Selecting The Aggregate ✓ Solved
SELECTING THE AGGREGATE
The selected aggregate for this capstone project is in Spartanburg County in the state of South Carolina. It is the twelfth largest in the state in terms of population. The city is located on the latitude 34° 93’ N and longitude 81° 99’ W. The formal boundaries of Spartanburg, SC encompass a land area of 19.77 square miles and 0.11 square miles of water. As of July 1, 2016, the population of Spartanburg was 38,047.
In comparison to other cities, Spartanburg ranks in the upper quartile for population density and diversity index. The city was formed in 1785 and given the name after a local militia that existed during the Revolutionary War. The incorporation of the city took place in 1831 and it was nicknamed the “Hub City” because it had several railroads that formed wheel hubs. Spartanburg is among one of the least healthy cities, according to USA Today, with a physical health index of 71.9. Statistics show that 30 percent of the residents are obese, 36.3 percent have high blood pressure, 13.7 percent live with diabetes, 6 percent have suffered a heart attack, and the city has a poverty rate of 20 percent.
More than 30 percent of the interviewed residents said they could not perform age-appropriate activities due to their health. Additionally, less than 48 percent of the population engages in regular exercises, while 27.5 percent are smokers. The city only has three hospitals, with a population of almost 40,000, which indicates a necessity for more health interventions.
Paper For Above Instructions
Spartanburg, South Carolina is a city characterized by its rich history and significant health challenges. Identifying this aggregate for health intervention presents an opportunity to enhance community wellness and address the ongoing health disparities that plague its residents. This paper aims to describe the aggregate of Spartanburg, analyzing its demographic characteristics, health issues, and intervention strategies using the MAP-IT tool from Healthy People 2020.
Demographic Profile of Spartanburg
With a population of around 38,047, Spartanburg exhibits a unique demographic composition. The city consists of approximately 16,610 males and 20,631 females, with a median household income of $33,600 as reported by Esri (2015). A vital statistic to note is the median age of residents at 37.1 years, indicating a working-age population predominantly under 65. Additionally, the city has 17,971 housing units catering to both owner-occupied and renter-occupied demographics, demonstrating a diverse socio-economic composition within this community.
Health Status and Challenges
Spartanburg's designation as one of the least healthy cities in the United States is alarming. According to Frohlich and Hess (2014), the city’s health challenges include high obesity rates, prevalent hypertension, and diabetes among many residents. Furthermore, interviews with local healthcare providers underline lifestyle-related health issues as predominant. Spiritual and physical health problems in this community necessitate critical examination and intervention.
According to a physician from Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS), the low participation rate in physical activities and poor lifestyle choices significantly contribute to the high prevalence of chronic health conditions (SRHS, 2017). Furthermore, with a poverty rate exceeding 20 percent, the healthcare access and support services available are often insufficient to meet the needs of the population.
Implementation of MAP-IT
The MAP-IT planning tool, which stands for Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Track, is crucial for addressing Spartanburg's health concerns. The first step, Mobilize, involves engaging key stakeholders including local health organizations, community leaders, and residents. By fostering an environment of partnership, the project aims to promote shared responsibilities and collective action towards improving health outcomes.
Next, the Assess phase involves evaluating the current health status and identifying the specific needs of Spartanburg's residents. This could involve surveys, community forums, and health screenings to gather primary data. The third step, Plan, requires the development of tailored intervention strategies based on the data gathered, focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles through education, better access to healthcare facilities, and community health programs.
In the Implement phase, pre-planned interventions such as health fairs, fitness programs, and wellness education initiatives will be introduced. Finally, the Track step entails monitoring the effectiveness of the interventions by collecting follow-up data on health outcomes and community engagement levels, ensuring that the project's objectives are being met over time.
The Role of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) plays a pivotal role in managing the health needs of Spartanburg. As a not-for-profit health system with a 588-bed teaching and research hospital, SRHS focuses on delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care to the community (Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, 2017). Their efforts include offering preventive services, chronic disease management, and health education programs to empower residents in making informed health decisions.
Collaboration with external partners and community resources enables SRHS to extend its reach and amplify its impact, making health services accessible to a wider audience. Continuous professional development programs for their staff reinforce their commitment to delivering high-quality care and addressing public health challenges effectively.
Conclusion
The journey toward improving health outcomes in Spartanburg requires a concerted effort involving all community stakeholders. Through the application of the MAP-IT framework, the path to a healthier Spartanburg can be established, addressing the significant health disparities currently faced by residents. By leveraging resources like the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and fostering community involvement, there is an opportunity to foster a sustainable health initiative that enhances the quality of life for all Spartanburg residents.
References
- Cockerham, W. (2005). Health Lifestyle Theory and the Convergence of Agency and Structure. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 46(1), 51-67.
- Esri. (2015). City of Spartanburg, SC- Market Profile.
- Frohlich, T. C., & Hess, A. E. (2014). America's least healthy cities. Retrieved from USA TODAY.
- ODPHP. (2014). MAP-IT: A Guide to Using Healthy People 2020 in Your Community. Retrieved from Healthypeople.gov.
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. (2017). Care & Treatment. Retrieved from Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.