Case Study: Windshield Survey

Windshield Survey
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR 443 Community Health Nursing
November, 2013

Introduction to South Lansing Lansing is the third largest city in Michigan and is also the state capitol. Lansing, on the whole, is an industrial city with many factories, some of which are now abandoned with the economic recession. South Lansing is a community consisting of a range of blue-collar to low income families. There are many older homes which were constructed in the early 1930’s-1960 at the height of the automotive industry in Lansing.
Community Vitality
There is a diverse ethnic population including Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Middle Eastern and White that inhabits the area locals refer
There are young mothers carrying children or pushing them in strollers, old men with sagging clothes carrying grocery bags, and high school children walking home from school and talking on their cell phones. Some people ride bikes, most without helmets. This major street has an array of businesses ranging from churches (of every denomination) and schools (both public and private) to grocery and furniture stores. Very few high end vehicles are observed. Most makes and models are American made cars from the last 10 years, some in very poor condition. Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions
Driving on Willard Avenue mostly modest single-family homes are noted. There are several apartments advertising one and two bedroom units. Homes are very similar in construction, may be kit homes that were popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s. They are spaced close together with fences in between. Several yards contain dogs. A couple of cats roam the street and sidewalks. Yards are groomed but landscaping is meager. Single bay, detached garages are on each lot. One home has been condemned after an apparent fire and the grass is overgrown and a garbage can sits in the empty driveway. Ambulances travel up and down the street to the nearby hospital. Several lawns have political signs as Election Day was a recent
There are a variety of people at these stops from business men in suits, women with children. There are young and old from all nationalities. Some are wearing clothing specific to their culture, some in old worn clothing, and some in trendy skinny jeans and heels. There is a fire and police station. The local library is nestled in a strip-mall. Several Urgent Care centers as well as alternative medicine facilities are dotted along the street. A plasma donation center is next to an unemployment agency and the parking lot is almost full. Environmental Conditions Related to Health
Lansing has good water quality and there is good air quality. There are many trails which are woven throughout the Lansing city and surrounding areas and are utilized by walkers, runners and bikers. Bike lanes exist on many major roads. Lansing holds many community races from the 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer walk each summer. There are many city parks with playgrounds, open areas, and picnic facilities. Ball fields of various kinds are found throughout the city.
Many fast food chain restaurants line Cedar Street and advertise they accept EBT cards. Several specialized ethnic grocery store and popular chain super grocery stores are also found. There are homeless people with signs asking for donations on almost every corner. There is an obese