NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 6218 Leading the Future of Health Care

Prof. Name

Date

Community Health Assessment – Executive Summary

Jordan, Minnesota’s fastest-growing city in the fastest-growing county in Minnesota, provides valuable lessons for a community health needs assessment. The city has also made great progress in developing its healthcare, education, and public services to meet the needs of the evolving population. This executive summary’s findings are based on a virtual windshield survey and environmental analysis that identifies key social determinants of health and environmental factors shaping the community.

Executive Summary

General Condition and Public Health Needs

A windshield survey of Jordan was conducted to identify strengths and areas for improvement from a public health perspective. The assessment included residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, schools, healthcare facilities, recreational sites, transportation networks, and essential public services such as fire and police stations. These environmental factors are very important as they directly interfere with public health and well-being.

For example, housing conditions and neighborhood safety influence the quality of life of residents, businesses, and commercial districts, impacting economic stability and access to essential goods. Education and medical care are important; schools, healthcare facilities, parks, and recreational areas support physical and mental well-being. The transportation corridors affect accessibility and traffic safety. Jordan’s population is young and growing, with a median age of 29.2 (City of Jordan Economic Development, n.d.) and a dynamic and growing community.  

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

Key components of the city’s physical environment help it function and be livable. Jordan is connected to surrounding areas by major roads, including U.S. Highway 169, providing mobility. The downtown combines old and new architecture with Radermacher’s Fresh Market, a staple grocery store since 1954, and boutique shops and professional services. Residential areas vary, with neighborhoods such as Bridle Creek and Timber Ridge Court offering well-maintained homes and spacious lots, while commercial districts remain active hubs of economic activity (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.). 

Jordan Public Schools offers comprehensive K-12 education, and St. John’s Catholic School provides younger education. While these strengths are present, the survey also pointed out safety issues and areas for improvement, including traffic conditions, pedestrian safety, and the possibility of construction zones or abandoned buildings. Crime rates and weather conditions were also considered when assessing community risks (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.). 

Strategic planning and resource allocation are needed to address these challenges to ensure adequate safety measures. Nevertheless, the survey was limited by time constraints, restricted access to some areas, and the subjectiveness of observations. Assessing at specific times of the day may not represent the full community activity (Johnson et al., 2020). Furthermore, other locations were inaccessible because of safety or logistical reasons. In order to maintain Jordan’s health and vibrancy, investments in healthcare infrastructure and programs adapted to an aging population are required (Johnson et al., 2020).

Environmental Analysis

The environmental factors in Jordan are very important in determining public health. As the city grows fast and has a small population, we must consider key ecological determinants. One thing to note is that industrial activities, such as the longstanding businesses, have been part of the community since 1954. Industrial development helps to drive economic growth but can also negatively affect air and water quality, thereby increasing respiratory issues and waterborne illnesses (Aripov et al., 2020). On the positive side, Jordan has Lagoon (Veteran’s) Park and the Minnesota Valley Trails State Park. These green spaces promote physical activity and mental health benefits, and their environmental quality is essential to maintain long-term health benefits (Lackey et al., 2021).

There are opportunities and challenges for healthcare providers in Jordan to deliver effective care. The city’s population growth increases demand for healthcare services, creating opportunities to expand medical facilities, introduce new services, and leverage technological advancements like telemedicine and electronic health records to enhance patient care (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.). However, socioeconomic disparities remain a big barrier. Income inequality and unemployment can limit access to healthcare, particularly for low-income individuals and elderly residents, leading to health disparities and worsening inequities (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.).

Social Determinants of Health

Access to healthcare, nutrition, and well-being is determined by socioeconomic status. Residents are often unable to afford medical care or are uninsured, which often leads to health disparities in the community. Furthermore, income and education levels affect the ability to afford nutritious food and engage in preventive health behaviors (Kivimäki et al., 2020).  Neighborhood living and working conditions also affect health outcomes. For instance, where socioeconomic status is lower, downtown Jordan faces challenges in accessing essential healthcare services (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.).

The high concentration of bars and grills in the district also raises concerns about unhealthy dietary habits, as the easy availability of fast food and alcohol may contribute to long-term health risks (Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.).  However, there will still be more work to do to close the gaps in healthcare access and encourage healthier living within the community.

Executive Summary

The community health needs assessment in Jordan is detailed in its description of the area’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. At programs such as the Jordan Food Shelf, dedicated volunteers help families in need of food security — but it’s community engagement that addresses health concerns. Healthcare facilities like St. Francis Health Services and educational institutions like Jordan Public Schools are present and have great access to services, facilitating better health and education. However, socioeconomic disparities, such as income inequality and unemployment, continue to impede access to healthcare for low-income people and the elderly.

It takes strong community collaboration to address these challenges. Support for vulnerable residents is evidenced by programs like the Jordan Food Shelf, which 100 active volunteers support. Some health initiatives, such as free screenings and vaccination drives, have also been aided by partnerships between schools, local organizations, and healthcare providers. While equal access to healthcare is still important, it is even more important in lower-income neighborhoods where the gaps are greatest. As much as environmental management is important, maintaining community well-being is just as important. Green spaces, such as Lagoon Park and the Minnesota Valley Trails State Park, help us be active and mentally well. Pollution control measures are important to protect air and water quality in a rapidly growing area.

References

Aripov, T., Blettner, M., & Gorbunova, I. (2020). The impact of neighborhood to industrial areas on health in Uzbekistan: An ecological analysis of congenital diseases, infant mortality, and lung cancer. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(14), 17243–17249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08190-9 

City of Jordan Economic Development. (n.d.). City of Jordan. 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.2020.04.009

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

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)30248-8

Lackey, N. Q., Tysor, D. A., McNay, G. D., Joyner, L., Baker, K. H., & Hodge, C. (2021). Mental health benefits of nature-based recreation: A systematic review. Annals of Leisure Research, 24(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2019.1655459

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/s12888-020-03012-1

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

Vila Health: Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey simulation.

Appendix

Table 1: Windshield Survey and Environmental Analysis

Category	Questions	Observations and Impressions	SWOT Category	References
Size of Community	-What is the current population of Jordan? -What is the rate of community growth?	Jordan’s population is around 7,000 and continues to grow, with an anticipated annual increase of more than 150 residents.	Opportunities	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Demographics	What proportion of the population is under the age of 30? What is the median age of the residents?	More than half of the population is under 30, reflecting a predominantly young demographic. The median age in Jordan is 29.2, making it three years younger than the state average.	Strengths	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Diversity	How diverse is the community?	Specific details about diversity in Jordan are not clearly stated.	Weaknesses	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Healthcare Services	What healthcare services are offered in Jordan?	Jordan offers diverse healthcare services, including a family medical clinic and dental care.	Opportunities	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Education/Schools	– What kinds of educational institutions are available in Jordan? -How are the educational facilities regarded?	The city has well-maintained public schools with elementary, middle, and high school programs. Schools provide specialized programs along with academic and extracurricular opportunities.	Strengths	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Religion/Churches	What religious institutions exist in Jordan?	Various churches, including Lutheran, Methodist, and Catholic, reflect religious diversity.	Threats	(Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.).
	How varied is the religious landscape?	No mention of mosques or synagogues, indicating potential gaps in religious representation.

 

References

City of Jordan, Minnesota. (2015). Economic development. https://jordanmn.gov/city-departments/economic-development/

Vila Health: Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey simulation.

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs