Community Assessment Assignment Case Studies Example

Geography 1. Physical Boundaries

Camden is a city found in New Jersey, United State. In reference to Philadelphia, the city is located opposite Delaware River. The total area of the city is 26.784 square kilometer. 23.106 square kilometer of the city is land and 3.677 square kilometer is made of water bodies. 2. Census tract health department area 
According to the statistic from the health department the Camden community has experience reduction in the infant mortality rate by 24% and mother who are breastfeeding their infants drastically increase. Substance abuse among the school going teenagers has been on a decrease in last decade by 14%. Additionally, teen birth is also in the decline trend. However, obesity among the adults has been on the increase, currently it is at 24% and the number of death caused by fall on the elderly patient has been on the increase (State of New Jersey, Department of Health, 2015).3. Surrounding areas
 The community is surrounded by small cities such as Woodlynne, Haddon Township, Collingswood, Pennsauken Township, Gloucester city and Pettys Island.4. Topography 
The city relatively flat with no major hills or mountains. The city has both natural and artificial structures and features. The natural features within the city are parks, Crystal Lake, river stream, port and open space. The artificial, structures are hospitals, schools, colleges, transport networks, buildings cemetery and churches.B. History 
The city started as European settlement for Dutch and Swedish immigrants in the early 1600s. The main economic activities such as farming and trade concentrated along the Delaware River. As the population grew and many people settling in the areas, the city developed into a commercial centre and transport hub between New York and Philadelphia. The ship building industry was the main industry in the city from early 1900s to late 1970s (City Council, 2015). The real estate is another area which has made great strides and offering employment to many residents in the city. However, in recent years the city has witness increase in crime rate C. Population 
The population of the city according to the 2010 census is estimated to be over 78,000 people, 17, 000 families and more than 25,000 household. The census reports indicate there are over 28,000 house units per 1,227 per square kilometer (United States Census Bureau, 2011).1. Demographic Data 
The population is multicultural community which is made up African American 48%, the white 18%, native Americans 0.07%, pacific Islanders 0.06%, Asian 2%, Hispanic 4% and others races 27%. The majority of the populations are youth who are below the age of 18 years, the make 31% of the total population. Adults who are aged between 18 and 24 make 13% of the total population, while the age between 25 and 44 make about 28% of the population. The senior who are of age 45 to 64 make 20% of the population and the rest of made elderly of the 65 years and above. The median age of the population according to the 2010 census was 28 years and the majority of the population was female (United States Census Bureau, 2011).2. Community definition and Neighborhood Type
This is an urban and modern community. The population can be described as poor, according to the last census the average income was US$ 27, 000 per year and 35% of the total population were living below the poverty index/line. Additionally, a large percentage of the population above 76% was living in a family setting3. Community Walk or Windshield survey 
The community is comprised mostly of the young people going to school or in college. Through the walk in the city I came across only a few aged adults taking a walk with their dogs. There are mixture of modern housing and old houses in the city. Most of the old houses are abandoned. There are open spaces especially for parks and private gardens. There are adequate schools and hospital for the community. Most of the businesses are services businesses such as restaurant, retail stores, banks and transport services. The boundaries of the city are marked by means of transport (e.g. highways, rail) and the port. The restaurants are the major meeting point in the city; most of the restaurants were crowded especially at lunch time and in the evening. The community is of mix race although the African Americans were the majority. The mode of transport used within the city is cars. The dominant religion in the city is Christianity since there are many churches around the city. Unhealthy behavior such as cigarette smoking and taking fast food were common observation on the streets.D. Political Structure- political parties, community leaders, stakeholders E. Social Systems – Community functions 
The city is headed by a mayor Dana Redd. She is the highest official in the administration official in the city. Most of the major issues and decision which affect the city pass through her office (City Council, 2015). She govern the city with the help of seven elected officials (Board of Chosen Freeholders)
II. Health Characteristics A. Health Data 1. Vital Statistics 
The city is considered as one of the most dangerous city in the United State. The statistics show the crime rate has gone up in the recent years. Crime such as burglary and homicide are up by 65%. Over 50% of the population is made up young individuals who are mostly unemployed. It is believed most of these youth fall into crime to earn a living (Matt, 2013)2. Morbidity rates (major illnesses affecting residents)
The major illnesses which affect the community are Tuberculosis, Diabetes, Chlamydia, obesity, heart diseases and cancer3. Mortality rates (leading causes of death) 
The major causes of death are diabetes, stroke, accidents and crimesB. Health Resources 1. Facilities 
There are adequate health facilities in the city such as Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and Cooper University Hospital to name a few.2. Personnel
The facilities have enough personnel who are highly qualified. There are medical colleges in the city which train the student on various health professionals such physician and nursing3. Financing 
Most of the people finance their health care needs from their own pocket. A number have insurance cover either private or obamacare.4. Accessibility 
Most of the residences are poor hence they cannot secure private insurance cover which will enable them secure access to quality health care in private hospitals which are well equipped. Although the obamacare has increase the accessibility to health care, there still large population without insurance cover. Hence, lack insurance cover and poverty reduces access to quality and safe health care.C. Major Public health issues affecting the Community (pollution, safety, Crime, homelessness, etc.) 
The major concern for the residence in the city is crime rate and poverty level in the city.

Reference

CNNMoney. (2014). Camden, N.J. - Most dangerous cities - CNNMoney. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/gallery/real_estate/2014/02/03/dangerous-cities/
Matt Taibbi. (2013). Apocalypse, New Jersey: Matt Taibbi's Dispatch From Camden, America's Most Desperate Town | Rolling Stone. Retrieved from http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/apocalypse-new-jersey-a-dispatch-from-americas-most-desperate-town-20131211
United States Census Bureau. (2011). American FactFinder - Results. Retrieved from http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk