Health challenges in Gore, Oklahoma and Sequoyah Fuels Corporation

Community Assessment Project

Gore, Oklahoma is like any small town. Located in the Eastern part of the state it is known for the tremendous amounts of fishing and outdoor activities. The city currently has a median age of 46 years old. It has a total of 496 males and 454 females. However, like all areas, the city is facing considerable challenges related to the health of the community. To fully understand what is happening requires focusing on evaluating its health status and the current / future needs for planning. Together, these elements will illustrate the trends inside the community and the best way to address them. ("Gore Oklahoma," 2014) ("Town of Gore," 2014)

The Health Status of Gore, Oklahoma

The health statistics of Gore are showing how they are mirroring the same kinds of trends impacting the state and the nation when it comes to obesity rates. In this case, 30% of the population falls into this category. This is because, there are limited areas for individuals to engage in physical activities and the most basic healthcare services are provided. ("Overweight and Obesity Rates," 2014)

However, the city is known for having higher amounts of cancer. This is because the Sequoyah Fuels Corporation is located nearby and several accidents have occurred. These issues are problematic, as they increase the average rates of respiratory diseases and cancers. Since 1970, there have been a total of three accidents which resulted in 40 people from the plant going to the hospital. The result is that cancer rates and respiratory illnesses are double in comparison with the state and the national average. (Brugge, 2007)

These issues are problematic, as the hospital was unable to deal with the underlying challenges from the release of radiation. Evidence this can be seen in a report from the National Institute of Health which says, "Sequoyah Fuels Corporation had not arranged in advance with Sequoyah Memorial Hospital to treat workers in such an emergency. After Harrison inhaled hydrofluoric acid, he was driven 13 km to a nursing home for a canister of oxygen before he was taken to Sequoyah Memorial Hospital, which was 18 km away. However, Memorial Hospital was unequipped to treat Harrison and sent him to a larger hospital, Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas, another 34 km away. Harrison died at 3:00 PM, soon after arriving at the emergency room at Sparks Regional Medical Center. Sequoyah Fuels Corporation had not arranged in advance with Sequoyah Memorial Hospital to treat workers in such an emergency. After Harrison inhaled hydrofluoric acid, he was driven 13 km to a nursing home for a canister of oxygen before he was taken to Sequoyah Memorial Hospital, which was 18 km away. However, Memorial Hospital was unequipped to treat Harrison and sent him to a larger hospital, Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas, another 34 km away. Harrison died at 3:00 PM, soon after arriving at the emergency room at Sparks Regional Medical Center." (Brugge, 2007) These insights are showing how there are higher amounts of radiation in the atmosphere. Even through the plant was decommissioned in 1993, the long-term impacts are continuing to grow.

To address these issues, more health initiatives must be promoted. This means that some kind of educational programs need to discuss the current trends and the impact it could have on health of city. These objectives are essential in helping to reverse the current trends and ensure that the needs of the community are taken into consideration.

At the same time, more support needs to be provided for local healthcare resources. These benchmarks can be achieved through having more clinics and using active screening to determine if someone is susceptible to specific conditions. The combination of these factors is designed to provide better amounts of education, early detection and improve prevention. (Brugge, 2007)

Conclusion

Clearly, the biggest issues impacting Gore are obesity and cancer. To address these challenges public health officials must educate the community about the adverse impacts and encourage them to go to take action. This is accomplished through a series of forums where everyone can learn and grow. Once this happens, is the point these trends can be revered and the underlying levels of health inside the community are improved.