Interventions for promoting population health and wellness are implemented at national, state, and organizational levels. Clinical preventative interventions seek to maintain and promote health, ensure early diagnosis, reduce risk factors at the individual and community levels, and prevent health complications (AbdulRaheem, 2023). The preventative approach is established on the principle that better health outcomes, like reducing costs and preventing morbidity and mortality, can be achieved through preventive health approaches. Such an intervention in oncology nursing is mental health education and support to veterans with cancer. According to Thomas (2020), veterans with cancer are vulnerable to many mental health challenges besides social problems that they usually encounter after deployment. If not adequately prevented or addressed in the early stages, mental health problems could seriously hamper veterans’ life quality, social life, and overall health and well-being. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Military, Veterans, and Families is an effective approach for preventing clinical issues associated with poor mental health among veterans. It ensures that veterans can identify problems and seek treatment and social support to avoid serious complications.
A close analysis of focus areas of the MHFA for Military, Veterans, and Families indicates a successful initiative. It is an evidence-based initiative that encourages early intervention to decrease stigma among veterans, address tough life challenges, and empower veterans to be fully engaged in their daily lives (National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 2024). Population empowerment is accomplished by teaching veterans about self-care strategies for mental well-being and how to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue about mental health. Through such an approach and resource provision, the program cushions veterans from severe mental health issues like stress, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Chambliss et al., 2024). Their prevention underscores success in reducing clinical visits and high healthcare spending among veterans.
AbdulRaheem, Y. (2023). Unveiling the significance and challenges of integrating prevention levels in healthcare practice. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 14, 21501319231186500. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319231186500
Chambliss, T., Hsu, J. L., & Chen, M. L. (2024). Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans: a concept analysis. Behavioral Sciences, 14(6), 485. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060485
National Council for Mental Wellbeing. (2024). Mental Health First Aid for Military, Veterans, and their Families. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/adults/military-veterans-families/
Thomas, M. L. (2020). Veterans with cancer: Providing care in the community. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 24(3), 331-334. DOI: 10.1188/20.CJON.331-334