Disease-prevention approach
In the case presented, a disease-prevention approach was used. This is due to the fact that once the wastewater was released into the river, the effect was deemed harmful to human beings and animals. The effect is that the wastewater has the potential of causing diseases. In response, measures were put in place to prevent the spread of diseases among residents of the affected states. The measures proposed were aimed at preventing both primary and secondary infections. Contact with the river water would have caused primary infections. Also, the animals would drink the water, get infected and pass it on to humans. This is why people were advised to stay away from the river and prevent their animals from taking the water. This is proof that the approach was based on disease- prevention.
Based on the nature of the case, I believe the disease- prevention approach was the most appropriate solution. Wastewater was accidentally released from the Gold King Mine and there was imminent danger as a result of this situation. Since the act could not be undone, the only option was minimising the harm that would result from it. Elements of the disease – prevention approach seen in this case include identification of the problem, causes, potential effects, and prevention measures. In this scenario, an assessment of the condition was done and the problem was identified as the presence of wastewater in the river. The cause was identified as the Gold King Mines. The potential effects of the wastewater include diseases for both animals and people, destruction of aquatic plants, and loss of fish and other aquatic creatures. The prevention measures set were avoidance of contact with the river for both human beings and animals. To the responsible persons, and putting in place measures to prevent infection.
This approach differs from the strength-based approach in several ways. First, the strength-based approach relies on appealing to the strengths and capabilities of a person as a way of motivating them to do their level best. People are capable of effecting change in themselves by altering their attitude and personality and embracing positivity. This is what the strength-based approach is all about. However, this scenario was about an action which had posed significant risks to lives and not people who needed to improve on their performance. If the approach was geared towards the improvement of the working conditions at the mine or the management of the river, then the strength-based approach would have come into play. The disease-prevention approach was effective in that people were saved from diseases although their farm crops and animals were affected. Further, the action taken by the Environmental protection agency to reduce the wastewater from the mines were aimed at preventing there-occurrence of such a scenario in future. In conclusion, a disease-prevention approach not only identifies where the problem is but ensures that the damage is minimized and that chances of a similar occurrence are significantly reduced. This is all evident in the case of the Gold King Mine.