Community Overview Date ✓ Solved

Community_____________________ Date______________ I) Overview A) Description of the Community i) History ii) Type of community: urban, suburban, rural II) Physical Environmental Considerations: The Community As a Place A) Description: general identifying data i) Location ii) Topographical features iii) Climate B) Boundaries, area in square miles C) Environment i) Sanitation: water supply, sewage, garbage, trash ii) Pollutants, toxic substances, animal reservoirs or vectors, flora and fauna iii) Air quality: color, odor, particulates iv) Food supply: sources, preparation v) Potential disaster in the population vi) Extent of disaster preparation in the population 2 D) Housing i) Types of housing (public and private) ii) Condition of housing iii) Percent owned, rented iv) Housing for special populations (a) Near homeless (b) Homeless (c) Frail elders E) Leading industries and occupations III) The People of the Community A) Population profile i) Total population for ________ (year of last census) ii) Population density iii) Population changes in past 10 years iv) Population per square miles v) Mobility vi) Types of Families B) Biological Considerations/Vital and demographic population characteristics i) Age composition ii) Sex distribution iii) Race distribution iv) Ethnic group composition and distribution v) Mortality Characteristics (a) Annual Birth and crude death rates (b) Age-specific death rate (c) Infant mortality rate (d) Maternal mortality rate vi) Cause-specific death rate (specific health area) vii) Leading causes of morbidity (a) Incidence rates (specific diseases) (b) Prevalence rates (specific diseases) 3 C) Psychological Considerations i) Significant historical events ii) Future economic prospects iii) Formal and Informal Communication Network iv) Rates of Suicide and Homicides for specific subgroups within the population v) Adequacy of protective services vi) Common sources of Stress (e.g. unemployment, lack of affordable housing) D) Sociocultural Considerations: The Community As a Social System i) Socioeconomic status (a) Income of family (b) Major occupations (c) Estimated level of unemployment (d) Percent below poverty level (e) People retired ii) Educational level (a) Religious distribution (b) Marriage and divorce rates (c) Language E) Government and Leadership i) Type of government (mayor, city manager, board of commissioners) ii) City offices (location, hours, services, access) F) Education i) Public educational facilities ii) Private educational facilities iii) Libraries iv) Services for special populations (a) Pregnant teens (b) Adults with special problems (c) Children and adults who are developmentally disabled (d) Children and adults who are blind and/or deaf G) Transportation H) Behavioral Considerations i) Consumption patterns (general nutritional level of the population) ii) Leisure pursuit iii) Other health-related behaviors (e.g. frequency of seat belt use) 4 I) Health System Considerations i) Identify existing services ii) Assessing current level of performance iii) Availability and accessibility of specific types of health care services iv) Health needs lacking services v) Extent to which health care services are overused and underused vi) Financing of health care

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Community Health Needs Assessment of Miami-Dade Community

Introduction

The Miami-Dade community is a vibrant, diverse urban region located in South Florida. It encompasses a rich history influenced by Native American, Hispanic, Caribbean, and African-American cultures. Understanding the community's environmental, demographic, sociocultural, and health system aspects is essential for effective community health planning and intervention. This assessment provides a comprehensive overview of Miami-Dade, emphasizing its physical environment, population characteristics, socio-cultural dynamics, and healthcare infrastructure.

I. Overview of the Community

A) Description of the Community

i) History: Miami-Dade's history traces back to indigenous peoples, followed by Spanish exploration, and later rapid urban development fueled by tourism, real estate, and international trade. The community's evolution reflects diverse cultural influences and economic shifts.

ii) Type of community: Urban. Miami-Dade is predominantly a densely populated urban area, characterized by sprawling neighborhoods, commercial districts, and high-rise buildings. While some suburban and rural pockets exist, the community's core is urban with significant metropolitan traits.

II. Physical Environmental Considerations: The Community as a Place

A) Description: General identifying data

i) Location: Southeastern Florida, along the Atlantic coast, adjacent to the Everglades National Park. Miami-Dade's coordinates place it near the Tropic of Cancer, with a tropical monsoon climate.

ii) Topographical features: The region includes coastal plains, wetlands, and low-lying areas prone to flooding, with elevations rarely exceeding 20 feet above sea level.

iii) Climate: The region experiences warm, humid summers averaging 81°F (27°C) and mild winters around 65°F (18°C). Heavy rainfall occurs during the wet season from June to September.

B) Boundaries and Area

Miami-Dade covers approximately 2,431 square miles, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Everglades.

C) Environment

i) Sanitation: Water supply is managed through municipal systems; sewage is treated at modern facilities; waste collection is regular, though issues with illegal dumping persist.

ii) Pollutants: Air pollution arises from traffic emissions and industrial activities; presence of mosquito vectors in wetlands; flora includes mangroves and tropical flora; fauna includes reptiles and bird species.

iii) Air Quality: Generally moderate but can deteriorate during pollution episodes, with reports of ground-level ozone and particulate matter.

iv) Food Supply: Sources include local markets, supermarkets, and vendors; food preparation adheres to safety standards but challenges exist in underserved areas.

v) Potential Disasters: Hurricanes, flooding, and tropical storms pose significant risks; earthquake risk is minimal but preparedness efforts are ongoing.

vi) Disaster Preparedness: Community disaster response plans are in place, with public education campaigns and emergency response teams mobilized regularly.

D) Housing

i) Types of housing: Mix of private residences, public housing projects, condominiums, and apartments.

ii) Condition: Generally well-maintained, but some affordable housing areas suffer from neglect and overcrowding.

iii) Ownership: Around 55% owned, 45% rented.

iv) Housing for Special Populations: Housing programs for the homeless, senior citizens, and near-homeless populations are available and expanding.

III. The People of the Community

A) Population Profile

As of the 2020 census, Miami-Dade's population was approximately 2.7 million, making it the most populous county in Florida.

Population density is about 1,111 persons per square mile. The area has experienced steady growth over the past decade, primarily driven by international immigration and domestic migration.

Population per square mile remains high, with significant mobility and diverse family structures, including nuclear families, single-parent households, and multigenerational families.

B) Demographics and Vital Statistics

i) Age Composition: Predominantly young population, with a median age of 40 years; a sizable proportion under 18 years.

ii) Sex Distribution: Slight female predominance.

iii) Race and Ethnicity: Major groups include Hispanic (primarily Cuban, Colombian, Venezuelan), African American, Caucasian, and others.

iv) Mortality Characteristics: Infant mortality rate is approximately 5.4 per 1,000 live births; maternal mortality is low but under continuous surveillance.

Leading causes of morbidity include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, with incidence rates reflecting lifestyle and environmental factors.

C) Psychological and Sociocultural Considerations

I) Significant Events: Hurricane Andrew's aftermath, economic booms, and recent COVID-19 pandemic impacts;

II) Economic Prospects: Ongoing growth driven by tourism, real estate, and healthcare sectors.

III) Communication Networks: Robust informal networks through community organizations; formal channels include local government and social services.

IV) Stress Factors: Unemployment, housing affordability issues, and health disparities contribute to community stress.

D) Sociocultural Factors

I) Socioeconomic Status: Median household income approximates $55,000; unemployment rate is around 6%; approximately 15% live below the poverty line; a significant retired population resides in the area.

II) Education: High school graduation rate exceeds 85%; diverse religious distribution includes Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and secular groups; multilingual community with English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, among others.

E) Government and Leadership

Miami-Dade is governed by a Board of County Commissioners; city administrations oversee municipalities such as Miami, Hialeah, and others. City offices provide services including public health, emergency management, and social services.

F) Educational Facilities

Institutional facilities include Miami-Dade College, public and private schools, numerous libraries, and specialized programs for populations with developmental disabilities, visually or hearing impaired, or pregnant teens.

G) Transportation

The community has an extensive public transportation network including Metrobus, Metrorail, and commuter trains, facilitating mobility across urban and suburban areas.

H) Behavioral Considerations

I) Consumption Patterns: Nutrition levels vary; trends show increased intake of fast foods, though efforts promote healthy eating.

II) Leisure Pursuits: Sports, festivals, shopping, and outdoor recreation are prevalent activities.

III) Health-Related Behaviors: Seat belt use is common but varies; smoking rates are decreasing; vaccine uptake is improving but still lag in some populations.

I) Health System Considerations

I) Existing Services: Multiple hospitals (Mount Sinai, Jackson Memorial), clinics, and community health centers.

II) Performance and Accessibility: Most facilities are accessible; underserved areas and uninsured populations face barriers to care.

III) Gaps and Over/Underuse: There is an urgent need for mental health services and chronic disease management programs.

Conclusion

This community needs assessment highlights Miami-Dade's diverse, complex environment. Addressing social, environmental, and health disparities requires targeted strategies, resource allocation, and active community engagement to promote overall health and resilience.

References

• Briggs, S. (2022). Community health assessment strategies in urban settings. Journal of Urban Health, 99(3), 312-324.
• Johnson, L., & Smith, P. (2019). Environmental health concerns in Florida. Environmental Research, 178, 108697.
• Miami-Dade County Government. (2023). Community profile. https://www.miamidade.gov
• National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). Health statistics for Florida. NCHS Data Brief, No. 401.
• Smith, R., & Lee, K. (2018). Sociocultural factors affecting health behaviors. Public Health Journal, 45(2), 157-165.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Miami-Dade County demographic profile. https://www.census.gov
• World Health Organization. (2020). Environmental health in urban areas. WHO Publications.
• Florida Department of Health. (2022). Florida health facts. https://www.floridahealth.gov
• Williams, J., & Garcia, M. (2021). Healthcare accessibility challenges in Miami-Dade. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 14(4), 45-58.
• World Bank. (2023). Urban development and population growth in Florida. https://databank.worldbank.org