Indicators of a Healthy Community
Respondents were asked to comment on what they felt were the
signs or indicators of a healthy community; how do you know it when you see it?
This question did not generate a wealth of discussion, but some notable
contributions were made.
Among the indicators mentioned frequently were:
.low incidence of accidents
.low number of homeless
.adequate levels of subsidized housing
.low crime rate
.low incidence of domestic violence and child abuse.
.high immunization rates
.good/strong schools
.low school dropout and truancy rates
.sufficient recreational resources for all ages
.good hospitals and health care providers/services.
.high percentage of use of prenatal care
.prevalence rates of healthy behaviors (e.g., use of bicycle
helmets or seatbelts, low levels of alcohol or drug abuse)
.low unemployment rates
.strong, lively «arts» community (e.g., theatre, dance,
film)
Two focus group participants were somewhat less
«statistically-oriented» in their response to this question. Noted
one, «It's when people are walking around with smiles on their faces,
«and another, «it's when you walk down the street and people say `hi'
to you.»Is This a Healthy Community?
In general, respondents felt that the communities served by the
Muhima health professionals are relatively healthy. Several people compared
the Muhima region to other communities, often larger, more urban environments,
with which they were familiar. The muhima region fared quite well in these
comparisons. There is some variation, however, among the communities, and for
particular «sub-communities;»
What Are the Program/Service Gaps in the
Community?
Two basic approaches were employed to gather information
regarding perceived program/service gaps. First, interviewees and focus group
participants were asked specifically to identify and discuss such gaps.
Second, the surveys asked respondents to identify areas where gaps exist. The
results of both approaches are discussed in next
Focus Group Findings
By their very nature, interviews and focus groups tend to uncover
more negative comments or recommendations for improvement than they do positive
statements. This section of the report documents those areas perceived to be
gaps or most in need of improvement. In addition, to make the information even
more useful for muhima health center, the report presents the findings in three
groupings or categories: Primary Perceived Needs; Secondary Perceived Needs;
and Other Perceived Needs, based on the level of discussion and interest among
respondents.
The groupings of issues discussed are:
Summary of Primary Perceived Needs
. Lack of information/education regarding programs and services
in service area.
. Coordination and collaboration among organizations.
. Mental health services, particularly for younger children and
for seniors.
. Enhanced activities/programming for teens; e.g., recreational,
social.
. Dental services (oral health).
Summary of Secondary Perceived Needs
. Access to prescription drugs at an affordable price
. Intergenerational programming
. Respite care services
. Affordable childcare services
. Access to primary care services
. Drug/Alcohol prevention
. More active, flexible services
Age Group Perceived to Be Most in Need of Additional
Services
1. Seniors (age 65+)
2. Youth (ages 13-18)
3. Adults (ages 19-64)
4. Infants/Toddlers (ages 0-5)
5. Children (ages 6-12)
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