NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

Name

Capella university

Prof. Name

Date

Community Health Assessment – Executive Summary

Jordan, Minnesota, the fastest-growing city in the state’s fastest-growing county, offers critical insights into community health assessment practices. As the population continues to evolve, Jordan has made significant strides in improving healthcare, education, and public services. This executive summary synthesizes findings derived from a virtual windshield survey and environmental analysis, identifying crucial social determinants of health and environmental factors influencing the community.

General Condition and Public Health Needs

A windshield survey conducted in Jordan aimed to identify the city’s strengths and areas for improvement from a public health perspective. The survey examined residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, schools, healthcare facilities, recreational spaces, transportation networks, and essential services like fire and police stations. These environmental factors are integral to public health and well-being, as they directly influence the quality of life.

For instance, the condition of housing and neighborhood safety impact both residents and businesses, affecting economic stability and access to essential goods. Educational institutions and healthcare facilities, alongside parks and recreational spaces, play a crucial role in supporting the physical and mental well-being of the population. Additionally, the transportation system influences accessibility and traffic safety. With a young and growing population, Jordan, with a median age of 29.2 years (City of Jordan Economic Development, n.d.), reflects a dynamic community poised for further growth.

Environmental Analysis

The environmental factors in Jordan significantly shape public health. As a small, rapidly growing city, Jordan faces both opportunities and challenges related to ecological determinants. Industrial activities, particularly longstanding businesses in the region since 1954, contribute to economic growth but may negatively impact air and water quality, leading to respiratory issues and waterborne diseases (Aripov et al., 2020). However, Jordan’s green spaces, such as Lagoon (Veteran’s) Park and the Minnesota Valley Trails State Park, provide essential physical and mental health benefits, contributing to long-term health outcomes (Lackey et al., 2021).

The city’s population growth presents opportunities to expand healthcare services, introduce new technologies, and improve infrastructure. However, socioeconomic disparities, including income inequality and unemployment, continue to limit healthcare access, particularly for low-income individuals and older adults, resulting in significant health inequities (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.).

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, nutrition, and education, are influenced by socioeconomic status. Many residents face financial barriers to obtaining medical care or are uninsured, leading to health disparities in the community. Furthermore, income and education levels determine the affordability of nutritious food and the ability to engage in preventive health practices (Kivimäki et al., 2020). Neighborhood living and working conditions, particularly in areas with lower socioeconomic status, also impact health outcomes. In downtown Jordan, for example, accessibility to essential healthcare services remains a challenge (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.).

The concentration of bars and grills in certain areas of Jordan raises concerns about unhealthy dietary habits, as the easy availability of fast food and alcohol may contribute to long-term health risks (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.). Addressing these issues and reducing healthcare access gaps remains crucial to improving community health and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Executive Summary

The community health needs assessment of Jordan offers an in-depth look at the city’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. While programs like the Jordan Food Shelf, supported by over 100 volunteers, provide vital assistance to families in need, it is the community’s collaborative spirit that fosters health improvements. Healthcare facilities such as St. Francis Health Services and local educational institutions like Jordan Public Schools enhance access to services, supporting better health and education outcomes. However, socioeconomic challenges, such as income inequality and unemployment, remain significant barriers, particularly for low-income and elderly residents.

Strong community collaboration is essential to overcoming these barriers. Initiatives like free health screenings and vaccination drives, supported by partnerships between schools, local organizations, and healthcare providers, reflect the city’s commitment to addressing health disparities. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare is critical, especially in lower-income neighborhoods where the gaps are most prominent. Environmental management, including pollution control and the maintenance of green spaces, also plays a vital role in safeguarding community well-being.

References

Aripov, T., Blettner, M., & Gorbunova, I. (2020). The impact of neighborhood to industrial areas on health in Uzbekistan: An ecological analysis of congenital diseases, infant mortality, and lung cancer. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(14), 17243–17249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08190-9

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

City of Jordan Economic Development. (n.d.). City of Jordan. https://jordanmn.gov/city-departments/economic-development/

Johnson, K., Allen, K. E., West, W., Williams-Kirkwood, W., Wasilewski-Masker, K., Escoffery, C., & Brock, K. E. (2020). Strengths, gaps, and opportunities: Results of a statewide community needs assessment of pediatric palliative care and hospice resources. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 60(3), 512-521.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.009

Kivimäki, M., Batty, G. D., Pentti, J., Shipley, M. J., Sipilä, P. N., Nyberg, S. T., Suominen, S. B., Oksanen, T., Stenholm, S., Virtanen, M., Marmot, M. G., Singh-Manoux, A., Brunner, E. J., Lindbohm, J. V., Ferrie, J. E., & Vahtera, J. (2020). Association between socioeconomic status and the development of mental and physical health conditions in adulthood: A multi-cohort study. The Lancet Public Health, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(19)30248-8

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

Lackey, N. Q., Tysor, D. A., McNay, G. D., Joyner, L., Baker, K. H., & Hodge, C. (2021). Mental health benefits of nature-based recreation: A systematic review. Annals of Leisure Research, 24(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2019.1655459

Vila Health: Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation.

Table 1: Windshield Survey and Environmental Analysis