Community Assessment Practicum

Adapted from Anderson & McFarlane (2011) Community as Partner: Theory and Practice in Nursing, 6th ed. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

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OBSERVATIONS/

DATA

I. Community Core

1. History–Is there any pertinent history for your location (e.g., old, established neighborhoods; new subdivision)? Is it a rural, suburban or urban community? What is your feel of the population density?

Miami is an urban community located in the state of Florida. It is regarded as the largest metropolitan area in the state of Florida representing 13.4 percent of the population of the state, which comprises 2, 685, 410 residents as per 2014-2018 US Census American Community survey.

2. Demographics–What is the population of the community? Has the community experienced a recent increase or loss of population (in-migration versus out-migration)? What are the age, gender and racial distribution of the community? Can you find birth and death rates for the community?

The population of Miami comprises Whites, Asians, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Latino, Hispanic, and others. However, it is one of the few areas in the U.S with minority group comprising the majority of its population, comprising of 66.4 percent of the population compared to 24.1 percent of the entire state of Florida. In terms of gender, 48.52 percent of Miami’s population comprise male, and 51.48 percent comprise female. 19.90 percent of its residents live below Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The highest birth rates in Miami during 2017-2019 were highest among blacks (61.9 percent), followed by Hispanics (55.0 percent), Asian/Pacific Islanders (45.8percent), American Indian/Alaska Natives (18.0 percent), and whites (12.1 percent (National Center for Health Statistics, 2021).

3. Ethnicity–Do you note indicators of different ethnic groups (e.g., restaurants, festivals)? What signs do you see of different cultural groups, if any? Is there a predominant culture?

Miami is recognized for its rich heritage and several cultural influences. Majority of its population are Spanish-speakers. The neighborhood is a home to most recognized festivals, including the Three Kings Parade, Cultural Fridays/Viernes Culturales, and the Calle Ocho Festival. In places like Little Havana, there is colorful street life with several pop shops and restaurants with some of the most authentic and credible Cuban food such as Cuban sandwich as well as theatres and museums. With the influences from Cuba and other regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, Miami has unique rich culture.

4. Religion–Are there churches, mosques, temples? Where are they located within the community? Any religious schools? Is there evidence of religious homogeneity or diversity?

There are various churches, mosques, and temples in Miami as its population comprises Christians, Muslims, and Judaism. Majority of its population are Christians regardless of its religious diversity.

II. Subsystems

1. Physical Environment–How does the community look? What is the age and condition of the majority of housing? Do housing conditions vary in different parts of the community? How is the land used (open space, residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial)? Is there any evidence of pollution (water, soil, air) or environmental concerns (rodents, trash)?What is the size (e.g., square miles, blocks)?

As the population of Miami booms, the city continues with its efforts to remain clean, and is one of the cleanest cities in the U.S. Housing in Miami is relatively expensive and one in every four residents in Miami live in poverty. Renters in Miami spend more than 38 percent of the medium household income to pay for rent. Water pollution and soil pollution is a major concern in Miami as the area is susceptible to lead corrosions that leaches into the soil and drinking water that eventually reach toxic levels. According to the World Population Review (2021), Miami has a population density of 13, 286 people per square mile.

2. Health & Social Services–What are the major causes of morbidity and mortality? What is the infant mortality rate and teenage pregnancy rate? Are there any ’traditional” healers (e.g., curanderos, herbalists)? Are there clinics, ambulances, hospitals, practitioners’ offices, home health agencies, urgent or emergency care centers, nursing homes, social service facilities, mental health services?

The major causes of morbidity and mortality in Miami, include heart disease, cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases. (CDC, 2018). The average infant mortality rate in Miami during 2016-2018 was highest in black infants (11.7 percent), Hispanics (3.7 percent), and whites (2.7 percent) (National Center for Health Statistics, 2021). The teen birth rates in 2019 were highest among teens aged 15-19 years. There are herbalists’ stores in Miami as you walk across the streets. The city has a range of services, including clinics, ambulances, hospitals, practitioners’ offices, home health agencies, urgent or emergency care centers, nursing homes, social service facilities, and mental health services.

3. Economy and Safety–Do you see signs of economic growth such as real estate signs or new construction, remodeling or street repair? Do you see signs of community decline such as trash, abandoned cars, graffiti or rundown housing?

Are there industries, stores, places for employment? What occupations (retail, industrial, farming, service, government, tourism or unemployed) are represented in the community? Where do people grocery shop, inside or outside of the community?

Is there a difference in types of stores available in different neighborhoods or parts of the community?

What is the unemployment rate? What types of protective services are there (e.g., fire, police)? What types of crimes are committed here? What is the geographic distribution of crimes? Are there any signs of neighborhood watch programs?

There are street repairs, new constructions, and remodeling across Miami. It is difficult to find an abandoned car or rundown housing in the neighborhood for safety and maintaining a clean neighborhood. The city has various industries and stores, including aviation, banking, hospitality, healthcare, supermarkets, among others for employment. Various occupations are represented in the city including cooks, waiters, nurses, doctors, farmers, retailers, administrators, secretaries, and many more. Residents of Miami buy grocery within the community as there are several groceries including D Market Place, Gfs Market Place, Latin American Market, and several others. The different stores in Miami sell a variety of goods, including luxury home goods, clothes, foods, footwear, home appliances, and many more. The current unemployment rate in Miami is higher than the long-term average of 6.25 percent, and is at 7.10 percent. The neighborhood has different protective services including law enforcement officers, fire rescue services, adult protective services, child abuse, domestic violence protective services, and others. The common types of crimes in Miami include murder, rape, assault, and robbery. The most dangerous neighborhoods of Miami include Overtown, Model City, Little Haiti, Downtown, Allapattah, Wynwood, and Upper Eastside. The Youth Crime Watch of Miami and Neighborhood Crime watch program do close monitoring of crimes in Miami.

4. Transportation –How do people get around? What type of private and public transportation is available? Do you see buses, bicycles, taxis? Are there sidewalks, bike trails? Is getting around in the community possible for people with disabilities?

The area includes both private and public transport means. Most of the residents use the public means. There are buses, taxi, and bicycles on various roads of Miami. There are also sidewalks and bike trails along Miami roads. People with disabilities can access public transport just like others.

5. Politics and Government–What is the local governmental jurisdiction of the community and how is it organized (e.g., elected mayor, city council with single member districts)? What services does the local government provide to residents?

The head of Miami is an elected mayor who acts as the chief executive of the city, and works along with a board of commissioners who act as the primary legislative body of the city. The local government offers municipal services like fire rescue services and police, and metropolitan services such as public housing, emergency management, airport and seaport operations to all residents.

6. Public Health–What is the local health department? How big is the agency and what population does it serve? What services are provided?

The Florida Department of Health heads health services in Miami. The department services all residents of the state of Florida, including Miami residents. It offers various health and family services such as adoption programs, assisted living facilities, assistance programs, aging and health programs, and others.

7. Education–Are there schools in the area? Do they look well-maintained and how are they rated academically? What are the drop-out rates? How far are the schools from the center of the community? Are there any school health services? Are there any higher-education schools available in the community? Are there any libraries?

Miami has both public and private schools that are well maintained. The neighborhood has a history of high dropout rates, low school attendance, and poor academic performance due to high poverty and ethnically diverse student population. There are higher-education schools available in Miami, such as the Everglades University, and the Carlos Albizu University-Miami. There are numerous libraries in the neighborhood where children can visit and study.