NR 442 Community RUA Final

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-442 Community Health Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

The Homosexual Jewish Community in Toco Hills, Atlanta

Background

Orthodox Jews are traditionally conservative, adhering to a defined ideology and respecting authoritative interpretations of Jewish law. In the United States, Orthodox Jewish communities predominantly reside in the northeastern region and emphasize religious education, enrolling children in private Jewish day schools.

Congregation Bet Haverim (CBH), a Reconstructionist Jewish community in Toco Hills, Atlanta, is inclusive of diverse identities, including gay and lesbian individuals, drag performers, transgender and intersex people, and Jews of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. The congregation embraces both traditional values and progressive inclusivity, offering a space for connection and cultural preservation.

Geographic and Demographic Information

Location: Toco Hills is situated in North Druid Hills, Atlanta, within DeKalb County, Georgia (Latitude: 33.8168° N, Longitude: 84.3133° W, Zip Code: 30329).
Population and Employment:
- Total population: 28,410
- Male: 13,796 | Female: 14,614
- White-collar workers: 13,375 | Blue-collar workers: 2,637
- Family households: 4,771 | Non-family households: 6,737
- Households with children: 2,811 | Without children: 8,692
Economic and Health Statistics:
- Average household income: $74,546.50 | Median household income: $51,589.00
- Below poverty level: 6,018 | Above poverty level: 21,588
- Physical inactivity: 20% | Adult smoking: 26% of DeKalb County
- Violent crimes reported: 644

Community Assessment

Toco Hills is a thriving, multi-generational Orthodox Jewish community that includes several synagogues. Congregation Bet Haverim stands apart in its progressive approach, welcoming individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. However, challenges such as limited parking and unsafe traffic crossings near the synagogue highlight the need for improved safety measures.

Cultural traditions are deeply rooted in food and gatherings, with a notable emphasis on high-fat traditional dishes. These dietary choices contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other health issues within the community.

Table: Summary of Key Community Aspects

Category	Details	Challenges Identified
Demographics	Diverse population (LGBTQ+ inclusive); median income $51,589; high poverty rates (6,018).	Economic disparities; limited access to health-promoting resources.
Health Concerns	High-fat diets; increased risk of cardiovascular diseases; obesity; limited physical activity.	Need for nutritional education; promotion of physical activity.
Cultural Practices	Strong sense of community; reliance on traditional foods and rituals for connection.	Cultural foods contribute to health risks; limited awareness of healthier alternatives.

Community Health Diagnosis

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease:
Nutritional choices associated with traditional high-fat foods contribute to obesity and elevated cholesterol levels.
Stress and Anxiety Related to Safety Concerns:
Recent anti-Semitic incidents, such as the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, exacerbate fears within the community.
Decisional Conflict:
Conflicts arise between personal beliefs and family commitments regarding participation in synagogue activities.

Plan for Priority Diagnosis

Short-Term Goals

Educate individuals on healthier food preparation methods within two months, emphasizing baking instead of frying traditional dishes.
Provide nutritional classes, educational pamphlets, and a list of nearby healthcare providers.

Long-Term Goals

Decrease the community’s cardiovascular disease rate by 15% within one year through health fairs, dietary education, and fitness programs.

Interventions

Lifestyle Changes: Increase physical activity, reduce fried food consumption, and manage weight.
Community Engagement: Organize group workouts, cooking classes, and health screenings.
Educational Support: Provide resources on modifiable risk factors, emphasizing annual health check-ups.

References

American Heart Association. (2018). Cholesterol management. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/

Congregation Bet Haverim. (2019). Youth and family education. Retrieved from https://www.congregationbethaverim.org/learning

Country Health Rankings. (2019). DeKalb County: Health behaviors. Retrieved from https://www.countyhealthrankings.org

Engelke, Z. R. M. (2017). Patient and family education: Teaching the patient with cardiovascular disease. CINAHL Nursing Guide. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com

Itzhaky, H., & Kissil, K. (2015). “It’s a horrible sin. If they find out, I will not be able to stay”: Orthodox Jewish gay men’s experiences living in secrecy. Journal of Homosexuality, 62(5), 621–643. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2014.988532