Introduction of Community
Little Havana is one of the communities located in Miami, Florida. The outstanding fact about the ethnic constitution of this developed community is that it is composed of Latinos. Several social institutions, schools, and welfare programs are available in the community (Curtis, 2014). The majority of the citizens in the neighborhood have access to better education because schools are available. There are museums, churches, healthcare facilities, and recreational centers.
Windshield Survey
Vitality
The conducted survey indicated that Little Havana was a busy neighborhood. The majority of the people in this district are Latinos. The study also revealed that the community had a small percentage of African Americans. The people engage in different activities that support their personal goals. The study indicated that the average age in the community was 14-27. The majority of people in different streets of Little Havana were children coming from their respective schools. The analysis indicated that the citizens were healthy. Several disabled people in wheelchairs were also observed in the streets. Some of the young people in the streets were white. The number of tourists in the neighborhood was high (Curtis, 2014). Many dwellers appeared smart and composed. A considerable number of expectant women were identified during the survey. It also hard to distinguish tourists from the locals. A small percentage of young people were either depressed or drunk.
Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions
Little Havana is characterized by multifamily structures. The housing condition in this community is acceptable. The surroundings are neat and clean. The houses appear to be painted and repaired frequently. The majority of the people use buses or private cars. The community was observed to have a considerable number of bus stops. Hospitals and social amenities are accessible to the citizens (Curtis, 2014). The public schools are accessible to more small children. Additionally, there are colleges that offer quality education to the citizens. The community has various businesses and manufacturing companies in Little Havana. These businesses provide employment opportunities to many people. The other agreeable observation is that the community has a small percentage of homeless individuals. Most of the identified homeless young men were aged between 5 and 19.
Health Resources
Health resources dictate the quality of people’s lives. In Little Havana, healthcare delivery is taken seriously. The neighborhood has a number of healthcare facilities and centers (Curtis, 2014). There are also private clinics offering cardiology, dental, and mental services. The number of pharmacies and drug stores is high in the community. The interviewed citizens indicated that the community had several homeless shelters for the affected individuals. Various issues such as mental and child health are taken seriously (Curtis, 2014). However, new campaigns focusing on better health practices can support the health needs of more citizens.
Environmental Conditions Related to Health
The survey indicated that the region did not have pollutants. The manufacturing companies were observed to deal with their wastes in a proper manner. The housing structure is properly organized, and apartments are repaired frequently. The drainage and transport systems are appropriate. Traffic lights, curbs, signs, and sidewalks are evident in every part of the community (Curtis, 2014). There is handicapped access to streets and buildings to support the needs of disabled persons. The respondents indicated that Miami had a YMCA. The neighborhood was observed to have adequate daycare centers. Children were observed to play in designated fields. Restaurants are also evident in the community. People can sit in different parks and restrooms. There were no nuisances or wandering animals in Little Havana.
Social Functioning
Nuclear families are common in this neighborhood. Schoolchildren, business workers, employees, and college students were observed to form social subgroups. The survey identified several signposts informing members about church and community meetings. The majority of the people in this neighborhood are Christians (Edelman & Mandle, 2014). Catholic commands a large share in this community. Many young people appear to be affected by addiction. The issue of homelessness requires attention in this community.
Attitude toward Healthcare
Folk medicine practice has remained common among Latinos. The survey indicated that Little Havana had several herbal medicine shops. As well, more people had access to alternative medicine in the community. The other observation is that healthcare resources are underutilized. The preventive care available in the community is inadequate. Some agencies have been implementing various campaigns to promote health in the neighborhood (Curtis, 2014).
Vulnerable Population
The vulnerable aggregates identified during the survey included drug addicts and homeless people. The individuals affected by addiction appeared reckless and unhappy. The homeless were also depressed. They were optimistic that one day they would have their homes. Those addicted to alcohol did not engage in any meaningful economic activity. Evidence-based measures can eventually promote the welfare of these citizens (Curtis, 2014).
Conclusion
Little Havana has sufficient resources to support the health and educational needs of the people. However, the study indicated that the community lacked adequate campaigns to promote healthy behaviors. New health promotion programs can be used to change the situation (Edelman & Mandle, 2014).
References
Curtis, R. (2014). Miami’s Little Havana: Yard shrines, cult religion, and landscape. Journal of Cultural Geography, 1(1), 1-15. Edelman, C., & Mandle, C. (2014). Health promotion throughout the lifespan. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.