Opportunity #1
Lessons learned from 2016, but US still faces new election threats
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200126/lessons-learned-from-2016-but-us-faces-new-election-threats
This article highlights many areas in the 2016 election voting process that lacked proper security measures that enabled Russian interference. From out of date voting machines to social media fake news, essential facets of the election process, which should be highly maintained by federal and local government, were exposed by attacks that no one saw coming. Fast forward to present day, the article mentions different measures now being implemented to secure the election process from foreign meddling; however, many argue these precautions will not be enough.
The main problem presented is foreign interference in US elections that undermine our democracy. As noted in the article, America is not the only country that experiences these attacks, and Russia is not the only country to interfere in elections.There are two who's facing this problem: US federal and local governments and American voters. The US government must protect the rights of American citizens from attacks, foreign and domestic. American voters who see these attacks on elections might question the legitimacy of future elections and could refuse to vote outright.
Opportunity #2
4 Florida panthers found dead in first 2 weeks of 2020
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200114/4-florida-panthers-found-dead-in-first-2-weeks-of-2020
Panthers once inhabited a large portion of the Southeast. But with population numbers barely over 200, the Florida panther is isolated to small regions in the state and in the Gulf of Mexico. Within the first 2 weeks of 2020, 4 panthers were killed by vehicles: 3 by cars and 1 by train. In 2019, 23 out of the 27 confirmed panther deaths were vehicle related.
The main problem in this story is the amount of panther deaths related to vehicles and the resulting injury to humans. This is a problem facing the dwindling Florida panther population, drivers in those regions, and Florida wildlife conservationists.
Opportunity #3
The No.1 cause of injuries in Hall is much more common than car crash injuries
In Hall County (GA), falling related hospital visits have been rising and are becoming more common than car related injuries. Accounting for more than half of all documented check-ins at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in 2018, falling affects the elderly (50-90 years) at higher rates and is a potential life threatening event. The article mentions tips to reduce the chance of a fall and interviews a nurse at the hospital who works with fall patients.
The main problem presented is falling related injuries impact and frequency on the elderly population. Senior citizens are more likely to be hospitalized for a fall than any other demographic and are directly affected by this problem. Hospitals and staff also face this problem because they are responsible for treating fall injuries.
Opportunity #4
These numbers show demand far outweighs supply for those needing mental health help
Mental illness cases across northern Georgia and into Gainesville are rising, but treatment areas and staff are in a short supply in these regions. The ratio of people needing mental health care to mental health specialists in Georgia is 829:1. The article points to research and data showing that mental health symptoms drop 60-70% over an average eight visits which benefits overall patient and community health. Getting help with regards to mental health is important but sometimes overlooked. Many programs have been focused on educating family members, schools, and the community on mental health symptoms. Avita Community Partners is a mental healthcare provider that operates in 13 counties. The main center has limited spots and they are in the process of building a new center to house more patients.
The main problem presented by this article is when patient numbers exceed the available spots in the mental health centers which delays treatment and poses a threat to those seeking help. People with depression and other mental health conditions are at the center of this issue. Mental health conditions are harder to diagnose and do not have an estimated recovery time unlike most physical injuries. Those who need treatment but are unable to might commit suicide. Family members of those affected also face this problem. How they confront their loved ones with mental health conditions is a very sensitive but important issue.
Opportunity #5
Teachers rally, demand more money for schools
On January 30, 2020 thousands of teachers from all across the state of Florida headed to Tallahassee to protest for education: higher salaries for teachers, lower standardized testing, and increase funding for music and extracurriculars. 200 teachers represented Gainesville schools at the event, Take on Tallahassee: A Rally for Public Education. One teacher from Alachua County school, Eastside High School, recalls his experiences with students coming from impoverished families and fights for them. Under the current proposed legislation, by Governor Rob DeSantis, school staff: janitors, cafeteria workers, and others would be left out of the funding. Despite counter-protesting, the rally was conducted successfully and teachers would use the power of the vote if Florida legislators did not recognize their needs.
The main problem in this article is the lack of funding in schools across Florida. This problem has devastating effects on the teachers' morale and student success. Teaching is a hardworking profession with very little compensation. Without the necessary funding, teachers will quit and students will ultimately suffer. Teachers, students, and staff face this problem - not only in Florida but in schools across the nation.
Hi Aaron - I completely stand by the last opportunity you mentioned in regards to teachers protesting for more money. I believe teachers bring an extreme amount of value to this world as they are teaching the next generation of young leaders. I come from a family of teachers and believe fully that they deserve more than what they get!
ReplyDeleteHey Aaron,
ReplyDeleteThe articles you chose to write on are very interesting. I was particularly drawn to your second one about the Florida panthers found dead so early into the new year, mainly because I'm really upset about people who dont care to preserve wildlife or endangered animals. I think it would be really beneficial to designate non-commercialized areas for preserving wildlife and holding endangered species (like panthers) to avoid man-made accidents like these.