D224 Community Analysis

D224 Community Analysis

Student Name

Western Governors University

D224 Global and Population Health

Prof. Name:

Date

Global and Population Health

A. Description of Location and Subpopulation

Community/Location: Petersburg, VA

The community of Petersburg, Virginia, has a population size of approximately 33,394 residents (City-Data, 2024; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). This community reflects a diverse demographic profile and socio-economic characteristics, which are important to understand when addressing health and social issues.

What is the demographic breakdown of Petersburg, VA?

Note: Data are rounded and reflect community-wide figures.

What is the specific subpopulation of concern within Petersburg?

Within the overall population, minority groups and younger individuals represent vulnerable subpopulations. Poverty rates are disproportionately higher among people of two or more races (33.8%) and Black residents (22.7%), compared to White non-Hispanic residents (19.2%). Additionally, 24.7% of the population is under 18 years old, who are also more affected by poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023; City-Data, 2024).

A1. Description of Environmental Concerns

What are the key environmental health issues affecting Petersburg, VA?

Petersburg faces significant environmental challenges that impact public health. One primary concern is air quality, largely due to emissions from the Petersburg compressor station, which releases nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants contribute to poor air quality and have downstream effects on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Industrial activities, particularly factory emissions, exacerbate air pollution.

Residents in poverty are especially vulnerable to these environmental hazards because they often cannot afford air filtration systems or other measures to improve indoor air quality. The Virginia Department of Health reports Petersburg as having the highest asthma hospitalization rate in the state, coupled with the lowest life expectancy in Virginia. Poor air quality aggravates chronic respiratory conditions and limits residents’ ability to engage in daily activities.

Water quality is also a concern, especially with Lake Chesdin (part of the Appomattox River), which is prone to contamination risks that threaten the community’s water supply (Virginia Department of Health, 2023).

A2. Comparison Discussion: Subpopulation vs. Larger Community

How does poverty impact different racial groups and age groups in Petersburg?

Data show that poverty disproportionately affects minority populations and younger age groups within Petersburg. For instance:

This indicates that minority races and children bear a heavier burden of poverty compared to the older adult population. Furthermore, 9.7% of the overall community lacks health insurance, restricting their access to healthcare and preventive services. Many uninsured individuals avoid medical care due to fear of high costs and lack of transportation, deepening health inequities (City-Data, 2024; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

B. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

What is one major social determinant of health affecting Petersburg?

High poverty and unemployment rates are critical social determinants of health in Petersburg. These factors contribute to limited access to quality healthcare, poor educational outcomes, food insecurity, transportation difficulties, and elevated crime rates. Together, these conditions significantly influence the overall health status of the community.

How do these social determinants specifically impact the subpopulation?

Petersburg ranks poorly in comparison to state and national health indicators due to factors such as poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges, financial illiteracy, systemic racism, public safety concerns, and inadequate education (Virginia Department of Health, 2023). Lack of health insurance further exacerbates health disparities; approximately 9.7% of residents are uninsured, often due to complicated enrollment processes and lack of knowledge.

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death under age 75, accounting for 37% of such deaths, with heart disease being the second most common cause (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are prevalent, especially in low-income neighborhoods with limited access to nutritious foods. Fast food outlets and liquor stores dominate these areas, increasing the risk of poor nutrition and related diseases (CDC, 2023).

B1. Resources Available to the Subpopulation

C. Needed Resources

What additional resources does Petersburg require to improve community health?

1. Low-Income Health Insurance Programs: Expanding affordable health insurance coverage would help reduce the uninsured population and improve access to preventive care.

2. Homeless Shelter Facilities: Homelessness has surged, with 361 individuals assisted by local coalitions. Despite repeated efforts, the city lacks a dedicated shelter, creating a critical gap in housing support services.

D1. Explanation of Resource Importance

Access to health insurance empowers individuals by facilitating regular health checkups and early detection of diseases, thereby improving life quality and reducing healthcare costs. Similarly, establishing homeless shelters would mitigate the adverse health effects of homelessness and provide essential safety and stability for vulnerable populations.

D. Evidence-Based Intervention Discussion

What intervention could reduce the gap between current resources and community needs?

An effective intervention is to increase community outreach and education about existing health insurance programs and benefits. Organizing regular community events can raise awareness and assist residents in navigating complex insurance enrollment procedures.

E1. How Will This Intervention Reduce Health Disparities?

By providing targeted education and support—such as community health workers guiding residents through insurance sign-up—this intervention would increase insurance coverage, promote early healthcare utilization, and lower preventable deaths. Moreover, expanding shelter options would address homelessness, reducing exposure to adverse living conditions and associated health risks. For example, personalized assistance in enrollment alleviates stigma and confusion, making healthcare access more equitable (Central Virginia Legal Aid).

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Leading causes of death and chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov

City-Data. (2024). Petersburg, Virginia (VA). https://www.city-data.com/county/Petersburg_city-VA.html

Central Virginia Legal Aid. (n.d.). Health insurance enrollment assistance. https://www.cvlegalaid.org/

U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). QuickFacts: Petersburg City, Virginia. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/petersburgcityvirginia

D224 Community Analysis

Virginia Department of Health. (2023). Petersburg health statistics and environmental concerns. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

WTVR. (2024). Community groups work to address health insurance gaps in Petersburg. https://wtvr.com/news/local