Local Community Needs Assessment - Coursework Example

Community Needs Assessment Part I Introduction to community Location Queens County is located to the west of Long Island and has other islands, which contributes to the formation of New York harbor with a total area of 460 square kilometers (Dollarhide, 2014). Out of this figure, 280 square kilometers are land, and 180 sq km is water. Adjacent counties to Queens County are Bronx to the north, Nassau to the east, Kings to the west and Manhattan to the northwest all in New York City (Dollarhide, 2014). Climate Queens County is one of the counties in New York that enjoys a relatively humid subtropical climate because of its location shielded by the Appalachian Mountains (NYC, 2015). The climate in this region is also influenced by other factors such as the Atlantic Ocean making it humid from the breeze blowing. Similarly, the County receives much rainfall throughout the year to 44. 8 inches and the temperatures range between 41.6 C to -19. This is an indication that its winter is mild compared to the rest of other regions (NYC, 2015). In addition, its spring season is unpredictable with hot and wet summer. Its climate also makes it the best, which suits the preferences of many who likes humid climate. Population Queens County is one of the populated counties in New York City, and it has been increasing over every single time. The 2010 estimation by Census Bureau filled that the population increased to about 2.3 million, which also signified 27% of the New York population (Dollarhide, 2014). Similarly, the 2013 census found that this number was made of people from different races and ethnic origins such as Whites, Blacks, and Asians (Dollarhide, 2014). This is an indication of the diversity found in the county. Demographic Queens is a county where almost every ethnic group or race is represented because of its geographical location and activities taking place. The 2013 census found that 26.7% are Non-Hispanic, 20.9% are African-Americans, 28% are Hispanics and lastly Asians make 25.2% (Dollarhide, 2014). In addition, there are many ethnic groups present in this county, almost half of the population is made up of foreign-born people. These are from, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America and North America (Dollarhide, 2014). Further, these ethnic groups are also represented by tribes, which form part of the number of the entire population. Additionally, the demography of this region is composed of household with children, no children, married couples, and females with or without husbands and vice versa. From all this, it is evidenced that Queens County is composed of people from all social backgrounds, and the level of diversity is very high. Introduction to State Location and uniqueness of the State Queens County is unique because of its demographic structure, which has made it have a high population compared to other counties. There are people from all lifestyles, which make the county rich with different cultures, as well as cultural backgrounds. Because of this, it is the best location for people who want to do social research as well as to know how different cultures interact and blend. Similarly, the region is highly populated and ranked number four among the New York boroughs and in the US (Dollarhide, 2014). This is an indication that the location is unique since it is densely populated with people from different social backgrounds unlike other cities and counties made of people of one race or ethnic tribe. Additionally, Queens County is unique because it would have been the fourth most populous city if ranked in the category or made to be a city. So far, the most populated cities are Los Angeles, Chicago, and Brooklyn; Queens also lists in this class because it has an equal number of population (NYC, 2015). Despite the US population numbering to over 400,000 million, it is difficult to get a county with over million since they have a small population because of the different factors such as cost of living among others. Lastly, Queens County is unique because it is the most ethnically diverse urban centers in the world (NYC, 2015). This is so because the county has Asians such as Chinese, Indians, Koreans, Filipinos, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi among others. It is also the home of Hispanics and Latinos since there are Colombians, Ecuadorians, and Salvadorans among other Hispanics. The European ancestries include Italians, Irish, Germans, Polish, Russians and Greeks and they form part of the total population (NYC, 2015). From all these, it is evidenced that Queens County is unique since it is the most ethnically diverse county in the world, hence crucial for conducting research touching on cross-cultures. Local and State needs assessment Population data, cultural demographics, and risk population Queens County is composed of the minorities who makes up 65% of the total population (Dollarhide, 2014). Out of this number, African Americans make up 38%, which is an indication of their dominance among the minority groups (Dollarhide, 2014). It is also clear that minority groups in the US suffer mental health problems because of their social status; hence, many of them are unable to find decent health care. Mental health problem affects nearly every race, but it is more prevalent in minority groups such as African-Americans. They are unable to live in decent houses and find for themselves as well as drug and substance abuse. These issues contribute largely to the mental health problems in the Queens population. In addition, the health assessment need is required for the elderly since 77% of the population is made of people above 18 years and 12% of people above 65 years old (Dollarhide, 2014). Although the population is largely earning, 12% are living below a poverty line, and median household income is $44, 200; an indication that the population is doing well (Dollarhide, 2014). From all these statistics, it is evidence that many people can afford medical cover that enable them to find decent mental health care. However, this is wrong since there are several people comprising of immigrants who are unable to meet these needs. Therefore, they suffer from mental health problems because they are unable to enjoy some benefits like other. Because of this, the provision of medical coverage as well as any help that can enable them cope with their conditions is needed since they go a lot when trying to achieve a healthy life. Summation Summary of perceived mental health needs Queens County is a multicultural where immigrants form part of the population. Many people live above the poverty line, but there are others who are in dire need of help because of their social background. Many immigrants from Latin America and African Americans undergo much stress when looking for ways of survival; this interferes with their mental health, hence calling for remedies. Similarly, the hard life these group experiences due to lack of necessities make them indulge in certain practices to enable them cope, and some of them includes substance abuse, prostitution, robbery among others. These activities interfere with their mental functioning and process calling for the need to offer help or assistance. Additionally, some immigrant’s populations are not accessing the health care facilities because they do not know their locations or do not have the necessary papers to enable them find assistance. Hence, they undergo fatigue when trying to get health care services, and sometimes they die if the illness persists. For this reason, the need arises to provide mental health services, which can help these populations of immigrants who do not have papers to get services. It traumatizes people, more so, those who struggle with living to be denied the services they require for health care is a basic one that should not be denied. For this reason, the groups require assistance to enable them get the medical care by informing them what they need to do as well as where to get assistance. Stabilizing their mental process and telling them the expectation is critical at this juncture since it makes them feel the sense and cope with the situation. Part II Research of the State and local government organizations The Queens County administration is doing all it can to ensure that the residents enjoy a good life as well as a favorable environment that provides their productivity. Hence, it has a responsibility of putting parameters to ensure that the missions are achieved, and conditions permit individual’s developments. For this reason, measures are in place such as minimizing stigmatization of those suffering from mental illness as they had worked elsewhere (Drury, 2014). There are many programs run by the state and local government to end stigmatization against those with mental disorders. This is done by taking them to mental health facilities and assisting them in coping mechanisms. Similarly, the County has been investing much money in mental health and equipping health centers to deal with the mentally challenged (Felix & Bowers, 2015). This is a good sign of improving the welfare since these populations require specialized treatment in order to cope and accept the society. Over the last few years, Queen County has tried by establishing new health care facilities and equipping the early established ones to improving the welfare of this vulnerable group (Felix & Bowers, 2015). Additionally, Queens County has been coming up to address the needs of the vulnerable groups by caring for the needy in terms of medical attention and their young ones or dependents. The county government is taking care of children whose parents are suffering from mental disorders, and this is meant and giving the families a decent living without considering their status (Wylie, 2013). Those with mental health problems do not know what they are undergoing and sometimes are driven by unknown forces hence calling the intervention of the third party. Homelessness is a common problem in the US, and nearly every corner experiences this issue on a regular basis. Queens is in the front to help the homeless, especially those from a disadvantaged background, obtain decent shelter to improve their wellbeing, as well as welfare. It is the responsibility of the state to provide the necessities for those who are unable to find them. Queens have successfully implemented this; currently, the county is working and developing more ways of helping those in need in order to improve or control their mental illness. It is a good move since it gears at addressing the need of others who are in dire need of help. Private agencies or church ministries Private agencies are playing important roles in uplifting the living standards of the individuals suffering from a mental problem. For instance, the church plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals get comfort by providing basic social support at their level. This has seen them improve the life of the majority of this group. The numbers of private agencies dealing with mental health are many, and they play different roles and work in different regions in uplifting the conditions of this group. Private agencies provide counseling and other psychological support to these vulnerable groups. Churches specifically, offer social support to the mentally disturbed. Hence, they give them hope to enable their recovery. They also help them to strengthen their faith, which is the core in overcoming their situations. In many occasions, churches pray for these people and give them social support, as their situation is short-lived and not permanent (Populations, Community, and Service Systems, 2012). The hope that churches give them is necessary since it relieves them and nourishes to some extent (Hess & Maton, 2013). Additionally, private sectors help these people by giving them hope and providing some materials such as foodstuffs, beddings among others. Some organizations, more so corporate organize outreach services where they spend time with these groups as a show of solidarity (Woolf & Sommer, 2014). They also provide counseling and physical support in overcoming their conditions. In other cases, private agencies such as civil societies push the government to channel more facilities of cash towards improving the conditions of these people, as well as all the affected (Wylie, 2013). Because of this, several county bills have been pushed by the civil societies with the aim of helping the mentally ill and the affected. This is an indication of the extent in which the Queens County is committed to looking after the welfare of the mentally ill. Private agencies play the role of pushing the government to offer better services, which tailored to meet the interest of this group. Interaction and collaborations The collaboration between private sectors and governments is very crucial because it brings development by pulling resources from every corner. Governments and private sectors may be unable to deal with all the societal problems, hence the collaboration is very fundamental. The private sector relies on the state for the different sports such as ensuring security as well as establishing hospitals and other facilities. Governments also provide that facilities such as health care units and drugs are available as well as manpower. Hence, the private sector plays the role of facilitating and bridging in situations where the government has failed or pumped insufficient resources to help the community (Modranka & Suchecka, 2014). Similarly, the government and private sectors interact in that some identifies the loopholes or areas that need redress and actions (Modranka & Suchecka, 2014). For instance, private sectors conduct research and carries assessment on the situation of health care or the vulnerable groups and give the government the report for implementation. This is critical since private sectors is closer and interact with the community on a daily basis, making them have an advantage of knowing them. Through assessment and research, the private identifies the needs, which require urgent actions and implement them on behalf of the government or in collaboration. Over the last few years, many Non-Governmental Organizations have come up to work on different projects aimed at improving the communities’ welfare (Rube at al., 2014). This is a collaboration with the government because they initiate project different from what the government does; hence, it minimizes conflict that takes place between the two who serves the community. Lastly, private sector source for funds upon the approval of the government to assist the communities and the disadvantaged groups (Rube at al., 2014). They have symbiotic relationships where both help one another in formulating policies as well as permitting their implementation. The state has the last say on the project that a private sector may implement since they give permission as per the laid down policies and procedure. Similarly, some private agencies run government programs with the aim of benefiting the community, which is an indication of the interaction taking place to bring services to the people. Author and reflections This project has enhanced my understanding of the topic since it touches on the basic concepts that I am required to know and have at my fingertips. Community needs assessment is a practice done daily, and it is important for every individual to know it since it equips one with the knowledge of understanding the population she or he is working with. Through this course, I have learned many concepts such as identifying the needs of the community, as well as different stakeholders involved and their roles. I have also learned how various stakeholders interact with one another to offer their services to the community and improve their wellbeing. Lastly, the course and the project have made me gain practical experience that I will apply to different levels of my career more so when pursuing a higher course since they are advanced and demand careful consideration. References Dollarhide, W. (2014). New York State censuses and substitutes. New York: Genealogical Drury, N. (2014). Mental Health is an Abominable Mess: Mind and Nature is a Necessary Unity. New Zealand Journal Of Psychology, 43(1), 5-17. Felix, R., & Bowers, R. (2015). Mental Hygiene and Socio-Environmental Factors. Milbank Quarterly, 83(4), 625-646 Hess, R. & Maton, K. (2013). Religion and prevention in mental health: research, vision, and Acton. New York: Routledge. Modranka, E., & Suchecka, J. (2014). The Determinants of Population Health Spatial Disparities. Comparative Economic Research, 17(4), 173-185. NYC. (2015). Queens. Retrieved from http://www.nycgo.com/queens Populations, Community, and Service Systems. (2012). Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 56(7/8), 766-784 Rube, K., Veatch, M., Huang, K., Sacks, R., Lent, M., Goldstein, G. P., & Lee, K. K. (2014). Developing Built Environment Programs in Local Health Departments: Lessons Learned From a Nationwide Mentoring Program. American Journal Of Public Health, 104(5), e10-e18 Woolf, T., & Sommer, A. (2014). Local Policy Measures to Improve Air Quality: a case study of Queens County, New York. Local Environment, 9(1), 89-95 Wylie, K. (2013). Needs assessment of Queens, New York. Grin, Verlag Read More