A. Windshield Survey
The Windshield Survey is comprised of general qualitative observations that give you a snapshot of the community that you can capture as you drive/walk through the community. The demographic data can be obtained online, through the public library, county or township administration buildings. Please address the following in a narrative format following APA guidelines:
1.Geographical description
? Boundaries, geographical, political, or economic, how is it seen.
? Housing a zoning
? Sign of decay
2. Health Resources
a. Type of services available: health department, private MD, dentist, hospital clinic,
b. pharmacy, health promotion, mental health
c. School and occupational health services
d. Official and voluntary services
e. Self help and support groups
f. Service organizations, faith-based programs
g. Stores (grocery, retail, drug, dry cleaning, etc.
h. Transportation
3. Citizen safety and protective services
a. Police and fire
b. Shelters for victims of abuse
c. Others: neighborhood watch etc.
4. Services provided by senior citizens senior centers, meals on wheels, transportation, day care, long term care.
a. Parks and recreational areas
5. Community welfare services beyond city/state aid as provisions for emergency food, shelter, and clothing.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Windshield Survey is a valuable tool for gathering qualitative information about a community. It allows us to gain a snapshot of the community by observing various elements while driving or walking through it. In this assignment, we will address several aspects of a community’s geography, health resources, citizen safety and protective services, services provided by senior citizens, and community welfare services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the community’s strengths, weaknesses, and resources available to its residents.
Answer A:
1. Geographical description:
– Boundaries: The community’s boundaries can be identified based on geographical, political, or economic factors. Geographical boundaries may include rivers, mountains, or other natural landscapes. Political boundaries may be defined by city or county lines. Economic boundaries may be seen in the division between residential and industrial areas.
– Housing and zoning: Observations should be made regarding the types of housing present in the community, such as single-family homes, apartments, or mobile homes. Zoning areas can also be noted, such as residential, commercial, or industrial zones.
– Sign of decay: Look for any signs of decay or deteriorating infrastructure in the community, such as abandoned buildings, graffiti, or unattended public spaces. These signs may indicate areas of neglect or economic challenges within the community.
2. Health resources:
a. Type of services available: Identify the different types of health services available in the community, such as a health department, private medical practices, dentists, hospital clinics, pharmacies, and mental health facilities. Also, consider the presence of health promotion programs that focus on preventative care.
b. School and occupational health services: Determine if the community provides health services specifically for schools and workplaces. This may include school nurses, health education programs, or occupational health centers.
c. Official and voluntary services: Document any official services established by the government or public organizations, as well as voluntary services provided by nonprofit or community-based organizations.
d. Self-help and support groups: Observe if there are self-help and support groups available in the community for individuals with specific health conditions or needs.
e. Service organizations, faith-based programs: Explore the presence of service organizations and faith-based programs that offer healthcare assistance or support to the community.
f. Stores: Take note of the availability and accessibility of essential stores such as grocery stores, retail stores, drug stores, and dry cleaning services. These resources contribute to community members’ overall health and well-being.
g. Transportation: Assess the availability and adequacy of transportation services within the community, particularly for individuals who may require medical transportation for regular appointments or emergencies.
3. Citizen safety and protective services:
a. Police and fire: Observe the presence of police stations and fire departments within the community. Note the locations and accessibility of these services.
b. Shelters for victims of abuse: Identify any shelters or safe spaces available for victims of abuse or domestic violence. These resources are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of community members facing such situations.
c. Others: Take note of additional safety measures, such as neighborhood watch programs or community-led initiatives aimed at enhancing citizen safety and security.
4. Services provided by senior citizens:
Include information on services specifically catered to senior citizens, such as senior centers, meals-on-wheels programs, transportation services, day care centers, and long-term care facilities. These services play a vital role in supporting the well-being and independence of older adults in the community.
a. Parks and recreational areas: Observe the presence of parks and recreational areas that may be used by senior citizens for physical activity, socialization, and leisure.
5. Community welfare services beyond city/state aid:
Highlight community welfare services that go beyond the aid provided by the city or state. This may include emergency food assistance programs, homeless shelters, and clothing banks. Identifying these resources will help determine the extent of support available to community members in times of crisis or financial hardship.
Conclusion:
The Windshield Survey provides us with valuable insights into a community’s geography, health resources, citizen safety and protective services, services for senior citizens, and community welfare services. Understanding these aspects allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the community’s strengths and areas for improvement. By assessing and analyzing these observations, we can identify the resources and services available to community members and develop strategies to address any deficiencies and promote overall community health and well-being.
