Replacement Field Experience Sentinel Town Project Submission Community Assessment

Replacement Field Experience Sentinel Town Project Submission

Community Assessment

A community health assessment was completed by touring Sentinel Town and collecting information about the area and community living here. The geographical area of Sentinel Town is a rural community. The population is estimated at 609, and the majority of the population, or 24% are of age between 24 and 44 years old. The average household income is $27,024 per year, and notably, 73 citizens, or 17 families, live below the income poverty level, which is 12% of the population (“Sentinel demographics,” n.d.). No data regarding homelessness or unemployment was retrieved, suggesting that these rates are low at Sentinel Town.

The further population age breakdown is the following – 3.6% are under the age of 5, 18.3% are between 5 and 18, 7.5% are aged 18 to 24, and 23.2% are between the ages of 45 and 65, 21.8% between the ages of 65-84 and 1.5% is attributed to people aged 85 and more. Regarding race breakdown, Sentinel Town is predominantly white – 93.3%, following Hispanic or Latino individuals – 7.6%, African Americans – 0.5%, and American Indians – 0.3%. The average household income is $27,024 per year, and notably, 73 citizens, or 17 families, live below the income poverty level, which is 12% of the population (“Sentinel demographics,” n.d.). No data regarding homelessness or unemployment was retrieved, suggesting that these rates are low at Sentinel Town.

Environmental Hazards

Dulce Lopez reports that the air is not polluted, and the town has access to clean water, which eliminates a significant health concern. Next, Jack Carter, one of the citizens, informed that there are several problems in the town “from muddy roads to potholes, to poor lightning and no sidewalks” (“Jack Carter,” n.d.). Because of this, there were burglaries, and the town has a lack of EMT and fireman specialists. According to the Sheriff’s Office report, there were four robberies and seven aggravated assault cases last year (“Sheriff’s office,” n.d.). One issue is that the ambulance response time is approximately 30 minutes (“Janet Mills,” n.d.).

Disaster Assessment

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The town’s Sheriff reported that the community does not have a readily available disaster response plan. Although there are no reports of disasters and Sentiment Town does not appear to be a disaster-prone area, it should be noted that the community lacks EMT and fireman specialists, which is an issue.

Other

The largest contributor to diseases is diabetes, with the most significant number of services attributed to this condition (“Clinic,” n.d.). Additionally, cancer treatments and follow-ups have the most significant number of referrals to a city hospital. Many citizens are concerned with the increasing issue of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as emerging mental health problems (“Janet Mills,” n.d.). Controversial matters discussed in the local sources include cases of child neglect and lack of immunization, especially in the community of immigrants, which is attributed to lack of information. Minor injuries are the largest contributor to emergency department visits. In summary, the quality of life in this community is reduced due to its economic status and inability to develop infrastructure in the town that would promote health and allow for better access to healthcare.