Introduction
The community selected for this assignment was North Miami, a large community that is in a relatively good condition; however, it included some of the problematic areas. This review is focused on the primary characteristics of the community in terms of socio-economic dynamics, living conditions, and health-related issues. North Miami is a densely populated suburban city in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Community Vitality
The community appeared rather vital. The streets were moderately busy with a lot of people outside. In the day time, most of the residents of 30 and 40 years of age were walking in a purposeful manner as if to or from work, driving cars or riding public transportation. In the evening, the streets were less busy, and the people outside were 20 to 30 years of age predominantly. They were walking in groups of 4 or more people. Populations of all ages were seen, the most common age being 30 and older. Two ethnicities seemed to dominate the community – Hispanic (or Latino) and white. Mainly, people appeared healthy and were dressed well. Older people were accompanied by their spouses or younger relatives. Also, the percentage of overweight residents was rather high – about 25%.
Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions
Most buildings in the area were the small one-family houses, the vast majority of which was in good state. However, there were areas in the poorer state with deteriorating multifamily buildings and decaying public areas. Buses were the most common mode of public transportation. Bus stops were majorly in good conditions; however, some lacked shares and benches. There are many small businesses in the areas many of which announced having vacancies.
Homeless people were visible in the poorer districts. Most of there were men gathered in groups of 3-4. Also, at night, there were large groups of young males walking together (5-10 people). The area is suburban with some urban districts. There are not farms nearby; the major businesses are the larger manufacturing organizations and factories. No political posters were observed or any visible interest towards politics. However, there were billboards related to health education (smoking and its impact on children and safe sex specifically).
Health Resources
Several hospitals and medical centers were noticed in the area. They specialized in geriatrics, pediatrics, and emergency care. Also, several dentist offices and a dental clinic were found providing services to all groups of the population. Some of the bigger facilities were located in the center of the area. Some newer organizations were placed at the edge of the community. Access to them was complicated. Several relatively large nursing homes were seen that could accommodate about 20 people. Additionally, multiple pharmacies were noticed all around the area. However, the size of the community’s population points at an increased need for health care services. It is likely that some parts of the community are underserved and have limited access to care.
Environmental Conditions Related to Health
In the poorer districts of the community, it was possible to notice multiple heavily littered areas where there could be sanitary concerns such as pests; however, no actual stray animals were visible. Also, there is a risk of air and noise pollution due to the active traffic. Overcrowded and decaying housing and public buildings could only be found in the poorer parts of the community. The rest of it seemed to be well-managed and maintained in good condition. The streets were well-lit in the evening, and the traffic lights were in place. The roads were safe without any hazardous curves and sections.
Recreational centers and playgrounds for children were noticed in different parts of the area; also, there are two large parks in the territory of North Miami. The food was sold in the streets quite often, and in many cases, there were no sitting areas around.
Social Functioning
Many families were seen in the parks. In the poorer areas mostly women with young children were observed, no couples. One group of adult women and men was seen to clean up, paint, and fix children’s playground. In the areas with one-family houses, the neighbors were seen speaking to one another in groups or sitting together and resting.
In poorer areas there were signs of juvenile delinquency such as adolescents in the streets on schooldays and the defiled walls of public facilities.
Attitude toward Health and Health Care
Several wellness centers and herbal shops were found in the area. There was also one poster of an individual calling herself a healer. The health resources are used actively. One poster of a seminar concerning alcohol and drug addictions was observed near a hospital.
Vulnerable Population
The most vulnerable group are the residents of the low-income areas who were underserved and facing limited access to health care. The areas where this population dwells are also littered and could have pests.
Conclusion
The assessed area is economically divided into higher and lower income communities, both of which are numerous. The latter is underserved in regard to health care and is facing environmental challenges related to health (pollution, litter, deteriorating buildings, and limited access to health care)