This assignment is the second step to writing the final memo for this course. A memo is a short letter to bring someone’s attention to a problem and to propose solutions for addressing the problem. The overall goal is to convince someone (e.g., policy makers, MCH Faculty, MCH student leaders, etc.) to do something to address the problem. Please see the memo assignment guidelines Download memo assignment guidelinesfor more information.
Problem Justification Assignment Details:
Justification Statement: Students must provide justification of the importance of the MCH topic selected in their Memo Assignment Part 1 – Topic Selection and Statement of the Problem assignment. Students will submit a 1-2 page, single-spaced, written report with visuals (e.g., graphs, figures, tables, photos, diagrams, etc.). Visuals provide supporting evidence of the written statements in your report and can enhance the understanding and ability of your target audience to make decisions. Your visuals will serve as supplemental information/attachments to your final memo.
Note: The 1-2 page limit is for the written portion of the paper. It is okay if your paper exceeds this limit after adding your visuals.
The report and visuals should include the following information:
1) What is the problem? (Define and explain its significance as a public health problem)
2) How big is the problem (e.g., key statistics, overall trends, costs)?
3) Who does it affect the most? (e.g., racial/ethnic groups, geographic areas, populations with mental disorders, etc.)
4) *Why is this problem important to MCH?
*Note: It’s not enough to state that it’s an important problem because it affects women and/or children. Explain why the problem is important (e.g., what is the impact on physical and mental health, what are the costs to society and families, how does it impact academic performance or future educational opportunities, etc.). It is also important to describe how this problem is relevant to or supported by the life course perspective in MCH, if applicable.
References
Your report should include in-text citations and references in APA 7 format. Download APA 7 format.
*You should have a minimum of three references. At least two should be peer-reviewed journal articles, and one should be a government or other reputable source with expertise on your topic.
I have linked my first assignment that has my topic is preterm birth and the statement of the problem.
