The Windshield Survey is comprised of general qualitative observations that give you a snapshot of the community that you can capture as you drive/walk through the community. The demographic data can be obtained online, through the public library, county, or township administration buildings. Use your Community Assessment Reference Guide to collect the data. Please address the following in a narrative format following APA guidelines in 10–12 pages, not including title and reference pages. Students will select a community or zip code area near where they live or attend school. Each student, or group of students, will drive or walk through the chosen community making assessments associated with a traditional windshield survey.
The details/instructions for that activity are listed below: You should drive, walk, or take public transportation to move about in your selected community (or zip code area) to make systematic observations that will help you understand more about the characteristics and health status of 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, daycares, HeadStart programs, libraries, places of higher education)? What types of housing are 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? What citizens’ safety and protective services are available? Police and fire, shelters for victims of abuse, others such as neighborhood watch, etc., What are the boundaries: geographical, political, or economic? How is the community seen? What housing zoning laws are in place? Are there signs of decay? Are there services provided by senior citizens centers, Meals on Wheels, transportation, daycare, or long-term care? Are there community welfare services beyond city/state aid as provisions for emergency food, shelter, and clothing?
