Population health and vulnerable populations have an impact on the overall health status of communities and countries. This requires recognition that we have serious disparities in health delivery and outcomes that must be addressed in all healthcare settings. The nursing profession has acknowledged these facts through its recent standards and ethics; statements about racism, discrimination, health equity, and disparities; and strategies to improve population health.

Designed to support current standards and goals for the nursing profession, Population Health and Vulnerable Populations helps students assess the key health needs of major vulnerable populations and their relationship to public and community health, social determinants of health, health equity, and disparities. They learn about key population health policies, programs, and interventions; methods for measuring public health; common barriers to providing care in communities; and nursing leadership skills to decrease health disparities and improve and maintain population health.

Population Health and Vulnerable Populations is part of the Cognella Series on Public and Community Health Nursing, a collection of concise, informative guides that explore critical topical areas, their nursing application, and their relationship to nursing practice.