Assignments for Module 1 Real-World Experience:

Windshield Survey: A Community Assessment Strategy

Assignment #1a: Windshield Survey (Group activity)

Background:

oStudents will select a community or zip code area near where they live or attend school. Each group of students, will walk through the chosen community making assessments associated with a traditional windshield survey. The details/instructions for that activity appear below:

You should walk through your community (or zip code area) to make systematic observations that will help you understand more about the characteristics and health status of the community.

You are encouraged to complete this activity in pairs or small groups to glean more data about the community.

During the tour, you should look for and consider the following:

Who are the people in this community? In other words, who do you see? Consider age, ethnicity, and family types.

How do people travel and get around in this community? Do they use a car, train/bus (public transportation), bike, or walk? Are there safe biking/walking paths?

What sorts of businesses and places of employment are in this community? What sorts of jobs are available?

Where do people get their groceries? What types of restaurants are available? Where do people shop? Chain stores? Locally owned stores?

What types of organizations provide services for children and families (e.g., schools, churches/places of worship, youth centers, day cares, HeadStart programs, libraries, places of higher education)?

What types of housing is available in this community? Describe the housing conditions.

What healthcare services and resources are available in this community? Full service clinics? Retail clinics? Specialty clinics? Hospitals? Dental services? CAM (complementary alternative medicine)/CAT (complementary alternative therapy)?

Look for the recreation and exercise opportunities in this community? Are there parks/green space/playgrounds? To what extent are these areas maintained?

As you traverse through this community, consider the community’s assets and factors that impact the overall health of this community and its members. What characteristic(s) are the most influential to the PHN who works within this community?