U3A1

Community Boundaries

Boundaries

Describe the boundaries of the area being surveyed.

· Is the area a named neighborhood? Are the boundaries determined by geography, or economic status?

Environment and Culture

Housing

Describe the houses in the area including:

· Age of the houses.

· Overall condition of the houses.

· Types of housing (single family, multiple family).

· How many are for sale or vacant, etc.

· From the housing, what could be assumed about the economic status of the area?

Signs of Decay

Besides the housing, what is the general condition of the area? Do you notice things like garbage or junky cars in the area?

Parks and Recreational Areas

Describe any parks, playgrounds or other green spaces you notice. In your description make note of the condition of these areas, and if they seem to be used. Are there any other types of recreational areas?

Transportation

Describe the transportation in the area, and the condition of the streets. Do you see anyone using public transportation? Is public transportation available? Is this a heavily traveled area?

Economics

Are there any industries in the area?

Schools

List the type, level, and number of schools.

Religion

List the number and types of religious facilities.

General

Do you see any evidence of gang activity? Describe it. What types of billboards/signs do you see, and how do they reflect the atmosphere of the area? What cultural and ethnic groups live in this area?

Community Health

Environmental Health Factors

Do you see anything in the environment, positive or negative, that might be contributing to the health of community residents? Describe how the factor could be impacting the health of residents. An example of a positive environmental factor might be a park where children are playing and exercising. An example of a negative health factor might be the air pollution from a coal burning power plant. Environmental factors could extend to things like types of business in the community as well. For example, how might a prevalence of liquor or tobacco stores contribute to the health of the community?

General Resident Health Observations

Do you notice any general positive health behaviors or appearances across community residents? For example, a community garden or multiple residents outside being physically active. Describe them. Do you notice any general negative health behaviors or appearances across community residents? For example, numerous people smoking, or a prevalence of obese residents. Describe them.

Community Health Issues

Based on your observations, what health issues might you expect to be prevalent in the community?

Community Assets and Obstacles

Services

Describe any type of social service, health care service and protective service (fire and police) that is in the area.

Community Needs

Based on your observations, identify any problems in the community.

Community Strengths

Did you notice any community resources that might address the problems you identified?

Community Crisis Response

· What assets exist in the community that would be beneficial for ensuring that health care services are appropriately delivered during a community crisis?

· What potential obstacles exist in the community with regards to providing health care services during a community crisis?

Subjective Feeling

· How did you feel, being in the area?

· Were you comfortable?

· Were you nervous?

· Did the people seem friendly?

· Would this be an area where you would like to live or work? Explain.

Notes

Boundaries

Housing

Signs of Decay

Parks and Recreational Areas

Transportation

Economics

Schools

Religion

General

Environmental Health Factors

General Resident Health Observations

Community Health Issues

Services

Community Needs

Community Strengths

Community Crisis Response

Subjective Feeling