NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 6218 Leading the Future of Health Care

Prof. Name

Date

Community Health Assessment

A community health needs assessment is a compelling example for a community such as Jordan, a rapidly expanding city in Minnesota’s fastest-growing county. The healthcare systems, educational resources, and public services in Jordan have been adapted to meet the growing population’s changing needs on an intentional and evolving basis as a developing and changing community. We conducted a virtual windshield survey and environmental analysis to understand the general health status of the city, key ecological conditions, and broader social determinants of residents’ well-being.

General Conditions and Public Health Needs

The windshield survey of the Jordan community provided important information on the strengths and weaknesses of the community’s public health. The assessment covered several key zones, including residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, schools, healthcare centers, recreational sites, transportation routes, and fire and police departments. These components are all important in determining the community’s health outcomes and quality of life. For instance, residential zones show the state of housing and neighborhood safety, and commercial hubs point to economic strength and accessibility to everyday essentials. Education and health equity require schools and healthcare facilities. At the same time, parks and green spaces contribute to physical and mental well-being, and transportation infrastructure affects mobility and safety (Iamtrakul et al., 2024). Jordan’s physical layout is active and varied. Major roadways, including U.S. Highway 169, link residents to the broader regions and support local commerce. Downtown Jordan is a historic mix of old and new, with long-time businesses like Radermacher’s Fresh Market (established 1954), boutique retailers, and professional offices. The city attracts growing families and new homeowners with well-kept homes and expansive lots visible in residential areas like Bridle Creek and Timber Ridge Court. Jordan’s identity is central to educational institutions (City of Jordan Economic Development, n.d.). St. John’s Catholic School offers early childhood and elementary education, and Jordan Public Schools provides a full K–12 curriculum. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Hope Lutheran Church are other religious institutions that add to the city’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Lagoon (Veterans) Park and Minnesota Valley Trails State Park are outdoor spaces encouraging active lifestyles, with swimming beaches, playgrounds, and extensive hiking and biking trails (Capella University, n.d.).However, public safety and environmental concerns also accompanied the survey’s strengths. They include traffic patterns, pedestrian hazards, construction areas, and a lack of police in some zones. Such risks require proactive urban planning and strategic allocation of resources to safeguard the community (Aghaie, 2023). It is worth noting that the survey had limitations. The inherent subjectivity of observation, time constraints, and limited access to certain locations may have led to an incomplete picture. For example, surveys at certain times may not measure all community dynamics, or some areas may have been inaccessible for safety or logistical reasons (Johnson et al., 2020). In order to keep Jordan growing and healthy, ongoing investment in healthcare facilities and services will be necessary, particularly those targeted to aging residents. Community observation and data rooted in strategic planning can help to bridge existing gaps and lead to long-term wellness.

Environmental Analysis

Environmental factors within Jordan greatly impact the health and well-being of Jordan’s population. Lagoon (Veterans) Park and the Minnesota Valley Trails State Park are important green spaces that are essential for both physical and mental health, with their presence and accessibility. Residents are encouraged to go out and enjoy nature in these natural areas, which is linked to lower stress levels and better overall wellness. However, lack of proper maintenance and environmental preservation efforts may lead to the loss of continued health benefits of these spaces (Lackey et al., 2021). Similarly, transportation infrastructure also influences public health. The community is connected by U.S. Highway 169, a major artery through the town, which contributes to environmental stressors. Air pollution from vehicular traffic can be increased, thus affecting respiratory health. In contrast, noise pollution from heavy traffic can be raised, causing increased stress and diminished quality of life, especially for people living near these corridors (Capella University, n.d). Jordan’s industrial development, with businesses such as Radermacher’s Fresh Market, has long been a part of the community’s economic history. Local industry helps support the economy, but it might also be detrimental to the environment, affecting air and water quality. If not properly regulated, these ecological effects could result in respiratory illnesses and waterborne diseases (Aripov et al., 2020). Jordan’s healthcare providers are at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. On the one hand, the city’s fast-growing population and young demographic, with a median age of 29.2, indicate a growing need for healthcare services. This allows the ability to expand facilities, introduce new medical programs, and incorporate innovations such as telehealth and electronic health records to improve care delivery (Capella University, n.d.). The ongoing presence of socioeconomic differences creates substantial dangers to healthcare accessibility and fairness for all citizens. Residents with limited income, along with older adults, encounter multiple obstacles to receiving healthcare because of affordability concerns, transportation barriers, and insurance coverage difficulties. The barriers create delays in healthcare or unmet health needs, expanding health inequalities.

Social Determinants of Health

A person’s socioeconomic status directly affects their ability to obtain fundamental health resources and basic health opportunities. The differences between income levels and educational attainment restrict community members from getting medical services and buying healthy foods while preventing them from participating in disease prevention activities (Kivimäki et al., 2020). The Jordan Food Shelf operates as a support service to assist 20 families through the work of 100 volunteers, demonstrating that food insecurity affects select residents. The community health issues and financial barriers demonstrate how social determinants impact health outcomes for the community (Capella University, n.d.). The availability of healthcare and education is a fundamental requirement to sustain and advance individuals’ general wellness. People who face financial difficulties or lack access to health insurance must postpone their medical treatments, creating more health disparities. People’s health depends heavily on the environments where they live and work. The downtown Jordan neighborhoods show diminished socioeconomic status, which creates barriers for residents to receive high-quality healthcare services (Capella University, n.d.). The high number of bars and grills operating in the downtown district presents health risks since these venues encourage people to consume unhealthy food products and alcoholic beverages. This setting promotes unhealthy eating behaviors among community members while intensifying their health problems (Capella University, n.d.).

Executive Summary

The Jordan community health needs assessment identified multiple factors affecting public health by assessing strengths and challenges, alongside identified opportunities. Community engagement remains strong because of 100 volunteers who support the Jordan Food Shelf, essential services provided through St. Francis Health Services, and Jordan Public Schools education (Capella University, n.d.). The resources generate improved health results and strengthen community abilities to withstand challenges. The healthcare system faces barriers because of socioeconomic differences, making it difficult for older adults and low-income residents to get healthcare services. Industrial operations and traffic-generated pollutants create environmental risks that endanger air and water quality and lead to respiratory problems and additional health issues (Capella University, n.d.). The key lessons demonstrate the necessity of purposeful social and ecological intervention programs. The increasing number of residents gives healthcare providers advantages in extending their services while using telemedicine and electronic health records to enhance healthcare delivery. Health equity and public welfare protection depend on community engagement, socioeconomic inequality reduction, and robust environmental management implementation (Machaca et al., 2025).

References

Aghaie, S. (2023). Sustainable urban planning: Stakeholder perspectives on resource allocation challenges. Resource Management and Decision Engineering, 2(1), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jrmde.2.1.6  Iamtrakul, P., Chayphong, S., & Gao, W. (2024). Assessing spatial disparities and urban facility accessibility in promoting health and well-being. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 25, 101126–101126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2024.101126 

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

Aripov, T., Blettner, M., & Gorbunova, I. (2020). The impact of neighborhood on industrial areas on health in Uzbekistan: An ecological analysis of congenital diseases, infant mortality, and lung cancer. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(14), 17243–17249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08190-9 Capella University. (n.d.). Vila Health: Environmental analysis and windshield survey simulation. https://www.capella.edu/   City of Jordan Economic Development. (n.d.). City of Jordan. https://jordanmn.gov/city-departments/economic-development/  Johnson, K., Allen, K. E., West, W., Williams-Kirkwood, W., Wasilewski-Masker, K., Escoffery, C., & Brock, K. E. (2020). Strengths, gaps, and opportunities: Results of a statewide community needs assessment of pediatric palliative care and hospice resources. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 60(3), 512- 521.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.009 Kivimäki, M., Batty, G. D., Pentti, J., Shipley, M. J., Sipilä, P. N., Nyberg, S. T., Suominen, S. B., Oksanen, T., Stenholm, S., Virtanen, M., Marmot, M. G., Singh-Manoux, A., Brunner, E. J., Lindbohm, J. V., Ferrie, J. E., & Vahtera, J. (2020). Association between socioeconomic status and the development of mental and physical health conditions in adulthood: A multi-cohort study. The Lancet Public Health, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(19)30248-8 Lackey, N. Q., Tysor, D. A., McNay, G. D., Joyner, L., Baker, K. H., & Hodge, C. (2021). Mental health benefits of nature-based recreation: A systematic review. Annals of Leisure Research, 24(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2019.1655459

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs

Li, F., Luo, S., Mu, W., Li, Y., Ye, L., Zheng, X., Xu, B., Ding, Y., Ling, P., Zhou, M., & Chen, X. (2021). Effects of Sources of social support and resilience on the mental health of different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-03012-1 Machaca, A. T., Micaela, D., Gutiérrez, H., Gomez, F. Q., Martín, M., Gonzaga, M., Vladimir Sánchez-Chávez-Arroyo, Manrique, P., Rosario, A. R., Adauto-Medina, W. A., & Salcedo, M. M. (2025). Public policy for human capital: Fostering sustainable equity in disadvantaged communities. Sustainability, 17(2), 535–535. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020535  Peretz, P. J., Islam, N., & Matiz, L. A. (2020). Community health workers and COVID-19 — addressing social determinants of health in times of crisis and beyond. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(19). https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmp2022641

Appendix

Table 1: Windshield Survey and Environmental Analysis

Category	Questions	Observations and Impressions	SWOT Category	References
Size of Community	What is the current number of residents living in Jordan? At what rate is the community expanding or increasing in population?	Jordan’s population is approximately 7,000 and increasing. The city expects an annual increase of over 150 people.	Opportunities	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Demographics	What is the average age at the midpoint of the population? How much of the population is below the age of 30?	Jordan’s median age is 29.2, which is three years lower than the state median. More than half of the population is under 30, reflecting a predominantly young demographic.	Strengths	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Diversity	How culturally and ethnically varied is the population in the community?	Details about the diversity in Jordan are not clearly stated.	Weaknesses	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Healthcare Services	– What types of healthcare facilities exist in Jordan, and how easily can residents access medical services?	Jordan provides various healthcare services, such as a family medical clinic and dental care. Ensuring easy access to healthcare is a priority, with emergency services located nearby.	Opportunities	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Education/Schools	– What educational institutions are available in Jordan, and how are these schools evaluated or ranked in terms of quality?	Jordan has public schools offering specialized elementary, middle, and high school programs. The well-kept educational facilities provide a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.	Strengths	(City of Jordan, Minnesota, 2015).
Religion/Churches	Which religious institutions are located in Jordan, and how varied is the community’s religious representation?	Jordan has various churches, including Lutheran, Methodist, and Catholic, showcasing religious diversity. The absence of mosques or synagogues suggests potential gaps in religious representation.	Threats	(Vila Health: Environmental Analysis and Windshield Survey Simulation, n.d.).

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 2 Assessing Community Health Care Needs