Stressors that alter an individual's life are frightening. Stressors are varied and often unpredictable. Getting medical treatment for a physical illness brings hope and perseverance in the fight for health. Losing a job with health insurance and benefits is overwhelming; however, an independent, functioning individual with adequate personal and community resources begins to apply for a new job or career change. Enjoyment of hobbies and life interests will be limited, but basic needs will be met and health care obtained. However, there are those who have great difficulty obtaining resources to meet their basic needs. People with mental illness, the homeless, pregnant teenagers or drug addicts are part of the vulnerable population. Poverty and discrimination become their way of life. How does a person with mental illness navigate the complex process of obtaining health care within their family or community for optimal functioning? “A vulnerable population group is a subgroup of the population that is more likely to develop health problems due to exposure to risks. or have worse outcomes from these health problems than the rest of the population” (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008, p.712). Vulnerable populations have limited access to community resources and health coverage. Mentally ill people are particularly prone to lack of support and health care due to stigma. “In the United States, approximately 40 million adults, or 22% of the population, suffer from a mental disorder. » (Stanhope and Lancaster, 2008, p. 786). According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2008), schizophrenia affects more than two million Americans, but only one-third of people with the illness actually have it.... middle of article..... .19, 2010, from http://0-proquest.umi.com.oak.indwes.edu/pqdweb?did=1943891261&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientid=48621&RQT=309&VName=PQDNational Alliance on Mental Illness (2008). Schizophrenia and recovery. Retrieved June 14, 2010 from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67729Stanhope, M. and Lancaster, J. (2008). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community (6th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. Thomicroft, G., Brohan, E., Rose, D., Sartorius, N. and Leese, M. (2009). Global pattern of experienced and anticipated discrimination against people with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional survey. The Lancet, 373(9661), 408-415. Retrieved June 14, 2010 from http://0-proquest.umi.com.oak.indwes.edu/pqdweb?did=1662930311&sid=3&Fmt=3&clientId=48621&RQT=309&VName=PQD