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
to South Lansing. This is comprised of area south of the I- 496 highway to the city limits of Holt, Michigan. For the function of this survey, the main streets surveyed were Cedar Street (as a major street) and Willard Avenue (a residential street).
While driving down Cedar Street many people can be observed walking on the sidewalks.
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
occurrence. Health Resources
While driving down Cedar Street there are many bus stop locations.
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
woman riding a motorized scooter on the sidewalk. Social Functioning
There are signs for the upcoming Silver Bells in the City which is a city festival and parade to start the Christmas holiday season and ends with the lighting of the tree in front of the State Capitol. Community Watch signs can be found in many neighborhoods. In the evening neighbors can be seen waving to one another as they return home from their day. A group of high school aged boys wearing baggy jeans, baseball caps and jackets are walking down the sidewalk laughing. A man and woman walk holding hands while walking a dog on the other side of the street. Attitude Toward Healthcare
Billboards line the street as well discussing the poverty of children, encouraging better eating habits, and medical facilities. There are multiple medical marijuana shops as well as alternative medicine business promoting herbal remedies and acupuncture. Health complexes with doctors’ offices and optometrist offices are also found. There are two larger hospitals in Lansing; one is located in South Lansing just off of Cedar Street. Conclusion
South Lansing is a culturally diverse area with mostly middle to lower income people. The businesses in the area cater to this socioeconomic group as well as the variety of cultures. There are not any high end shops or restaurants. There is evidence of poverty in the homeless people and EBT card advertisements at many businesses. This once thriving city has been hit by the recession and is struggling to reinvent itself.