I met with a public health professional at Maimonides Medical Center in Borough Park,
Brooklyn, with whom I discussed the state of health in the community. My assessment
highlighted the overall status of the community, strengths and weaknesses of the community, and
the need for health education and advocacy. The geographical location does not pose dangers
and threats to the health of the residents. However, there is a small likelihood of hurricanes,
floods, tornados, and earthquakes. The climate, air quality, and overall state of the community lie
within safe boundaries.
As a predominantly urban neighborhood, the area has a diverse population that consists
of various cultures, religions, and ethnicities. The population density puts stress on the
community’s sanitation, but adequate measures are in place to control the situation. The area is
also well served a dense road network, schools, and health clinics.
Major strengths of the community include a high interest in education, plenty of public
meeting places, numerous health facilities, and well-developed modes of transportation.
Weaknesses comprise the lack of events and celebrations, such as health fairs and walks, for
uniting residents, overcrowded parks, presence of garbage on the streets, and reluctance to
participate in cancer screening.
The health professional did not only pay attention to detail but also proposed vital
measures for combating the weaknesses. First, she recommended health education where the
community would receive coaching on health-related issues. She put forth that the lack of unity
of the community and a high degree of diversity in the population would require educators to
COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT 3
visit varied places such as schools, churches, and senior citizen centers. Second, she highlighted
the need for nurses to act as advocates in the maximization of health in the community.
