prevention behaviors takes precedence. At the secondary level, when an individual has acquired the HIV virus, nurses have to help by teaching healthy behaviors for living with the virus. Counseling, and giving health information and support on somatic complaints are important components. At the tertiary level, nursing interventions are much more intense as the promotion of the quality of the individual's life takes precedence. This includes helping the person deal with catastrophic fears, anger, sadness, and discouragement. Throughout the process, the attitudes of nurses to persons infected with the HIV virus are important.