Windshield Survey Health and Morbidity:

Windshield Survey

Health and Morbidity:

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Vital Statistics bureau maintain databases offering statistics related to everything from alcohol abuse to HIV in the 21606 postal code. Morbidity is tabulated for specific diseases and conditions as well as from crimes such as homicide. Although not broken down into specific postal codes, the evidence is reliable. Similarly, the evidence provided by the National Institutes of Health offers insight into the health and morbidity of the 21206 postal code. Infant mortality is relatively high in the 21606 zip code. As Fox, Lane & Mayden (2010) point out, infant mortality rate in the area "increased from 12.2 in 2008 to 13.5 in 2009," and "the mortality rate in black children rose to a shocking rate of 15.8 per 1,000 live births, a rate higher than that of many third world countries." Therefore, race is a major factor related to health and morbidity in the community.

Major health problems include diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease (Baltimore City Vital Statistics Profile 2005). Accidents, drug-induced deaths, assault, homicide, and suicide are also major causes of death in this area (Baltimore City Vital Statistics Profile 2005). There are several centers and clinics in the 21206 zip code including Johns Hopkins, St. Joseph, and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Organizations such as the Family Health Centers of Baltimore and John Hopkins offer medical care to the uninsured (Family Health Care Centers of Baltimore, n.d.). Because of the wide range of quality hospitals, clinics, and specialist centers in the area, residents do feel comfortable knowing they have access to medical care. Ambulance services are rapid, and transportation to health care is brief considering the short distances traveled. Some preventative care services are available, including immunizations and health education.

2. Politics

More than half of the community in 21206 is African-American and votes almost overwhelmingly Democrat, with a few exceptions. Notably, in 2004 a significant amount (53%, or $8,373) was raised for the Republican Party (campaignmoney.com). A predominant party affiliation can be gleaned from campaign contribution data such as that found on CampaignMoney.com. Although 21206 votes primarily Democrat, there are notable election cycles and campaigns in which the Republican candidate took the seat.

Political posters are displayed proudly immediately before an election cycle, but during the remainder of the year the community is not visibly engaged in politics. Yet due to the split demographics, community meetings can be lively. Campaign contributions tend to be low overall, based on the data contained on CampaignMoney.com.

3. Media