Community-Oriented Nursing Practice

Healthcare services in Florida targets a population of about 19.5 million people residing in the state. Latest census data reveal it is the most populated state. Total healthcare spending in the state of Florida stood at $132.5 billion in 2014. When this figure is divided by the total size of the population, each citizen in Florida was allocated a sum of $7,156 in healthcare spending. In regards to the total US spending in healthcare, the amount allocated to the state of Florida was about 6.3 %.  In regards to inpatient day adjusted expenses, a sum of about $ 1960 was spent in healthcare institutions in Florida. However, the national mean allocation for the entire nation stood at $2,090. A total of $15,985 was spent in Miami-Dade County in terms of Medicaid expenditure. However, a sum of $9,501 was the average total across the United States.

Obesity is one of the main health risks in Miami Florida. Although the number of obese individuals has been going down over the years, it is still a major health risk to consider.   Obesity is known to be a precursor in the development of terminal conditions such as cardiovascular conditions and hypertension. In addition, pediatric AIDS cases are extremely prevalent in Florida. HIV/AIDS is a major health risk that cuts across all age groups in the state of Florida. As a result, HIV/AIDS awareness and preventive programs have been opened up in all healthcare facilities within Florida (Ogunmoroti et al., 2016). Cases of obesity are now being referred to all major hospitals in Florida where affected persons are educated on healthy eating habits while recommending relevant physical exercises.

 

Government agencies collect information to determine public health needs. For example, case reports and medical records are used to gather crucial information that later assists the state government to offer vital healthcare services. Whenever patients visit healthcare facilities, their medical records and healthcare need are secured (Hikmet, Bhattacherjee, Menachemi, Kayhan, & Brooks, 2008). The latter are then analyzed and used for planning purposes on behalf of the entire state.

The state has a central cancer registry office for detection and surveillance purpose. It is referred to as the Florida Cancer Data System (Annual Cancer Reports, 2016). The cancer registry department is legally mandate to detect, capture and analyze data on cancer. Data of each patient admitted of cancer is transmitted to the cancer department for analysis. In terms of cancer incidence rates by state, Florida stands at 413.0.

Some of the care services offered include home-based care giving, early screening, chemotherapy and general palliative care. Other government agencies such as CDC has been on the forefront in cancer Research and Development as well as investigating the risk of other behaviors like drug and substance (alcohol) abuse among the American youths (Cancer Rates by US States, 2015).

The 2015 water quality report captured data on microbiological contaminants, disinfection byproducts, disinfectants, and inorganic contaminants. For example, the haloacetic acids were 20% while Barium was less than 0.00. When compared to other states, water quality in Florida was found to be less salty.

Noise and light are the highest sources of pollution in Miami. It is followed by water pollution. The overall pollution index stands at 41.05 while air quality is high at 72.12. chemical pollutants are mainly exhaust gases from automobiles and industries.

Some of the reported diseases in Miami include Rubella, yellow fever, small pox, hepatitis, chancroid, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Health education includes use of posters, health days, media outreach, and public awareness campaigns.

Information available in my local health department website to help assess my community’s health include diseases and conditions, causes, diagnosis, preventive measures, management and treatment. The site is indeed user-friendly and easy to navigate (Jia, Xierali, & Fahui, 2015). Key characteristics about a client that might indicate vulnerability entail risky behaviors such as drug addiction, alcoholism, reckless lifestyles, and crime tendencies. Florida Division of Emergency Management and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster are among the agencies positioned to manage disaster in Florida.