Community Health Assessment

Functional health patterns (FHPs) provide a comprehensive assessment of the community in need. The FHP acts as a template for the public health professional, guiding them through an evaluation that includes: Population-level health perception (i.e., “How many of the residents self-report their health as “good” or “excellent”?). Health resource access (i.e., “How  many of the residents have health insurance?” and “How many acute care facilities are in the community?”. Nutritional and metabolic patterns (i.e., “Do residents have access to nutritious foods?” “What is the availability of clean water?” “What is the availability of fast food and junk food? What is junk food consumption, including sugary drinks?”, and “for schools, what is the nutritional content of lunches?”).

Environmental health concerns (i.e., “What is the community’s air quality rating?” “What are common air contaminants that impact the community?” Also consider: levels of pollution, urbanization, traffic and emissions, noise, waste disposal, pest control, public hygiene practices, temperature controls in public buildings, and safety) (Edelman, Mandle, & Kudzma, 2013). Colorado Springs, CO is the state’s second-largest city after Denver, with a population of 445,830 residents (Colorado Health, 2012). The community is growing rapidly, with a 23% increase in population growth since 2000 (El Paso County Health, 2017). The community has a high median household income compared to the national average, but is significantly lower than the state’s household median income: 

Median income, Colorado Springs:  $56,079

Median income, Colorado: $63,909

Median income, U.S.: $51,989 (El Paso County Health, 2017).

Colorado Springs has 9 public school districts, in which there are 130 public primary education schools, 64 private schools, and over 50 colleges and universities (including vocational schools, two-year programs, colleges, and universities) (El Paso County Health, 2017).

Educational attainment levels:

Graduate degree: 13%

Bachelor’s degree: 21%

Associate’s degree: 10%

Some college: 26%

High school: 22%

Less than high school: 7% (El Paso County Health, 2017). The community is predominantly white and lives above the national average for household income. The community’s economy is based on military installations, aerospace and electronics industries, and tourism (Colorado Health Story, 2012). Despite a high average educational attainment and access to education services, the community struggles with health disparities and access to care. El Paso County Health (2017) reported that major health threats of the community include: hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles (El Paso County Health, 2017).

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