Running Head: WINDSHIELD SURVEY

Windshield Survey Christine Demler NURS 340

WINDSHIELD SURVEY Windshield Survey A community is a specific group of people who members reside in a specific

locale. Generally these people share common characteristics such as a spiritual, social, or an occupational one. The health of a community is very important. Community health is a field concerned with the study and improvement of the health of communities; it tends to focus on communities in a geographic way rather than one of shared characteristics. There are several impacts of social determinates on the health of a community, such as having good sidewalks and parks for recreation, or access to a grocery store in close vicinity. There are many programs out there to help those in these communities. The community I chose to survey is located in West Chester, Ohio. There are no service centers in this community, it is a residential community of two story attached house, bordered by farmland, churches and a shopping center. The health of this community could use some improvements. There are some issues that could affect health such as deteriorating roads, substance abuse issues, and lack of public transportation. Substance abuse issues are prevalent in the community. There are medical and mental issues to deal with as well. There are no sidewalks in the community so if anyone wants to exercise they have to walk or jog on the road. The deterioration of the roads can cause problems such as if one were to step in a hole, an ankle could get sprained or broken. With no public transportation some of the members of the community who do not drive, such as elderly and those too young to drive have no real way to get to where they need to go. There are several things that can help to improve the health of this community.

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The community as a health care client would benefit from several services that are offered in the greater community surrounding this smaller one. For the substance abuse issues that are in the community there are some programs available for them to utilize. There are a number of clinics, doctor, and dentist offices available just outside this community. There is the Counsel of Aging which provides a multitude of services for the elderly. There are also home health care programs that provide in home services for the elderly. They provide a number of services including wound care, occupational therapy, and some assistance for daily living. There is Planned Parenthood for female issues including annual exams, pregnancy tests, and information. There is the health department which provides a number of services as well, such as immunizations, and mammograms. These are just a few of the examples of services that can help the community to make improvements. The Social determinates in a community can have an impact on the health of that community. In this community there are several health indicators I can see. There are no sidewalks to use for walking as well as no playground equipment for recreation for the member of the community. Lack of exercise materials is a concern because it can lead to obesity and many other health risks. There is a grocery store on the border of the community so there is access to fresh produce and healthy foods. This community is not a food desert. There are two elementary schools and a high school within a mile of this community. All these social determinants working together are what help a community grow and thrive. Education is important to learn to eat healthy and learn how exercise is good for your health.

WINDSHIELD SURVEY Communities are formed for many different reasons; some are geographic,

spiritual, social, or occupational. The health of the community is important for it to grow and to thrive. There are some issues that need improvement in the community. Some of the issues, such as substance abuse, mental problems, or medical care are easily taken care of as long as the individuals utilize the resources of the greater community around them. The social determinants in the community, such as the proximity to schools for education, and the local grocery stores are what help it grow and to thrive.

WINDSHIELD SURVEY References

Butler County Auditor's Office. (2013). 2013 Property Record Statistics. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://propertysearch.butlercountyohio.org/ Southwest Ohio Region. (2013). Planned Parenthood Locations. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/swoh/contact-us.htm

WINDSHIELD SURVEY Community: Deer Run at Beckett Ridge, West Chester, Ohio Housing and zoning
The houses are all single family attached houses. They are mostly the same with a few differences. Most are made out of wood entirely and some are made out of brick and wood.

Transportation
The streets are conductive to transportation. The people in the community drive cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They also walk and ride bicycles. There is no public transportation in this community, only school buses for the children. The nearest highway is 2 miles away.

Race and ethnicity

The neighborhood is made up of a mixture of races. There is causations, African Americans, and Mexicans.

Open space
The houses are 25-30 years old. They are 1424 square feet on a lot 3836 square feet. There is a small patio in the rear of the dwelling

Service centers
There are no clinics or any grocery stores in the community. On the border of the community there are doctors, dentists, government services, grocery stores, all with a half mile. Easily accessible to all.

Religion and politics

The religion is mainly Christian. There are Baptist, catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist churches surrounding this neighborhood. Both Republican and Democratic views are represented in this community.

Boundaries
It is a defined community with the official names of Deer Run at Beckett Ridge. Another name is also Mill Creek. This community is bordered by a large Baptist church, a shopping center, and farm fields. The lawn is mowed and maintained, as well as all the landscaping. There is some liter around the community.

Stores and street people

There are no stores in this community, they lay on the border. There are also no street people in or around this community.

Health and morbidity

There are several elderly persons in the community. Meals-onwheels stops by as well as home health care. There are a couple mentally handicap children in the community. Occupational therapists, as well as medical transportation, medical supply companies make frequent trips to the community. There are substance abuse issues in the community as well as some mental health issues.

Commons
There is a common area with picnic tables I the middle of this community. Local

Signs of decay
The community is starting to show signs of decay. The streets are cracking and the sewer

Media
There are no television antennas, but there are some satellite dishes. Most people have cable

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churches and other groups host activities several times a year. pipes are broken in some places where water pools after toilets are used. There are several empty houses, and when available for rent or purchase there are real estate signs out front. There are no abandoned cars in the community. and use the internet. Cell phones are used frequently for calls and texting. Few residents read the Cincinnati Enquirer.