Patients in Poverty Essay Example
Kristi Hulett
Mr. Troupe
Health 120
March 24, 2011
Patients Dealing with Poverty
Poverty affects almost half the world. Over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day (Global Issues). The United States, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, accounts for almost 12% of these statistics. In addition to these people, another 50 million are “near poverty” level. Even more alarming, according to the 1999 Census Bureau, over 16% of all children in the United States live in poverty verse the recorded 12% of adults (Yahoo Health). I chose to write about people living with poverty because God has really placed the issue on my heart this year. Last May, my father lost his job and became homeless. I am happy to say he is now employed and looking for housing. After seeing the effects of poverty first hand, I have felt tremendously compelled to reach out to those in need. I have applied for an Episcopal Urban Intern Program through AmeriCorps and if I am accepted, I will be working with them starting in August. God has really blessed me with a heart of compassion and understanding, and I want to use that gift to serve others to the best of my ability.
Poverty is a global issue that affects every corner of our world. There are an endless amount of people suffering in every county and many issues to be discussed. Because there are so many people affected worldwide, I am only going to focus on the effects in the United States for this essay. So, what is poverty? Poverty can be defined in several different ways. According to the US Census Bureau, poverty is measured in numbers. Any person living on a yearly income of $11,136 or under (add $2,820 for each additional person in the household) is considered to be in poverty (US Census 2010). However, the social definition of poverty is any person living with a lack of essential items such as food, clothing, water, and shelter (Think Quest). Minority racial and ethnic groups are much more likely to live in
Mr. Troupe
Health 120
March 24, 2011
Patients Dealing with Poverty
Poverty affects almost half the world. Over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day (Global Issues). The United States, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, accounts for almost 12% of these statistics. In addition to these people, another 50 million are “near poverty” level. Even more alarming, according to the 1999 Census Bureau, over 16% of all children in the United States live in poverty verse the recorded 12% of adults (Yahoo Health). I chose to write about people living with poverty because God has really placed the issue on my heart this year. Last May, my father lost his job and became homeless. I am happy to say he is now employed and looking for housing. After seeing the effects of poverty first hand, I have felt tremendously compelled to reach out to those in need. I have applied for an Episcopal Urban Intern Program through AmeriCorps and if I am accepted, I will be working with them starting in August. God has really blessed me with a heart of compassion and understanding, and I want to use that gift to serve others to the best of my ability.
Poverty is a global issue that affects every corner of our world. There are an endless amount of people suffering in every county and many issues to be discussed. Because there are so many people affected worldwide, I am only going to focus on the effects in the United States for this essay. So, what is poverty? Poverty can be defined in several different ways. According to the US Census Bureau, poverty is measured in numbers. Any person living on a yearly income of $11,136 or under (add $2,820 for each additional person in the household) is considered to be in poverty (US Census 2010). However, the social definition of poverty is any person living with a lack of essential items such as food, clothing, water, and shelter (Think Quest). Minority racial and ethnic groups are much more likely to live in