Vulnerable Populations

African American Youth in Poverty: Washington DC The word vulnerability by definition is “exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. The term vulnerable population takes it a step further and is defined as “a population at risk”. There are many different versions of the definition of vulnerable population but the underlying message is always a population of heightened risk that needs service. Vulnerable populations exist across, the globe, across the nation, across the city and maybe even across the street from any given person. There are countless organizations that serve these populations yet there is always a strong need for service. These vulnerable populations are most closely associated …show more content…
are extremely vulnerable, it is even more vital for them to obtain access to health care, including primary care and vaccinations. Black youth in the Nation’s capitol face the worst odds for graduation rates, teen pregnancy, crime, obesity, gang activity, etc. Many programs in the district are aimed at reducing these odds through several mechanisms. Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington offers holistic approaches to give teens guidance. City Year works with youth ages 17 – 24 uniting D.C from all backgrounds for a full-year service giving them skills and opportunities. Volunteers of City Year serve as tutors, mentors, and role models to change the lives of impoverished children in the district. The stigma that most black men do not attend college is challenged with the organization, Concerned Black Men of Washington D.C. Their vision is to provide opportunities for academic and career achievement through mentors and programs that carry out the needs and discipline that all youth need. Close up foundation has been working in Washington D.C. for over four decades inspiring students to become informed active citizens. Members of the foundation include a national network of dedicated teachers, over 700,000 alumni and partners with varying funding such as the U.S Congress, the Department of Education, the Department of Interior, the Freedom Forum, Bank of America along with various others. Teachers hail from diverse racial, …show more content…
Many first and second-generation youths of color have great difficulty with cultural barriers due to acculturation - the degree to which they assimilate the values beliefs and behaviors of the host culture. Sometimes they don't necessarily agree with the best care the doctor says there is because it conflicts with their values and beliefs on morally treating patients. The American health care system is not the most welcoming into open ideas about spirituality curing, its much more of a direct science approach that does not dismiss miracles but perceives such things as so unlikely that it might as well be