Overview This consists of two components: a neighborhood envi ✓ Solved

This consists of two components: a neighborhood environmental risk assessment and a targeted audiovisual presentation of the risk assessment results and recommendations to government officials and other stakeholders.

Use public health data to conduct an environmental safety risk assessment based on your neighborhood or other familiar community. Assess risks to the various populations within your community to develop a comprehensive risk assessment. Based on the results of the risk assessment, determine whether enforcement or revision of a public health policy is the better course of action to protect and improve the health of the community at large. Include recommendations to mitigate the identified health risks. Record a presentation of your findings for a targeted governmental decision-making body including the mayor, city council members, and other community leaders as well as public health professionals.

To complete this assignment successfully, you will: Use public health data to assess community risk level based on environmental health concepts. Compare and contrast the effects of environmental health policies on two socioeconomic populations in the community. Propose an evidence-based strategy to address environmental health risks identified in the community. Recommend action steps to improve outcomes related to political, social, or economic policies and programs affecting the health of the community. Communicate effectively in a recorded presentation following the conventions and expectations of a professional public health audience.

Additional Requirements: Communication: Original work and critical thinking are required regarding your assessment and scholarly writing. Your writing must be free of errors that detract from the overall message. Media presentation: 5–10 minute presentation with sufficient slides to capture all talking points. Include detailed presenter's notes. Resources: At least three scholarly resources other than assigned readings. Include a references slide at the end of the presentation. APA guidelines: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and format. Where appropriate, use APA-formatted headings.

Paper For Above Instructions

Conducting an environmental risk assessment in a neighborhood requires thorough analysis of public health data alongside socioeconomic factors affecting community health. The following assessment is based on a simulated community, focusing on environmental health risks that may impact various populations. The objective is to develop a strategy with recommendations aimed at mitigating these health risks, and to communicate these findings to relevant stakeholders, including government officials.

Environmental Health Risk Assessment

The first step in an environmental health risk assessment involves identifying and analyzing potential hazards within the community. Assuming a neighborhood characterized by low-income residents and high rates of pollution, key environmental hazards may include air quality deterioration, contaminated water sources, and inadequate waste management practices (World Health Organization, 2020). Public health data can reveal morbidity and mortality rates associated with these hazards, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

Local air quality reports might indicate high levels of particulate matter (PM) due to traffic emissions and industrial activities in proximity to residences. Studies have established a direct link between exposure to poor air quality and respiratory diseases, with vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly facing the greatest risks (Fann et al., 2017). Additionally, the presence of contaminated water sources can contribute to gastrointestinal diseases, disproportionately affecting lower socioeconomic groups without access to safe drinking water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).

Assessment of Community Risks

Risk assessment can be further enhanced by comparing health outcomes between varying socioeconomic populations within the community. For instance, children in low-income families often have limited access to healthcare and educational resources that raise awareness about environmental health risks. A study by Kearney et al. (2019) suggests that disparities in exposure to environmental hazards can exacerbate health inequities, resulting in higher hospitalization rates for conditions like asthma among these populations.

Moreover, community-specific data from local health departments can provide insights into the prevalence of illnesses directly tied to environmental risks. For example, if surveillance data reveals higher rates of lead poisoning in children living near older housing stock with lead paint, it necessitates a targeted health policy intervention to protect these vulnerable groups (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2020).

Policy Recommendations

Based on the findings from the risk assessment, it becomes crucial to evaluate existing public health policies affecting environmental health. In this neighborhood case study, the implementation of stricter air quality regulations could serve as a solution to mitigate respiratory illnesses linked to pollution. Comparative analysis of enforcement versus revision of public health policies reveals that enhancing existing regulations could provide immediate benefits to the community.

Additionally, investing in community education programs to inform residents about environmental hazards and available resources is vital. These programs can empower locals to advocate for their health and motivate community participation in policy formulation (Fisher et al., 2020).

Action Steps for Improvement

To improve health outcomes within marginalized populations, a multi-faceted approach should be adopted:

  • Enforce stricter regulations on emissions from nearby industrial facilities and vehicles.

  • Implement comprehensive community training programs focused on identifying and mitigating health risks associated with environmental hazards.

  • Collaborate with local health departments to increase health surveillance in at-risk populations and ensure access to health services.

Engagement with local stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and public health professionals, will be essential to ensure that these recommendations are taken seriously and acted upon (Berkman et al., 2018). Furthermore, utilizing data from public health databases to track the impact of these interventions will be crucial for continuous improvement and accountability.

Presentation to Stakeholders

Lastly, as part of the assignment, it is critical to articulate these findings effectively to the intended audience. A presentation aimed at decision-makers such as the mayor and city council must be comprehensive but concise, ideally lasting between 5-10 minutes. Utilizing clear, engaging slides accompanied by detailed notes to guide the presenter can enhance the communication of key points.

Through visual aids such as charts and infographics, one can emphasize the disparities in health outcomes across different socioeconomic groups and the urgency of addressing these risks. Ensuring that the presentation follows APA standards for citations and references will also lend credence to the recommendations provided.

Conclusion

In summary, conducting a neighborhood environmental risk assessment through the integration of public health data is crucial for identifying and mitigating health risks within the community. The findings highlight the need for effective policy measures that address environmental hazards, while also prioritizing the health of vulnerable populations. By engaging stakeholders and taking evidence-based action steps, a healthier community can be achieved.

References

  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2020). Lead poisoning prevention: A public health priority. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/

  • Berkman, L. F., Kawachi, I., & Glymour, M. M. (2018). Social Epidemiology. Oxford University Press.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Vital signs: Lead exposure in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/lead-exposure/index.html

  • Fann, N., Lam, J. C., & Cushing, L. (2017). The impact of air quality regulations on public health and health costs. Environmental Research Letters, 12(12), 124014.

  • Fisher, N. R., & et al. (2020). Community engagement in public health: A call for action. American Journal of Public Health, 110(3), 271-276.

  • Kearney, G. R., McSweeney, K., & West, J. (2019). Environmental health disparities in united states cities. Environmental Justice, 12(4), 132-139.

  • World Health Organization. (2020). Healthier environments, healthier populations. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/