Community assessment of Randolph County, North Carolina

Randolph County

Community Vitality

The area that consists of Randolph County, NC is quite vital for this region of the country. According to the United States Census, the 2012 population estimate is 142,466 people for this region. The population is nearly 90% with black and Latinos making up most of the rest of the demographic. The county is generally lower middle class with the average median household income nearly $40,000. This county is poorer than the rest of North Carolina. The vitality is average with unemployment and apathy is significant in this region.

Indicators of Social And Economic Conditions

Randolph County has experienced some difficult economic times in the last 5 years and it shows in the community. There are many vacant buildings, buildings and homes for sale and a general sense of mild despair amongst many in the community. Unemployment, drug abuse and obesity are major problems contributing to this part of the state.

Health Resources

According to the Randolph County Department of Human Services, Nearly $5 million will be spent this year in pubic health services. It appears that this is a large portion of money, however, it appears that these resources will fall short of tackling some of the major problems this area has in its approach to health care.

4. Environment Conditions Related to Health

The environment in this part of the country is generally quite clean and pure. There is very little running water that is present throughout Randolph County and must rely on outside sources for this resource. As many do in this part of the country, tobacco smoke is very prevalent in this region and affects public spaces. The urban areas are clean in some areas, but litter and trash can be found in other more concentrated areas.

5. Social Functioning

There are many liquor stores and bars within this county making alcohol a contributor to the social functioning of the county. Most who are politically active are registered republicans and proudly demonstrate their views. This is not untypical of many other neighboring counties as well. There are many fast food restaurants in this local area, suggesting that many meals are consumed from these types of establishments as well. NASCAR is very popular in Randolph County as well.

6. Attitude Towards Health and Healthcare

There is a mixed attitudes towards healthcare in this are that I observed. There appeared many to be on the brink of some kind of medical trauma signified by rampant obesity and smoking demonstrating a disinterested view of health and healthy habits.

Initial Impressions

As a registered nurse, it appears that much could be done about the health of the people of this community. This county does little to promote healthy lifestyles and it shows by the rampant obesity that I witnessed in my observations. There is general malaise attached to this area that seems to affect most of the people. The impact of drug abuse, alcohol and tobacco can not be understated as well. These dangerous and risky behaviors are contributing to the poor health status of this region.

Issues

There is a lack of awareness and education about physical health. It seems prevention is the main topic that is being overlooked. Preventative health care measures do not appear to be having much effect, if any at all. The social and economic conditions are playing a large role in the attitudes of the population in this are and this is in turn affecting health care and keeping people on prescriptions and interned in the hospital.