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Capella University
NURS-FPX 6218 Leading the Future of Health Care
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A fascinating case study for a community health needs assessment is the City of Jordan, which is situated in the Minnesota county with the quickest rate of growth. The city, which is still relatively new and proliferating, has worked hard to modify its healthcare, education, and public services to suit the demands of its shifting population better. Using a virtual windshield survey and environmental analysis, we have examined the overall state, environmental factors, and social determinants of health in Jordan in this executive summary.
A windshield survey of the Jordan community revealed several strengths and areas for improvement from a public health perspective. In this survey, I examined residential areas, commercial districts, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, recreational areas, transportation corridors, and public service infrastructure such as fire and police stations. Jordan boasts a relatively young and rapidly growing population, with a median age of 29.2, indicating a vibrant community. The presence of educational institutions, including a progressive school district and parochial opportunities, suggested a commitment to the well-being and development of residents.
Approximately 70% of graduates pursued post-secondary education. However, the survey also highlighted some safety concerns and areas for improvement. Firstly, while the city provides essential amenities such as fire, police, street, and utility services, the rapid population growth may strain these services over time (City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015). This necessitates careful planning and resource allocation to maintain adequate coverage. Additionally, as the traffic counts on significant corridors are expected to increase significantly, there are concerns about road safety and congestion.
This is especially true given the limited number of stoplights in the city. Furthermore, recreational opportunities abound in Jordan, including parks, trails, and golf courses are seen. However, there may be accessibility challenges for specific segments of the population, particularly those without reliable transportation or with mobility issues in utilizing these places.Ensuring equitable access to recreational facilities and activities is crucial for promoting community health and well-being. Furthermore, while the presence of healthcare facilities and services such as dentistry, chiropractic, and a family medical clinic is a positive aspect, ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents remains a priority.
However, the survey may have limitations due to time constraints, limited access to certain areas, and subjective interpretation of observations. For example, conducting the windshield survey during specific times of the day may only capture part of the full range of community activities (Johnson et al., 2020). Additionally, some areas may be inaccessible or overlooked due to safety concerns or logistical challenges. Investments in healthcare infrastructure and programs to address the needs of an aging population are essential to maintain the health and vitality of the community (Johnson et al., 2020).
In Jordan, ecological factors significantly influence population health. The community’s rapid growth, coupled with its relatively young demographic profile, presents both opportunities and challenges. Technological advancements have facilitated access to healthcare services, but social and economic disparities may limit equitable healthcare delivery. Specific health issues of concern in Jordan include access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income individuals. Socioeconomic factors like unemployment and income inequality contribute to disparities in health outcomes (Kivimäki et al., 2020).
Additionally, environmental factors such as air and water quality, influenced by industrial activities and transportation, can affect respiratory health and waterborne diseases. Opportunities for improving population health in Jordan include investment in healthcare infrastructure, promotion of healthy behaviors through education and community programs, and collaboration between healthcare providers and local authorities (Li et al., 2021). However, threats such as inadequate funding, infrastructure challenges, and political instability may hinder efforts to address health issues effectively.
Socioeconomic status plays a crucial role in determining access to resources and opportunities for health. Disparities in income and education levels of can impact residents’ ability to afford healthcare, access nutritious food, and engage in preventive health behaviors (Kivimäki et al., 2020). The presence of food shelves and programs like the Jordan Food Shelf, serving 20 families with the help of 100 active volunteers, suggested that some residents faced challenges in accessing adequate nutrition. Social support networks and community cohesion also influence health outcomes (Li et al., 2021).
The presence of churches, community centers, and recreational facilities in Jordan indicated opportunities for social interaction and support, which could positively impact mental health and overall well-being. However, social factors also influence change within the community. Rapid population growth, as evidenced by the increasing population of 150 individuals annually in Jordan, can lead to shifts in social dynamics and community infrastructure. This growth may present opportunities for improving access to healthcare and expanding social support networks. Still, it also poses challenges, such as increased demand for services and strains on existing resources (Peretz et al., 2020).
The environmental analysis and survey findings in Jordan highlight the community’s rapid growth, socio-economic disparities, and challenges in healthcare access. Lessons emphasize the need for addressing social determinants of health, fostering collaboration, and investing in equitable resources. Prioritizing evidence-based interventions can guide Jordan toward a healthier future.
City of Jordan, Minnesota. (2015). Economic development. 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.2020.04.009Â
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)30248-8Â
Li, F., Luo, S., Mu, W., Li, Y., Ye, L., Zheng, X., Xu, B., Ding, Y., Ling, P., Zhou, M., & Chen, X. (2021). Effects of sources of social support and resilience on the mental health of different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-03012-1Â
Peretz, P. J., Islam, N., & Matiz, L. A. (2020). Community health workers and covid-19 — addressing social determinants of health in times of crisis and beyond. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(19). https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmp2022641
Category | Questions | Observations and Impressions | SWOT Category | References |
Size of Community | -What is the current population of Jordan? – How fast is the community growing? | – Jordan’s population is approximately 7,000 and growing rapidly. – The city expects an annual increase of over 150 people. | Opportunities | (City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015). |
Demographics | – What is the median age of residents? – What percentage of the population is under 30? | – The median age in Jordan is 29.2, three years younger than the state median. – Over 50% of the population is under 30, indicating a young demographic profile. | Strengths | (City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015). |
Diversity | – What is the level of diversity within the community? | – Information regarding diversity in Jordan is not explicitly provided. | Weaknesses | (City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015). |
Healthcare Services | – What healthcare facilities are available in Jordan? – How accessible are healthcare services to residents? | – Jordan offers a range of healthcare services, including a family medical clinic and dentistry. – Accessibility to healthcare services appears to be a priority, with emergency services within a short distance. | Opportunities | (City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015). |
Education/Schools | – What types of educational institutions are present in Jordan? – How are the educational facilities rated? | – Jordan has public schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, with specialized programs. – Educational facilities are well-maintained and offer various academic and extracurricular activities. | Strengths | (City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015). |
Religion/Churches | What religious institutions are present in Jordan? – How diverse is the religious landscape? | – Jordan has multiple churches, including Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, and others, reflecting religious diversity. – No mosques or synagogues are mentioned, suggesting potential gaps in religious diversity. | Threats | (City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015). |
City of Jordan, Minnesota. (2015). Economic development. https://jordanmn.gov/city-departments/economic-development/
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