The following paper describes the health care issues faced by the community of Greeley, Colorado. The city a part of the Weld County is home to many health care problems which require immediate attention from the government. The paper also acknowledges some steps that can help promote better health care in the city of Greeley.
Introduction- Geography and Demographics
Colorado, one of the US states is the 22nd most populated state of the US. Colorado essentially covers the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains in the west and the Colorado Plateau. The total land area of this state is 104,247 Sq mi. with an estimated population of 5,116,796 on July 1, 2011. (“Suthers”, 2009)
Greeley is a Home Rule Municipality city as well as the most populated one of the Weld County, Colorado. It is also the 12th most populated city in the Colorado with a population of 92,889 as estimated by the US 2010 Census. Located in the northern Colorado, Greeley has a total area of 30.0 Sq. mi. The city is surrounded by the towns of Garden City and Evans. Greely majorly consists of 79.1% of white persons whereas only 1.7% Black persons reside here. The median household income recorded 2006-2010 was $41, 845 and the percent of people living below poverty line in 2006-2010 was 22.3% (“Youngkin”, 2012)
Health Issues in Greeley
Greeley, which is a city in the Weld County is largely affected by cigarette and tobacco use. One out of every 5 adult in the Weld County smokes cigarette. The Greeley community is facing nicotine addiction especially amongst teens. Cigarette and tobacco dependence is a major concern in this city and many efforts are thus being taken to tackle the problem. Many community centres have been set up in order to assist teenagers as well as others to rid of cigarette addiction. Many laws also have been passed in order to curb smoking.
According to a study published by the American Journal of Medicine, a significant reduction in heart attacks was observed due to the smoke-free ordinance passed in Greeley. Thus such laws can be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Second-hand Smoke exposure
Health issues caused due to cigarette are not merely limited to smokers but can also affect those who inhale the smoke. Thus it is imperative to acknowledge this fact and act towards it. Studies show that mere 30 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke can have harmful effects making the body at a greater risk of heart attack (“Wilde”, 2012) . Thus stronger smoke-free rules can be beneficial to an individual immensely.
Alcohol and substance Abuse
Another major health issue faced by the Greeley community is alcohol abuse, especially by the younger population. This worrisome trend has made the state government look up to the problem and come out with viable solutions. Apart from alcohol dependency drug abuse is a major concern. One in every five students in the Weld County has been reported abusing the drug Marijuana. Binge drinking and substance abuse are a major concern for the officials who are looking to overcome the problem by applying rules and regulations. Binge drinking is commonly found in young adults aged 18 to 25 years, thus programs specifically designed for this age group is important.
Mental Health
Mental health is an important aspect of a community and is many times overlooked by the government. Studies show that at least 4%-6% of Greeley residents require mental health services. Sound mental health promotes better productivity, therefore it becomes imperative to provide mental health facilities to the residents. Stressful conditions, peer pressure, income etc. are some of the reasons for disturbed mental health. Many support groups are present in Greeley that helps to overcome mental stress, but the need for better establishments is much higher.
Other health problems
Apart from the above mentioned health issues, some of the other problems faced by the residents of Greeley, Colorado include, HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases, suicide, motor vehicle crashes and odor problems in the vicinity.
The state government has initiated many programs to counter these problems, but the efforts are lacking and thus collective efforts need to be taken in order to promote an overall healthy environment in Greeley. Many Not for Profit organizations have set up establishments to combat issues pertaining to alcohol and smoking addiction. Many hospitals and clinics also offer counselling for combating addictions. Programs such as Tobacco-Free Coalition of Weld County and Medicaid offer healthcare services to the residents. The North Colorado Medical Centre is the basic facility in the Weld County which had opened as Greeley Hospital in 1904. Recently many new rooms and facilities were added to the hospital in order to provide better facilities to Greeley residents. (“Monfort”, 2012)
Steps for a better community
Promoting better community health is extremely important in order to ensure sound health of the residents. The state government can implement strict rules and regulations in order to curb alcohol and smoking addiction. Smoke free workplaces, rising drinking and smoking age, relaying the harmful effects of alcohol and smoke addiction, awareness programs in colleges and universities etc. Establishments and hotlines for those in need can be set up that will help those suffering from various conditions to seek help. These steps even though very small can be extremely useful in promoting better health which results in better living conditions.
References:
Suthers J. (2009). Methamphetamine Task Force- Third annual report. Retrieved from web. http://www.coloradoattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/AnnMethRpt3rd.pdf
Youngkin M. (2012). Finding Information for Others: Health Education Resources. Retrieved from http://phpartners.org/pdf/InfoForOthersChapterPDF.pdf
Wilde J. (2012). North Range Behavioural Health. Retrieved from http://www.manta.com/c/mt5b9bd/north-range-behavioral-health
Monfort K. (2012). North Range Behavioural Health. Monfort Children’s Clinic in Greeley, Colarado. Retrieved from http://mental-health-facilities.findthebest.com/l/3497/North-Range-Behavioral-Health-Monfort-Children-s-Clinic
North Range Behavioural Health. (2012) Retrieved from http://www.dexknows.com/business_profiles/north_range_behavioral_health-b504338
