The purpose of this activity is to evaluate the COVID-19 response across a state. Students to identify a state for analysis and critically examine the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will assess the compare and contrast the efforts of governmental health organizations at the local/state, identify the relationships to core functions of public health to their responses, and evaluate the effectiveness of health care services, programs, and policy interventions. Trends in COVID-19 cases and mortality data will provide insight. APA style will be utilized for in-text citations and references. For those who need extra guidance with formatting your paper, here is a resource you can use https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ (Links to an external site.).

Format: 3-4 page paper (not including the title page and reference page) submitted via Turnitin; APA format (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt font).

Your paper should include the following sections:

Introduction (suggested length 1 page)

• In an introductory paragraph, introduce the local/state health department.
  • Provide an overview, history of the organizations, and organization structure.

Epidemiological Trends and Disparities (suggested length 1 page)

• Summarize the epidemiological data for COVID-19 for the state.
  • Trend data for daily new cases (incidence) and overall cases (prevalence)
  • Trend data for mortality
• Summarize disparities (racial/ethnic, age, gender, and/or geographic, etc.) as they are relevant to COVID-19 in the state.
  • Describe some of the risk factors that contribute to the disparities.

Response to COVID-19 and the related core functions (suggested length 1-2 pages)

• Summarize the state’s response to COVID-19 and identify how this organization fulfilled the core functions and a minimum of 3 (three) essential public health services.
  • Be sure to describe the core functions and essential services specifically
  • You may use the information provided on the state and local websites, local media, etc.

Evaluation of Response (suggested length 1 page)

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the public health response in the state by using evidence and data to support a critique of the public health responses.
• You may critique the following:
  • Effectiveness of health care services
  • Public health interventions
  • Policy interventions

Assignment Guidelines:

1. Use APA format for references. Include a title page, section headers, and in-text citations.
2. The title page and reference pages are not included in the page requirement.
3. References should be from reputable websites and organizations (local, state, and federal websites). Do not use websites such as Wikipedia. Content from local media is OK if they reference creditable sources in their reporting.
4. Submit the assignment in a word document or pdf.