Community Health Epidemiology Assessment Paper

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HAT1 Community Health Nursing: Community Health Epidemiology Assessment Michael Hall, RN Western Governors University HAT1 Community Health Nursing: Community Health Epidemiology Assessment Community Description: Dyer County is one of the smaller counties within the state of Tennessee. It is approximately 526 square miles, 16 square miles of which is water and the remaining being landmass. Dyer County is situated in the north-western most part of the state of Tennessee in an area of the state commonly referred to as the “Mississippi Bottomlands.” Dyersburg is the seat of the county and is the main township within the county. It is a relaxed, typical small southern community with that home town feel and quality. The US Census Bureau website…show more content…
The median age for the population of Dyer County is 36.5 years of age. Looking back at the US Census report from the year 2000 the population was 38, 335 and has only increased by 765 residents over the last twelve years. This is not indicative of a growing community but of one that is maintaining the status quo. In researching the economic status of Dyer County, it is clear according to an article in the local newspaper, Dyersburg State Gazette dated November 1, 2011 that the unemployment rate for the county is 13.7 percent. This dire statistic earns Dyers County the title of the eight highest unemployment rate for counties in the state of Tennessee. Due to the overall downturn in the nation’s economic status the effects of the recession can easily be seen in Dyer County—numerous empty buildings that once housed small businesses and a number of home foreclosure sale signs in the yards of now empty residences. The annual median income for Dyer County residents is $32,788, and the median income for a family is $39,848. “Males had a median income of $31,182 versus $21,605 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,451. About 13.00% of families and 15.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.00% of those under age 18 and 17.60% of those ages 65 or over.” ("Dyer County," n.d., para. 3) In review of Dyer County public records on the unemployment rate for the…show more content…
There are areas that require improvement such as in air quality; the STD incidence rate; high teen pregnancy, rising crime rate, and increase in crimes of violence. There is also a dire need within the community for disaster preparedness education on resource distribution, planning, and how to access such services in the event of a large-scale disaster. Even with educational resources available and plans in place within the county, the community is still unprepared for what to do when faced with a natural or manmade disaster and there is lack of engagement on the part of the civilian population. There is also a need for greater planning and resources devoted to assisting at-risk populations such as the elderly, disabled, and mentally challenged in the event of a disaster. More education and resources are needed in the area of disease prevention and risk-prone behaviors for the county at large. With these suggested changes, continued focus and education on risk, illness, disease prevention, and preparedness for disasters Dyer County, TN will continue to be a great place to live and

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