Running head: WINDSHIELD SURVEY

Windshield Survey
Aaron Phillips
Ferris State University

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Windshield Survey
Observation is a powerful tool. It not only gives us insight to our surroundings, it allows
us to form opinions and ideas. The windshield survey is an observational tool that allows us to
gather information about a community. This information can give insight and allows us to draw
opinions while assessing communities and the neighborhoods they live in. In this paper, I will
define community, community health, community as a client, and leading health indicators from
Healthy People 2020. You will also find information from a window survey of Traverse City,
MI that I have collected with perspective health concerns.
Community
Defining a community is an important aspect when conducting a community assessment.
Community can be defined as geopolitical or phenomenological. According to Harkness &
Demarco (2012), geopolitical communities are areas that are defined by geographical
boundaries and often share the same governing structure (p. 177). Phenomenological
communities usually do not have well defined boundaries or formal structure.
Phenomenological communities refer to groups of people in a community that share similar
interests, beliefs, and ideas (Harkness & Demarco, 2012, p. 177). Examples of
Phenomenological communities would include groups such as the homeless, underserved groups,
and minorities.
Community Health
Community health is often described as the study of a community whose focus is to
improve the overall health of its members. Community health is often determined by a
community assessment. According to Harkness & Demarco (2012), there are two reasons to

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conduct a community assessment: (1) to gain information and clarify the need for change and
(2) to empower those responsible in the context of that change (p. 181).
Community as Client
Before a health care professional can help or treat a patient they must first identify their
needs. The same can be said for a community. Because of the complexities and uniqueness of
each community this task is often conducted by teams rather than just single individuals
(Harkness & Demarco, 2012). Community nursing uses best evidence practice to address
community need with the assistance of community resources, assets, and infrastructure.
Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator
Healthy People 2020 have 26 Leading Health Indicators (LHI) that are organized into 12
topics. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Leading
Health Indicators are high priority health issues and the actions that can be taken to address them
(2014). I choose nutrition, physical activity, and obesity as my LHI from Healthy People 2020.
The U.S. DHHS determined that 16.1 percent of American children ages 2 - 19 were considered
obese between 2005 and 2008. The number grew to 16.9 between 2009 and 2010. Healthy
People 2020 target goal for childhood obesity is 14.5 percent in 2020 (U.S. DHHS, 2014). As a
nurse we can educate our patient on how to make healthy life style choices. Eating healthy and
obtaining regular exercise are key factors in battling obesity. Different ways we can address
obesity as a community is to advocate for increased recreational area/activities that are available
to the public.
Conclusion
Assessing a community allows us to better understand its strengths and weaknesses. It
allows us ask questions like, Are there areas that need addressed? The geopolitical community

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of Traverse City has a lot to offer. It has ample areas for recreation, many local farming
markets, and offers many community health clinics. Many people choose to live here because of
these amenities. The area also has areas of concern. The role of the community health nurse is
to understand the community that they serve so they can improve the overall health of that
community. It is a meticulous task that takes continual assessing.

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References

Harkness, G. A., & DeMarco, R. (2012). Community and public health nursing: Evidence for
practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). Healthy People 2020. Washington, DC.
Retrieved June 12, 2014 from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/
overview.aspx?topicid=8

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Appendix

Housing and zoning

Transportation

Race and Ethnicity

The majority of the

housing near downtown is
stick built and brick with
small yards. They are
single family houses that
have been renovated
through the years. There
are also many new
construction and renovated
apartment buildings. The
condition of the housing
appears to get more run
down the farther you get
from the down town area.

There are many sidewalks

and trail areas that are
conducive to walking and
riding bikes. These areas
are highly utilized around
the Broardman River and
down town area. The city
has public busing, transit,
cabs, and the Grand
Traverse Airport. There
are many options for the
public to get around the
city.

The overwhelming
majority of the population
is Caucasian. There are
few American Indian,
Hispanic, and African
American population in
the area.

The down town area

during the day time has a
high volume of passenger
vehicle traffic. This is a
safety concern because of
safe areas to cross busy
intersections during the
busy work days and when
down town events are
beign held.

The lack of ethnic

diversity poses a concern
for a couple reasons. One
concern would be the lack
of cultural sensitive care
and assistant programs
offered in the city.

Open Space

Service Centers

Religion and Politics

The city has many parks

and open spaces for
recreation activities. A
large open space is located
on the bay were many
summer events are held.

There are many service

centers available in the
city, all within walking
distance. There is a large
local hospital, dental
offices, walk in clinics,
and a community center all
centrally located. The
public health clinic and a
VA outpatient clinic is
located on the south side
of town.

The city has a diversity of

worship centers and
churches. They include
Protestant, Catholic,
Mormon, and many nondenominational
Christianity groups. The
city has many political
events and open forums
for community
envolvement.

These areas become very

crowded with tourist
during the Cherry Festival
that is held around the
Fourth of July holiday
week. Safety is a concern
with these large crowds.
Many extra security/police
presence is needed to these
activities a safe place for
its citizens

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Boundaries

Stores and street people

Health and morbidity

Traverse City is a little

over 8 square miles.
Geographical boundaries
are M-37 to the west,
Airport Rd to the South,
Cherry Capital Airport to
the east, and Grand
Traverse Bay to the North.

The local stores in the

down town are very well
maintained. Tourism is
very important to the local
economy which keeps the
down town area full of
people, especially during
the summer months. It is
not uncommon to see
many recreational
activities along the street
areas and parks throughout
the city. The streets have
both young, old, and
families carrying on with
their daily activities.

The community has many

public health options. As
mentioned before there is a
large hospital. Munson
Medical Center plans on
opening a brand new
Cancer Center in the near
future.

Commons

Signs of decay

Media

Traverse City has a large

commons area near
Munson Hospital. It is
currently being renovated
with shops,
apartment/condos, and low
income housing.

The down town area is

very well maintained and
pleasing to the eye.
Farther you get away from
down town housing and
property show signs
neglect. This is where the
cities disparities are most
prevalent.

The city has many forms

of media. Different media
include two television
stations, radio stations, and
local newspaper. There
are many public Wi-Fi
areas throughout the city
including down town.

As with most small cities

that are growing, parking
is becoming an issue in the
down town area. This can
be considered a health
concern with overcrowded
streets and safety issues.

Even with all the

recreational opportunities
available to the public
obesity is still a very
prevalent problem in the
community and Northern
Michigan. A small portion
of the population takes
advantage of the walking
trails in the area.
Recreational signs are still
needed in many parts of
the city.