ethnic minorities

ethnic minorities

What is vulnerability? Merriam- Webster defines vulnerable as “capable of being physically or emotionally wounded.” In my opinion, we are all vulnerable by that definition. In healthcare, vulnerable populations are considered those who cannot advocate for their needs or well-being. For example, children, members of the LGBTQ community, prisoners, ethnic minorities, impoverished, and physically or mentally impaired would all be considered vulnerable. (Falkner, 2018). Children, in my opinion, are the most vulnerable because they lack decision making skills and autonomy to advocate for their needs or health care decisions. Children must count on the adults around them to make these decisions for them and unfortunately, some adults take advantage of this vulnerability. As healthcare providers, it is our responsibility to advocate for our patients even and especially when their caregivers are making decisions that will cause them harm. This is a slippery slope as choices such as refusal of vaccinations or life- saving blood products (because of religion) is a protected right. Ethics committees and judicial members are often tasked to intervene in life-saving decisions when the child’s best interest is at risk. So, I beg the very controversial question, how much longer will we continue to watch children die from vaccine- preventable illnesses until the government intervenes?

Reference

Falkner, A. (2018). Community as Client. In Community & public health: The future of health care. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs427vn/community-and-public-health-the-future-of-health-care/v1.1/