Water Crisis: Windshield Survey of Jackson, MS

Jackson, MS is a city located in central Mississippi. As of 2020, the city's population was estimated to be around 160,000 people. The vast majority of residents are African American (82%), and the median household income is relatively low ($40,000). Jackson also has a high rate of poverty and crime (Data USA, 2022). Unfortunately, these socio-economic factors have led to poor health outcomes for many residents. The city's mortality rate is higher than the national average, and residents are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes. There has also been a water crisis in the area that is ongoing and which is the subject of this assessment. In recent years, there have been efforts to improve the health of the community through initiatives such as childhood obesity prevention programs and expanding access to healthcare. However, much more work needs to be done in order to truly improve the health of Jackson's residents, especially when it comes to increasing compliance with the citys boil water program. Strengths of the area include the fact that he city has a strong sense of pride, and its people appear to be passionate about their community. Jackson is also a very welcoming and inviting place, with a friendly population. One of the greatest strengths of Jackson is its sense of community. People here are quick to help their neighbors, and they are always looking out for one another.

The windshield survey was conducted of my community apartment block and shows...

The apartments are not ornate and do not offer much in the way of aesthetic appeal. There is some green in the immediate environment but not enough to really give the block any quality park-like appearance. The overall atmosphere is somewhat depressed but it is home for many people including myself.

The number one health risk/hazard in the community is the water problem: the residents are constantly being reminded to boil their water. This is an ongoing problem. Residents have been...

…formats, including print materials, posters and public service announcements. In addition, regular training sessions should be held to reinforce the importance of boiling water before consumption. The community should also have a plan in place for responding to incidents of water contamination. This plan should include steps for distributing boiled water to residents and for providing information about how to safely store and use boiled water.

The outcomes I expect from my intervention include a better awareness about safe drinking water in the city and how the boil water alert will help to reduce the spread of illness from contaminated water. Raising awareness about the importance of boiling water before drinking it can help to reduce the spread of illness from contaminated water. In addition, educating people on the signs and symptoms of water-borne illnesses can help them to seek treatment early. Finally, I expect that increasing health literacy on this issue will make sure that people know to have access to clean, safe drinking water and that this is essential in preventing…