NSG 482 Week 2 Community Assessment

Student Name

University of Phoenix

NSG/482 Promoting Healthy Communities

Prof. Name

Date

Community Assessment Overview

This windshield assessment evaluates a middle-class residential neighborhood in Fresno, California. The community demonstrates strong public safety, quality schools, accessible parks, reliable infrastructure, and family-oriented amenities. However, limited nearby healthcare facilities, a lack of social service agencies, and the potential for increasing homelessness remain concerns that could affect long-term community health outcomes.

Community Location

The assessment covers the neighborhood bounded by:

• South: Teague Avenue

• North: Shepard Avenue

• West: Cedar Avenue

• East: Maple Avenue

This area consists primarily of owner-occupied single-family homes with nearby educational institutions, recreational facilities, retail businesses, and public safety services.

Neighborhood Characteristics

The neighborhood reflects a stable middle-class community with well-maintained homes, mature landscaping, and family-friendly surroundings.

Key observations include:

• One- and two-story single-family homes

• Large yards with maintained lawns

• Mature trees and landscaped streets

• Long driveways and low housing turnover

• Predominantly owner-occupied residences

• Quiet environment with low evening traffic

• Children regularly playing outdoors

• Strong neighborhood pride and property maintenance

Residents appear appropriately dressed for the weather, maintain good personal hygiene, and actively participate in outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and yard work.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

The community benefits from well-developed infrastructure that supports safety and accessibility.

Transportation

• Fully paved roads

• Sidewalks on both sides of streets

• Street lighting throughout the neighborhood

• Clearly marked crosswalks

• Pedestrian crossing buttons

• Countdown pedestrian signals for individuals with visual impairments

• Public bus service with accommodations for bicycles and individuals with disabilities

Traffic volume is generally low, creating a safer environment for children and pedestrians.

Community Resources

Several important community resources are located within or near the neighborhood.

Education

The area includes:

• One elementary school

• One high school

• Highly rated school district

A church is located across from the elementary school, providing additional community support.

Public Safety

A centrally located police station serves multiple surrounding neighborhoods, contributing to low crime concerns and rapid emergency response.

Recreation

Residents have access to:

• Neighborhood parks

• Walking trails

• Bike-friendly streets

• Open recreational spaces

The parks encourage outdoor physical activity and family interaction.

Youth Programs

A local community center offers affordable enrichment opportunities including:

• Gymnastics

• Karate

• Youth development classes

• Programs for children with disabilities

• Inclusive community activities promoting diversity

Shopping and Dining

Nearby amenities include:

• Grocery store

• Sit-down restaurants

• Limited fast-food options

Most additional shopping and commercial services require a short drive.

Healthcare Access

Although healthcare services are available, they are not located within the immediate neighborhood.

Residents have access to:

• Two hospitals located approximately 10–15 minutes away

• Emergency medical transportation services

While acceptable under normal circumstances, travel time during emergencies may delay treatment and potentially affect patient outcomes.

Community Demographics

Based on visual observation, the neighborhood appears racially diverse, with residents including:

• Caucasian

• Asian

• African American

Most households own two to three vehicles, and many homes utilize residential security systems such as video doorbells.

Environmental Conditions

The neighborhood demonstrates positive environmental conditions.

Observations include:

• No evidence of stray animal populations

• Well-maintained roads and sidewalks

• Clean public spaces

• No nearby agricultural operations affecting air quality

• Minimal visible homelessness

Although a small number of unhoused individuals have attempted to camp near walking trails, law enforcement and regular community activity have prevented long-term encampments.

Community Strengths

The neighborhood offers numerous assets that support resident health and quality of life.

Major Strengths

• Safe residential environment

• Police station nearby

• Elementary and high schools within the community

• Grocery store and restaurants nearby

• Affordable youth recreation programs

• Parks and walking trails

• Reliable public transportation

• Well-maintained infrastructure

• Accessible sidewalks and pedestrian crossings

• Nearby healthcare facilities

• Limited fast-food availability

• Low traffic volume

• Strong neighborhood engagement

• High-performing school district

Community Weaknesses

Several challenges may influence future community health.

Areas for Improvement

• No nearby social service agencies

• No WIC office within the neighborhood

• Library requires driving

• Grocery shopping generally requires vehicle access

• Hospitals are not immediately nearby

• Small neighborhood parks

• Schools experienced closures during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Potential increase in homelessness over time

Priority Community Health Problem

Limited Emergency Healthcare Access

The most significant concern identified during the windshield assessment is the distance to emergency healthcare services.

Although hospitals are accessible within approximately 10–15 minutes, delays in emergency transportation can negatively affect outcomes for patients experiencing serious medical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or respiratory emergencies.

Improving access to emergency healthcare services or expanding urgent care resources closer to the neighborhood could strengthen community health preparedness.

Future Community Concern

Increasing Homelessness

Homelessness continues to increase across Fresno. While this neighborhood currently experiences very little homeless activity, regional trends suggest the issue could become more significant in the future.

Early collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations may help prevent future impacts on neighborhood safety and public health.

Summary

Location: Middle-class neighborhood bounded by Cedar Avenue, Maple Avenue, Teague Avenue, and Shepard Avenue in Fresno, California.

Primary Strengths: Safe environment, quality schools, police presence, parks, youth programs, accessible infrastructure, and nearby shopping.

Primary Weaknesses: Limited nearby hospitals, lack of social service agencies, vehicle dependence for many services, and potential future homelessness concerns.

Priority Health Issue: Emergency healthcare access due to hospitals being located 10–15 minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a windshield assessment?

A windshield assessment is a community health assessment performed by observing a neighborhood’s physical environment, resources, infrastructure, and population characteristics without conducting formal interviews.

What are the strengths of this Fresno neighborhood?

Major strengths include quality schools, a nearby police station, parks, youth programs, accessible sidewalks, reliable public transportation, and a safe, family-oriented environment.

What is the biggest health concern identified?

The primary concern is limited proximity to hospitals, which may delay emergency medical care and affect health outcomes.

Does the neighborhood have adequate community resources?

Yes. Residents have access to schools, parks, restaurants, grocery stores, public transportation, and recreational programs. However, social service agencies such as WIC offices and libraries are not located within the immediate area.

Why is homelessness considered a future concern?

Although homelessness is currently minimal in this neighborhood, Fresno has experienced increasing homelessness overall, making it an important issue for future community planning and public health.

References

American Public Transportation Association. (n.d.). Public transportation’s role in improving community health. https://www.apta.com

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Social determinants of health (SDOH). https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants

City of Fresno. (n.d.). City of Fresno. https://www.fresno.gov

Fresno County Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Community health assessment and improvement planning. https://www.fcdph.org

Healthy People 2030. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. https://health.gov/healthypeople

Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. (2017). About Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. https://www.pcaky.org/about