Community Assessment

Community Assessment

Tell me your name and your position in this community

My name is Fr. Don Lape, the parish priest at Divine Mercy Parish

What is the predominant ethnic and cultural group in your church?

We are predominantly black people from diverse African cultures but people of Christian faith

Tell me your belief as a community regarding health

We believe that good health comes from God, who doesn’t need us to suffer due to poor health. We also believe that God also gives doctors who treat us that knowledge.

How do you, as a community, promote health?

The Catholic Church plays a significant role in promoting health. We have doctors and nurses who educate members about good health. We, as the church, also perform free medical checkups in our mission hospital and offer free treatment, especially to those who cannot afford it.

What are the spiritual resources which you have within your community?

We have a church where we worship every day. We also have a prayer house where we meet and discuss spiritual matters.

How does your community spend their money?

Most of them take care of their families, but there are a vast number of them who donate to the church.

What are the predominant health problems in your community?

Several health problems face our community, but the fatal ones are cardiovascular diseases. Most of the recorded deaths in the community are associated with such diseases.

Tell me about the immunization rates in your community

This is only done to infants and children of up to 6 years. We, as the church, make sure every child gets all vaccines after they are born. We also organize free immunization for children between 2-6 years in schools around this area.

May you know the significant causes of death and the rates?

As I had informed you earlier, the significant causes of death in the community are cardiovascular diseases among adults. Most of the deaths among children are, however, caused by pneumonia.

What are the prevention programs available in your community?

The church educates the community on the best ways to stay away from significant health issues. We also encourage them to go for checkups frequently, in addition to organizing free medical examinations within the community.

Are there health professionals and resources within your community?

Yes. We have trained nurses and doctors who give treatment to sick people in the community.

What are the indicators of nutrient deficiencies in the community?

Iron and vitamin D deficiencies and other problems such as breathing problems, diarrhea, and irritability

Tell me about the current rates of obesity

I don’t know anyone who is obese. I just see people who are overweight

Can people afford food and other basic needs?

I haven’t heard any complain related to food affordability. I think that one is taken care of.

Is there enough water in the community?

There is plenty of water around here. We can’t complain.

Tell me about the availability and accessibility of junk foods in the community

I have noticed the much taste of people towards junk foods. There are many restaurants around that people can visit and enjoy. I think this has contributed to a large number of people who are overweight.

Is there evidence of healthy food consumption?

People in the community are consuming healthy foods because cases related to food poisoning are very minimal.

Do you have the provision of special diets, especially in schools?

Some people need special diets due to health-related problems. These people are given special diets as per the prescriptions from nutritionists. Schools have special programs to provide diet to students with such issues, and we as the church are supporting them where possible.

Do you have programs to provide those who cannot afford food?

Every Sunday, we have a food pantry where people can pick foods such as fruits and canned foods as they go home. Well-wishers donate such foods.

What is the common air contaminant on the community?

Noise and waste disposal

Is the community notified about pest usage?

Yes, individual residences take care of their pest problems. The church also donates pesticides to them as a way of promoting food sustainability.

What are the hygiene practices?

The church teaches people about the best hygiene practices in addition to spiritual growth. Children are taught how to wash their hands. The community is also informed about laundry as a way of promoting hygiene.

May you know the number of bathrooms in the community?

No, I can’t exactly know that. What I’m aware of is, every homestead has a bathroom or bathrooms which are clean.

What are the universal precaution practices for health providers?

There are protective gowns, gloves, and shields that are worn by people to offer protection to them. Most of these equipment’s are available in schools for teachers to use and teach the children.

Do you have some community fitness programs?

Yes. The common ones are gyms, and people are allowed to visit them anytime they are willing.

Which are the common recreational facilities?

The community has numerous playgrounds, mission trails, community pools, and hiking trails.

Are there some safety programs in the community?

Kids and community members can participate in safety programs to ensure that no injuries are met, especially during games.

What are the injury statistics or common injuries?

I don’t know the injury statistics, but common injuries involve bone fractures and dislocations.

Which are the common means of communication in the community?

Most people prefer using buses as their means of transport.

Which are the sleep routine hours of your community?

Most people tend to sleep late and wake up early. Most of them tend to sleep between 11 pm to 12 midnight then wake up by 5 am.

Tell me the indicators of general “restedness” and energy levels.

I may not be good at that, but there are various outfits appropriate for everyone.

Which are the factors affecting sleep in the community?

Noise is a significant factor affecting sleep. Other factors include work shifts, homework/assignments, and health issues.

Which is the primary language? Is it a communication barrier?

The primary one is English, and it is a communication barrier to those who use Arabic and Spanish.

What are the common educational levels?

Most people have a bachelor’s degree, and this is 34% of the total population of people.

Are there special education programs?

Yes, especially disabled people, have been taken care of.

Tell me about the internet and computer programs

Computer programs are available in most homesteads. Internet resources have been provided in all schools for pupils to utilize.

What are the primary age levels in the community?

Most people are under 18 years, but still, there are many people aged between 20-30 years.

Tell me about programs and activities related to community building

There are several programs, especially in the parish, were children are advised on the current issues affecting them, such as drug abuse. We also have mentorship programs for adults.

Do you know a bit of history for this community?

Not much, but I know it is based on values and beliefs that God is the provider. Most of the people are Christians.

Do you have some published descriptions?

We publish pamphlets and magazines to educate and inform the community.

Tell me about the interaction of community members.

Most people in Brooklyn are friendly with tremendous interactional ability.

Which are the most vulnerable populations?

The most vulnerable are the youths because they are most affected by drug abuse and online social media.

Which are the common power groups in the community?

The most power groups are church council, gangs, student council, and administration. They hold a lot of people because they have many people behind them. Gangs, however, have a negative influence.

Tell me the relationship among people in the broader community.

People in the Brooklyn community relate well. There are well-established bonds between police and the public. There is also a good relationship between business people and customers.

Can you please tell me some relationships and behavior among community members?

There is a good relationship between young and older people in the community. Young people, in particular, don’t have good relations between young people because of the number of early pregnancies witnessed.

What are some of the Educational offerings/programs?

There are various programs such as STD/AIDS education programs that are aimed at educating the communities on how to take care of themselves.

Does the community has access to birth control?

Yes, information regarding family planning is not limited, but the church plays the role of educating people on how best to use them.

Do people have access to maternal-child health programs and services?

Yes, as mentioned earlier, maternal health is guaranteed to all people in the community. The church sponsors most of these programs.

What are the significant causes of stress in the community?

From my observation, I have realized that the significant causes of stress in the community include issues such as violence, poverty issues, and domestic abuse, but the church is working hard to fight them.

How does the community deal with mental health issues?

There are several mental health professionals within the community to help deal with mental issues.

Are there frequent disasters in the community?

I don’t think so.

How does the community manage disasters?

We have a disaster committee that plans and comes up with policies for compat disasters.