Astoria, NY: Zipcode: 11102
The Introduction
New York City has several best neighborhoods where the locals and visitors can choose to live in and conduct their daily socio-economic activities. Astoria is one of the most appealing neighborhoods in New York City. Astoria is in Queens County, and it is a growing district. Therefore, residents from other places intending to have a feeling of a dense and growing urban center will enjoy Astoria. The neighborhood consists of all the essential amenities and infrastructure needed for a decent and prosperous life. Residents can access developed schools, community health care centers, and rentals. Also, the neighborhood provides adequate coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and park amenities. Numerous local and external professionals prefer to live in Astoria based on its desirable socio-economic and infrastructural growth rate. The examination of the strengths and weaknesses of Astoria is imperative because it determines a relevant health care program that is necessary to improve the life of the residents.
Description of the Community Assessment
Astoria is located in Queens County in New York City. Therefore, the district benefits from the development initiated at the city level. It is the same case for the growth plans executed at the county level. Astoria is a neighbor to Long Island City, and the two areas share several infrastructures and amenities like the community health care network and the Women, Infant, and Children Program (WCM, 2022). The residents can access health care services provided by the CHCN located in different parts of Queens County, including Astoria and Long Island City. The CHCN is in different locations and is part of extensive medical centers ensuring community members receive health care services effortlessly. The geographical features entail rentals, homes, and public facilities like hotels, bars, coffee shops, schools, and parks.
The climate of Astoria is almost similar to what the rest of the US states, cities, and districts experience. The neighborhood expects winter, summer, spring, and autumn annually. Winter lasts between November and February, meaning the district endures three months of the cold season (WP, 2022). Besides, Astoria is home to numerous flora and fauna species. For example, Astoria Hot Spring Park is home to beautiful wildflowers, elks, more than 90 bird species, and deer. Also, it is an area amid the Snake River and Bridger Teton National Forest that hosts cottonwood stands, riparian habitats, and wetlands for flora and fauna (NYCH, 2022). Astoria is appealing because it is a combination of natural and man-made structures. For example, Astoria has a long-lasting public pool with features, including trails, running tracks, and basketball and tennis courts (NFC, 2022). Also, residents can enjoy viewing Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Hell Gate Bridge.
The size of the population in Astoria increases progressively. According to NICHE (2022), the district has a population of more than 83,000 individuals. The population will continue to grow based on the available rentals and homes. Astoria is a relatively dense sub-urban area because the current rentals are 84%, and homeowners are 16% (NICHE, 2022). Therefore, the municipality has to plan how to accommodate more people intending to make Astoria their permanent and temporary home.
The community composition includes the older and younger generation. For instance, residents between 24 and 44 years are the majority, with 42%, while the least age population is between 18-24, with only 10% (NYCH, 2022). The other minority is the seniors, above 65 years, with 11%. On the other hand, females are more than males, with 53% and 47%, respectively (NFC, 2022). Also, 32.15% and 46.42% are unmarried and married, respectively (NYCH, 2022). The occupations include health care and social assistance (8.2%), accommodation and Food Services (5.8%), and Manufacturing (6.2%) (NFC, 2022). The civil servants are 4.7%, while the unemployment rate is 1.3% (NYCH, 2022). The statistics indicate Astoria has a population with promising economic prospects.
Astoria is a prospective neighborhood because the statistics indicate it will do better in the future economically. For example, Astoria will provide more than 36.7% of job opportunities compared to the US, with 33.5% (ZDP, 2022). The economic opportunities will attract more people to the district. Therefore, the future population will be more than the current 83,000 people. In the last two decades, the population grew from as low as 33,000 to what it is currently (ZDP, 2022). Unfortunately, the growth of the population will lead to straining available resources, including healthcare amenities. Besides, the poverty levels are higher than in New York City and Queens County. Astoria records a relatively higher poverty level (11%), while New York and Queens have 16% and 10%, respectively (NFC, 2022). The increase in poverty levels can undermine healthcare access and treatment.
The figure1:1 Poverty rate in Astoria, Queens, and the US. Retrieved from: https://furmancenter.org/neighborhoods/view/astoria
The cultural differences indicate Astoria is a diverse community. The majority race is white, with 45%, while the second largest ethnic social group is Hispanic, with 28% (NYCH, 2022). Asians are the third among the majority communities because they are 15% (NYCH, 2022). On the other hand, African Americans and other native tribes like Hawaiians account for 10% and 2%, respectively (NYCH, 2022)). The social class consists of the upper and upper-middle with an income that ranges between $150K and $250K. Also, the district has a middle and working class earning between $20K and $140K (ZDP, 2022). The lower class has an income between $0 and $19, meaning they struggle to access healthcare services in the neighborhood or nearby districts.
Figure 1:2 Astoria communities and percentages. Retrieved from: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/2015chp-qn01.pdf
The mobility factor shows that Astorian residents leave the sub-urban and visitors arrive to accomplish different goals. The locals leave when seeking socio-economic opportunities, they feel they lack in Astoria. On the other hand, foreigners from other parts of the country and neighborhood arrive in Astoria looking for socio-economic opportunities and leisure activities. Therefore, the district can receive more than 12000 visitors annually (TAW, 2022). The foreigners, particularly Greeks have decided to make Astoria their hometown. Brazilians and Italians are more of the visitors who prefer to prolong their stay in Astoria. The increase in population affects healthcare access and quality of services (CDC, 2020). Many people seeking health care services can overwhelm the CHCN, leading to unwanted outcomes. Therefore, the municipality should plan according to the projected population growth. It will assist it to prevent adverse healthcare outcomes.
Astoria has limited poverty levels because of the many job opportunities for the residents and visitors. Hence, the town has public and private employment chances for its considerable number of professionals. Residents can work in health care, social services, the informal sector, the public sector, manufacturing, and IT services. Hence, the average income for householders in the neighborhood is $45,715 (ZDP, 2022). The amount is reasonable to enable family members to seek medical attention in the community. The majority of the Astorians (54.50%) earn more than $50K annually, while the minority (29.90%) and (15.70%) earn below and above $100K yearly, respectively (ZDP, 2022). Therefore, Astoria has a relatively wealthy population. Thus, the residents can afford health care services. The challenge the local authority must overcome is the increasing population. It will lead to limited access to medical interventions.
Astoria education statistics confirm the area has a higher literacy rate than the US. The number of people with the highest educational credentials is bachelor’s degree holders (35%) compared to the national 20% (NICHE, 2022). Also, individuals with master’s degrees account for 18% of the community member compared to the US with 13% (NICHE, 2022). However, the national lead among the persons with an associate or college degree because it has 29%, while Astoria has 16% (NICHE, 2022). It is the same scenario in high school diplomas because the US has 27%, while Astoria has 19% (NICHE, 2022). The two entities share the same percentage of the population with less than a high school diploma because it is 11% for both (NICHE, 2022). 86% of the students are educated in public schools like Avenue School (G & T Citywide), Education and Energy Tech High School, and Baccalaureate School for Global Education and Energy Tech High School because they rank higher than in New York. The area has 13 public learning institutions catering to 17397 students (PSR, 2022). On the other hand, 13 private schools offer education services to 3,113 learners (PSR, 2022). Higher learning institutions are the Industrial & Manufacturing Technology Center, Clatsop Community College, and Upward Bound College.
Figure1:3 Astoria Education levels. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/astoria-new-york-city-ny/
Astoria has an uncertain future because the population increases and strains the available employment opportunities. The increasing number of each community and race shows that the public and private sectors should endeavor to mitigate the unemployment rate rising progressively. According to Kaye (2021), African Americans account for the highest number of unemployed people at 39%. Latinos come second because they are 34% with no viable work opportunities. On the other hand, the white majority accounts for 25% of the residents with no employment chances (Kaye, 2021). The rest of the population, including Asians and other minority races, accounts for an 18% unemployment rate (Kaye, 2021). The municipality has to collaborate with relevant local and national stakeholders because an increased unemployment rate will undermine quality healthcare access and services because of limited resources.
Astoria has many dependents because the children between 0-17 are numerous. In particular, the population between the stated ages accounts for 16% of the residents (NYCH, 2022). Also, the individuals who are still dependent but in the phase of being independent are 10%. Therefore, the total number of individuals relying on their parents and guardians is 35% (NYCH, 2022). On the other hand, the independent population is the largest because it accounts for 41% of the residents and is between 24-44 years (NYCH, 2022). The rest of the population is between 44 years and 65 years and accounts for 33% of the people in Astoria (NYCH, 2022). The increased number of dependents can undermine healthcare access. However, the independent population outnumbers the dependents, meaning many Astorians have resources to allow them to seek medical attention whenever necessary.
Figure1:4 Population by ag. Retrieved from: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/2015chp-qn01.pdf
The health status in Astoria is desirable because a significant number of the residents confirm they have good health. In particular, 82% of the population, regardless of age, ascertain they have no several health care complications (NYCH, 2022). At the same time, the life expectancy in the district is 82 years. Therefore, Astoria and Long Island City have a better healthcare status than queens and New York, with 79% and 78%, respectively (NYCH, 2022). The upper Eastside rank first (81%) among the neighborhood with improved health status in New York City (NYCH, 2022). The dominant diseases in Astoria are diabetes and obesity. In particular, diabetes and obesity complications account for 22% and 10%, respectively (NYCH, 2022). New York and Queens take the second and third positions among areas with rampant diabetes and obesity at (24:10%) and (21:10%), respectively (NYCH, 2022). The local government should implement appropriate measures to deal with the mentioned diseases.
Figure1:5 Health status in Astoria and other areas. Retrieved from: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/2015chp-qn01.pdf
Astorian authority has demonstrated efforts to improve the environment. The local government establishes residential, parks, homes, infrastructure, and waste management to ensure clean surroundings. However, the authority needs to do more because Astoria struggles with the problem of atmospheric pollution. The sources of air pollution include traffic, manufacturing, and industries. The primary pollutants are fine particles accounting for 8.9% (NYCH, 2022). The area administration must mitigate air pollution because it leads to an increase in diseases and illnesses cases. For instance, a polluted environmental causes respiratory complications among seniors and children (NYCH, 2022). Likewise, individuals with pre-existing health conditions suffer because of the polluted environment. Another issue the local government must eliminate is violence. Astoria accounts for 58% of the physical injuries caused by violence, while queens record 41% (NYCH, 2022). The government should heighten security to prevent physical injuries and potential deaths caused by violence.
Community Health Nurse Project
Astoria is a district with significant potential to improve the lives of the residents and newcomers. It has endless socio-economic, health, and infrastructural opportunities. Equally, it has many challenges the government and other relevant stakeholders should overcome. One of the dominant health problems is increased rates of obesity in the community (CDC, 2020). The area should mitigate obesity cases because of their ripple effects like cardiac arrests, respiratory problems, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. According to WCM (2022), the community healthcare network offers different healthcare services to residents, including nutrition counseling. However, based on the increased rates of obesity, 22%, the community needs the improvement of the nutrition program (NYCH, 2022). The primary cause of obesity is an increase in fast food joints like Mcdonald’s, Burger King, and halal Munchies compared to the organic food businesses, and prices are less than $2. The public should learn of organic food joints, including Bareburger, Orange Blossom, Butcher Bar, and Green Market selling at an average of more than $3. The fast foods and Organic foods joints are easily accessed because they are along the Astorian streets.
The community members should receive appropriate education on the causes of obesity, its effects, and interventions. Counseling and public education will enable individuals to avoid an imbalanced diet and seek medical intervention before the problem augments.
Astoria Strengths
Astoria’s growing population provides individuals to work in various sectors to develop the community. Local workers offer services in manufacturing, IT, public, health care, and many others as social services (NICHE, 2022). The adequate number of employed residents contributes to the resources needed to develop the neighborhood.
Astoria has enough infrastructure, including healthcare centers. Also, the local government has established schools and transport lines that cater to the growing population. Individuals and families can own a home or rent an apartment based on their level of income (NFC, 2022). At the same time, the neighborhood has reliable transport systems. It has several subways, including the Flushing line, Astoria Line, Crosstown line, and 63rd Street Line. The subways and road systems, particularly street roads, allow Astoria to be a transitory town. Locals rely on public transport, private vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles to transit from one location to another.
The neighborhood has high literacy levels because of many educated individuals. The population comprised people with master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, college degrees, and high school diplomas (NYCH, 2022). Such a population can secure high-paying jobs to contribute to socioeconomic development. Likewise, the population prioritizes their health care.
The district has one of the enduring public pools to enable the residents and newcomers to participate in recreational activities. The pool consists of running tracks, trains, and tennis and basketball courts. At the same time, residents and tourists can enjoy the fascinating view of the Hell Gate Bridge and Robert F. Kennedy scenarios (NFC, 2022). The leisure facilities are imperative because they encourage locals to live an active and healthy life.
The neighborhood has reliable healthcare facilities to meet the demand. In particular, the CHCN has numerous branches in the community offering residents medical services. The CHCN provides general pediatrics, immunizations, nutrition counseling, family planning services, and social services (WCM, 2022). Others include adolescent medicine, HIV/AIDs education, testing, treatment, and school physicals (WCM, 2022). The residents can receive whatever medical intervention they need from one of the branches of the CHCN.
Astoria Weaknesses
The increase in population is both a strength and a weakness. It is a shortcoming because an increasing number of residents demand more social, economic, and health services. As a result, the demand can overwhelm the local authority and infrastructure, leading to limited growth and development (NICHE, 2022). Therefore, the local administration should either manage the population growth or add the existing infrastructure to cater to the residents and newcomers.
The neighborhood has failed to mitigate pollution from the traffic, industries, manufacturing, and informal sector. The implication is increased diseases related to the respiratory system (NYCH, 2022). Also, the diseases affect children, adults, seniors, and individuals diagnosed with other medical conditions. The local government should engage relevant stakeholders to limit fine particle pollution.
The district has high rates of obesity and diabetes. The prevalence of the diseases indicates a weakness in health care services. Therefore, the local administration should determine ways to mitigate the diseases to ensure the public is healthy to contribute to socio-economic development (NYCH, 2022). Likewise, in the case of obesity, the local government should mitigate it because of the many health implications of the health issues. Obese individuals suffer from many other medical issues, including BP, heart attack, and respiratory challenges (NYCH, 2022). Such patients need significant resources to treat the complications.
The neighborhood should prevent violence because it is another source of medical issues. Physical injuries require treatment, and victims may not afford the costs. Therefore, the security agencies in the locality must initiate measures to end the rampant violence. The primary source of the problem includes drug abuse and limited economic opportunities (NYCH, 2022). The local administration should focus on the causes and allow the law enforcer to deal with the emerging violent cases.
Proposal
Problems or weaknesses are several, as indicated in the previous section. However, it is imperative to focus on healthcare issues. The primary target should be obesity among immigrant women because they struggle with language barriers that limit access to health care services. The neighborhood has reliable healthcare infrastructure to deal with the problem, including Women, Infant, and Children Program. I need to contact WIC because it offers nutritious food and nutrition guidelines to eligible populations like immigrant women (WICP, 2022). Alternatively, I can contact CHCN because it focuses on eliminating obesity. According to WCM (2022), the CHCN offers nutrition counseling services to residents. I should engage the institutions and provide public education through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, I should seek financial support to prepare print media communication such as fliers and leaflets.
I should collaborate with the local administration and the CHCN and WIC to implement the educational campaign. The local government should know the problem have many other health care issues if no interventions are available on time (WCM, 2022). WIC and CHCN can provide relevant records of the individuals seeking nutrition counseling and their success rate. My core responsibility is gathering adequate information to present an overview of why obesity is an issue among immigrant women. Therefore, I will focus on information on the causes and how the affected can mitigate the obesity triggers. The education will encourage more immigrant women to seek healthcare services related to obesity. As a result, the neighborhood will have a healthy population of immigrant women.
In conclusion, the obesity educational campaign is one of the solutions to the healthcare weakness in Astoria. The district records increasing obesity cases, meaning the community health service providers and the local government have not prioritized the problem. Therefore, the stakeholders should have a program planner to highlight the health, social, and economic ramifications. The public should learn why obesity is a problem they cannot allow to spread in their district. The knowledge will prompt the authority, health care providers, and the community to eliminate the health care problem. Subsequently, the neighborhood can focus on more of the weaknesses and eliminate them one after the other until the residents can live without fear of diseases and illnesses.