Community health assessment and environmental pollution in the Bronx

Community Health Nursing

The Bronx is known as one the five boroughs of New York City. This is because of the attractions which are located inside the community such as: Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo. During the last recession, it was able to withstand the severe job losses which have impacted other regions. In fact, it gained 10,000 new jobs from 2008 to 2009. This is illustrating how it has the vitality and culture to endure the most severe challenges it is facing. (Dudley, 2011)

However, one of the biggest concerns is environmental pollution. This is because it is located inside a valley and major urban area. These two factors have contributed to rising levels over the last several years. Evidence of this can be seen with a survey that was conducted by the Bronx Health Link. They determined that 85% of residents believe that air quality standards are a major factor impacting the levels of health inside the community. (Casado, 2010) To fully understand what is happening, requires carefully examining how this problem is impacting the quality of life and health of the neighborhood. It is at this point when new ideas can be introduced that will highlight the scope of the problem and the most effective ways for addressing these challenges in the long-term.

Community

The Bronx has a population of 1.4 million people. There are number of cultural centers, colleges and health care facilities that are in close proximity to each other. The most notable include: Fordham University, a Yankee Stadium, the botanical gardens, a zoo and number health care facilities (such as: Montefiore Medical Center). These factors are providing everyone with different activities and events that will help them to more effectively connect with each other. (Davidson, 2012) ("Bronx County New York," 2011)

Demographic and epidemiological data

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bronx is considered to be a minority-based community. Evidence of this can be seen with their last survey that was conducted which found that there were a total of 2.9% whites, 43.3% African-Americans and 53.8% Latinos. This is much different than the numbers for the state of New York with them coming in at: 61.5% for whites, 12.5% with African-Americans, 18.0% of Latinos and 8.0% for other ethnic groups. ("Bronx County New York," 2011)

Moreover, the people living the Bronx are more likely to have health issues associated with poor air quality in comparison with the rest of the state. According to a study that was conducted by Maanty (2007), residents have a 66% greater chance of being hospitalized for asthma. When this is contrasted for New York, these numbers are much lower with them coming in at 27%. Inside the rest of New York City, these figures are 31%. This is showing how the Bronx has higher levels of minorities, who are being adversely impacted by these conditions. (Maanty, 2007)

These residents will have increased risks associated with contracting respiratory diseases (such as: asthma). This is because of the large amounts of pollution and poor air quality inside many different communities. The findings are illustrating how this is a major health issue, which having an impact on the quality of life inside the Bronx and for its residents' well-being. (Maanty, 2007)

Problem

The data is showing that 60% of the residents of the Bronx are negatively impacted by asthma and other breathing related conditions. This is problematic, in illustrating how there are more pollutants located inside the atmosphere. Under the Healthy People 2020 objectives, there should be a concentrated effort in reducing the emissions from many industrialized facilities. This is because if the situation is allowed to continue, it will only continue to become worse. (Maanty, 2007) (Tu, 2009)

The way that this is a major issue for the community, it is based upon the fact that larger numbers of respiratory cases are reported in contrast with the rest of New York City and the state. If there was an emphasis on reducing pollutants in the atmosphere, there will be an increase in air quality and decline in those people who are impacted by asthma. This will improve the health of residents and enhance their overall levels of health. (Maanty, 2007) (Tu, 2009)

Historical significance

The historical significance, is illustrating how the Bronx has been negatively impacted by other issues in comparison with the rest of the city. This is because, there are more communities which have families from lower economic backgrounds and land values are cheaper. These elements are attractive to many manufacturers, who want to be close to Manhattan and New Jersey without having to worry about the high costs of doing business. This has caused the Bronx to have higher levels of air pollution. (Hershkowitz, 2002)

At the same time, the favorable tax breaks from the city are encouraging them to locate to these areas. This has made the community an attractive location for producing their products and having easy access to key markets. It is at this point when they are able to realize lower cost benefits and convenience. The downside of the problem; is that this has caused them to emit more pollutants into the atmosphere. (Hershkowitz, 2002)

Summary

Clearly, air quality standards are a major problem for residents of the Bronx. This is an issue for various minorities who make up the majority of the population. The biggest factors which are contributing to the problem are the large amounts of pollutants placed into the atmosphere from manufacturers located in the region. This is because, they have found that land values are cheaper and there is favorable tax breaks provided to them. These elements means that air quality will be much worse in contrast with the rest of the city and the state.