Running head: WINDSHIELD SURVEY

Windshield Survey
Amy Polzin
Ferris State University

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Windshield Survey

This survey was designed to identify certain aspects of specific communities that could
affect health. For the purpose of this survey, I have chosen to assess a small area of Saginaw,
Michigan, near Covenant Healthcare. I have chosen this area because I work at Covenant, and
there are many obvious, outward signs in the surrounding communities that could affect the
health of its residents. Many of the patients at Covenant live locally. This survey will assess the
physical environment of the area and its needs related to safety and overall well-being.
Community
Community, as described by Harkness & DeMarco (2012), can have multiple meanings.
It can be described as a group of people who live in the same area, or the area in which they
live (Harkness & Demarco, 2012, p. 177). Additionally, there are more specific types of
community. A community described as a specific area possessing geographic boundaries and
sharing the same governing structure is often called a geopolitical community, while a
phenomenological community refers to members of community with common interests who
have interpersonal and intrapersonal connections (Harkness & DeMarco, 2012, p. 177).
Community Health
I think of community health as field of study that focuses on the improvement of the
health of a biological community. When I think of community health, I most often think of it in
reference to a geopolitical community rather than a phenomenological community because I
imagine that the target group is the entire population of that area rather than exclusive groups of
people residing there.
There are many aspects of this area of Saginaw that I would consider to be possible
health risks. The first one that comes to mind is safety. The area of Saginaw featured in this

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survey is known for having high crime rates, including robberies, physical assaults, and
shootings. Saginaw is often featured on the news for the crimes mentioned. These crimes can
obviously lead to extreme physical injury and even death.
Another area that could be considered a possible health risk is health and morbidity.
Many residents of this neighborhood are obese and do not regularly exercise or take an active
role in their health. Many can often be seen smoking and drinking alcohol. This is also an area of
heavy drug use. These factors can contribute to chronic illnesses such as respiratory disorders,
liver failure, and cancer.
Signs of decay could also be considered an aspect of potential health risk. Almost all of
the houses in this area are dilapidated, having broken doors and windows as well as damaged
steps and roofs. Many of these houses are likely coated in lead paint and may even contain
asbestos. Several appear that they should be condemned and torn down. Not only does this run
down state present the risk for injury, it also could lead to serious illness.
Another aspect that can be identified as a possible health risk is open space. The houses
in this area all sit on very small lots. The yards are practically nonexistent. There are no flowers
or plants to be seen, and no public parks nearby for children to play or adults to exercise. This
actually may influence the other aspects mentioned, as it could lead to obesity as well as
boredom, which may contribute to the drug and alcohol problems as well as the violence.
Community as Client
Generally, with community health, the community is thought of as the client. Because of
this, I think of health promotion as the main goal. In an area like Saginaw, I would expect the
community health goals to focus on deterring violence, drinking, and drug use, and encourage
physical exercise and a proper diet. Educating the residents of this area would be a key step in

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health promotion. Establishing a community garden could be one way of working toward this. It
would require effort from everyone, but cost very little to create and maintain.
Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator
Although there are many Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicators (LHI) that
would be applicable to this area of Saginaw, I have chosen Nutrition, Physical Activity, and
Obesity. Although there are other LHI that may seem more urgent, such as injury and violence, I
think addressing this LHI may indirectly affect and improve other problems, promote better
health patterns, and lead the way to a healthier future.
The goals suggested for this LHI focus around promoting better food choices among
youth, providing healthier school lunches, and providing education regarding proper diets and
necessary nutrients (Healthy People 2020). A nursing role for this LHI could be providing
education to families, including children, and teaching them about the different dietary and
exercise choices they make. The nurse could teach the people in the community about how many
foods from each food group they should be eating each day, how much they should be exercising
each day, and what the health consequences could be should they neglect their health.
Conclusion
There are many different factors affecting community health, and what community health
even means. Saginaw, Michigan has many easily identifiable areas that negatively impact the
health of those living there. However, with some education and community health support, there
are many ways to implement changes that could improve the outlook and the future of the
community.

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References

Harkness, G. A., & DeMarco, R. F. (2012). Community and Public Health Nursing.
Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Health People 2020. (2016). Leading Health Indicators. HealthyPeople.gov. Retrieved from
http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/Leading-Health-Indicators

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Housing and zoning
Most buildings more than sixty
years old. Most of similar
construction/architecture. Most
single family homes on small lots
with minimal yard space. Very
dilapidated; broken windows and
doors; damaged stairs, porches, and
roofs in poor condition. Some
abandoned or burned down.
Open space
Not much open space- yards are
small and houses are close together.
No parks. No flower beds or
landscaping up kempt.
Boundaries
Closely built neighborhood,
boundaries determined by larger
road segments. Located within the
city limits of Saginaw.

Commons
Several bars within walking
distance. Often groups of people on
residential porches throughout all
hours of the day and night. Does
have a territorially feel to it, not
open to the stranger.

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Transportation
Various methods of
transportation- car, bicycle,
walking. There is a public
bus system within walking
distance but it does not have
an actual location in this
neighborhood. There is a
nearby highway.

Race and ethnicity

Residents are primarily
African-American. Few
Hispanics. Very few
Caucasians. No real
diversity with stores,
churches, private schools, or
foreign languages. One
Mexican restaurant.

Service centers
The schools do have signs of
activity, are also in poor
condition but better than the
houses. No rec centers
nearby. Covenant Healthcare
hospital nearby. No parks.
Stores and street people
Multiple grocery stores
within five miles. Most often
drive there. During the day,
most often seen are teenage
males walking or on
bicycles. Dogs observed
occasionally. No one dressed
in professional attire.
Clothing representative of
the areabaggy pants,
jerseys or t-shirts, baseball
caps.
Signs of decay
Neighborhood is on its way
downvacant buildings and
homes overgrown with
weeds. Boarded up windows
and doors. Trash and litter
visible. No advertising.

Religion and politics

No evidence of organized
religion evidenced by lack of
nearby churches.

Health and morbidity

Frequent evidence of poor
health conditions, people
frequently seen smoking and
consuming alcohol. Area of
high recreational drug use.
Nearest hospital within
walking distance- less than a
few blocks. Homeless
people often seen begging
for money or food- possible
mental health issues.
Media
Few people have cable
television and internet. Most
important form of media
seems to be radio, which are
visible on several porches.
Many people walking the
neighborhood can be seen
with cell phones and appear
to be texting or making calls.