Community Health Assessment
The community health assessment helps in identifying the health needs and resources by using collective data analysis. The community assessment assists in analyzing public health problems and guides the health departments regarding community health improvement plans (CDC, 2019). The healthcare departments and organizations used the data for improving the outcomes. The assessment will describe the results of the Windfield survey for assessing the needs and also discuss the environmental analysis and SDOH for the community of Jordan which is a small town in Minnesota.
General Condition and Public Health Needs
Jordan, a quaint town in Scott County, Minnesota, has a population of approximately 7,013 as of 2023, with a median age around 31 years. A comprehensive assessment by the Windfield survey highlighted Jordan’s abundant resources, including city hall, educational institutions from elementary to high school levels, a library, healthcare facilities, religious centers, shopping areas, and parks. These amenities contribute to the community’s quality of life, offering diverse programs in schools, healthcare services, recreational facilities, and support for the elderly at Oak Terrace senior living.
Despite its positive aspects, Jordan faces challenges. The community’s diverse population, including White, Black or African American, and Asian residents, experiences health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke as leading causes of death. There’s a call for enhanced healthcare initiatives focusing on nutrition, diagnostics, mental health, and improvements in fire safety and air quality.
The survey also pointed out concerns about air pollution and fire hazards impacting residents’ health. Additionally, it highlighted a lack of detailed data on ethnic groups, which is crucial for addressing specific community needs. Safety concerns due to crime rates were noted as significant during the survey process.
Research indicates that socioeconomic factors, air quality, and crime rates significantly affect health outcomes. Addressing these issues is essential for reducing health disparities and improving overall community well-being in Jordan.
Environmental Analysis
The environmental analysis is crucial for identifying both internal and external factors impacting the health and well-being of individuals. My investigation focuses on the environmental determinants influencing the health of residents in the Jordan community. A primary concern is water quality, which has been compromised by the presence of lead, copper, oxides, and microbial and radioactive pollutants. These contaminants pose a significant risk, particularly to those with weakened immune systems, infants, and pregnant women, leading to potential health issues such as cholera, diarrhea, and hepatitis, as reported by the WHO.
Another critical environmental factor is air quality. Jordan’s air quality index stands at 77, contributing to 24.2% of respiratory conditions within the community. This poor air quality is linked to chronic respiratory diseases, affecting lung health and increasing bronchitis cases. Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities among various racial groups in Jordan have led to notable health inequalities, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
In response to these challenges, healthcare professionals have significant opportunities to make a difference. Initiatives to improve healthcare access for all community members, regardless of socioeconomic status, are essential. There is a pressing need for educational programs to enhance awareness about health rights, grounded in the principles of social justice and culturally competent care. Additionally, the availability of vacant spaces presents a unique opportunity for business ventures aimed at benefiting the community’s most vulnerable groups.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
The SDOH includes socio-economic and physical factors that impact the health and well-being of individuals in getting access to care (Hill-Briggs et al., 2020). These factors affected community health in their access to resources and needs. The survey data shows that there are various racial groups living in Jordan that include whites, African-Americans, and Asians (Capella University, n.d.). All these racial groups have certain issues related to social, physical, and mental health. Social factors that include poverty, lack of education, and racism among racial groups resulted in many diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer that cause health disparities and inequities (Levitt et al., 2020). The low income of racial groups affects their access to medical care, food, and shelter. Some other factors are population size which affects access to resources and needs. The data shows that the population of Jordan increased by a percentage of 5.36% annually with a growth rate of 1.73% (World Population Review, 2023). The increase in population also increases the competition in getting resources. The poverty rate in Jordan is about 15.30% (World Population Review, 2023). The poverty rate of Jordan is greater than the national poverty rate of the US. The 2022 national poverty rate in the US is 12.8% (US Census Bureau, 2022). The findings are based on the assumption that in Jordan various racial groups are living and have various needs and requirements. The racial difference among groups resulted in health disparities and inequities.
Summary of Findings NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs
The collected information from the Windfield survey and environment analysis is listed in table 1 in the appendix. The needs, environmental factors, and social determinants of health for the community of Jordan are explained in detail to evaluate the general condition of the community. The community needs to take health initiatives to reduce the risks associated with dangerous diseases. The opportunities that are available for healthcare experts in the community are that they can take initiatives for providing better healthcare access to all people without any socio-economic differences. From the survey, I have learned that detailed statistical analysis is required for comparing the results. I have also learned about the health needs and concerns of the Jordan community and the factors that need improvement. The findings from the survey will also help me in future projects to effectively collect and analyze the data.
References
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Minnesota Department of Health. (2020). Community Health Assessment for Jordan, Minnesota. Health.state.mn.us. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/practice/resources/chsadmin/docs/2020jordanmncha.pdf
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