Health Assessment

#1

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 34 million people in the United States (U.S.) have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of those individuals don’t know they have it. Diabetes takes a heavy toll on the AA/black population and older adults. Almost one-fifth of AA/black individuals and one-fourth of elderly people have diabetes in Alabama” (Alabama Public Health, 2024). For this discussion, we will focus on the vulnerability of the black population in this region. The town of Phenix City falls into the county of Russell, and the Russell County Health Department is nestled within this community. The health department assists with monitoring chronic diseases such as diabetes. They offer programs that could assist an individual in obtaining free diabetic monitoring equipment and provide a registered nurse to help individuals achieve their goals at no cost. The coaching given to those diagnosed with diabetes equips the individual with the knowledge necessary to practice autonomy and play a more active role in their care plan. While this offers great tools for individuals affected by diabetes, for the programs to have the best patient outcomes, the diagnosed individual should have a healthcare provider for a continuum of care. It is the lack of access to care within this community that places these individuals at greater risk of developing complications from this disease. “Primary Care Physicians in Russell County have a ratio of 5,870 patients to one provider” (County Health Ranking & Roadmaps, 2025). Looking at the state of Alabama’s ratio of “1,570 patients to one provider” (County Health Ranking & Roadmaps, 2025), we cannot help but notice the drastic differences between those numbers. How could one provider efficiently take care of so many patients? Unfortunately, my guess is they cannot.

The most significant barrier to improving the health of this vulnerable population is the lack of resources/access to care within this community. Next, we must look at the poverty level within this community. “The poverty rate in Phenix City, Alabama is 23.8%, about 1.5 times the rate in Alabama” (Census Reporter, 2023). Sadly, we still witness inequalities within the healthcare systems towards certain groups of people, which causes distrust within specific populations. Many locals remember The Untreated Syphilis Study at Tuskegee, where “the study was supposed to observe the natural history of untreated syphilis. As part of the study, researchers did not collect informed consent from participants. They also did not offer treatment, even after it was easily available” (CDC, n.d.). This study started in 1932 and ended in 1972. The study aided in the distrust of healthcare providers among locals within the community. “The percentage of individuals that completed high school in Russell was “85% compared to 88%” (County Health Ranking & Roadmaps, 2025) for the state of Alabama’s average. The U.S. has an average “89% high school completion rate” (County Health Ranking & Roadmaps, 2025).

#2

In Fort Payne Alabama, there are multiple vulnerable populations. For this discussion, we will focus on the population living in poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in Fort Payne, there is just under 24 percent of the population that live in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). There are numerous resources available for this population.

Resources available include the Dekalb County Health Department which offers free or low-cost healthcare services (Alabama Public Health, n.d.). Another resource is numerous community health clinics such as Northeast Alabama Health Services which offers health care on a sliding fee scale (Free Clinics, n.d.). The Dekalb County Community Action Agency assists with food, housing, and other basic needs (Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, n.d.). The Dekalb County Department of Human Resources provides a supplemental nutrition assistance program to help with getting food (Alabama Department of Human Resources, n.d.). The Salvation Army, a distinct branch of the Christian church, shares core Christian beliefs and focuses on promoting Christianity, education, poverty relief, and other charitable works by providing food, clothing, and other support (The Salvation Army International, n.d.). The Marked For Life Ministries Hope Center in DeKalb County offers spiritual, practical, and emotional support, including meals, clothing, job resources, and life skills training, emphasizing hope and restoration, particularly for those facing homelessness, addiction, and food insecurity (Marked for Life Ministries, n.d.). For assistance with essential needs and other resources, dial 2-1-1. This free and confidential service provides access to local organizations offering support for food, shelter, healthcare, job training, disaster relief, and more (211 Connects Alabama, n.d.).

With the resources mentioned above, there appears to be an adequate amount of access to healthcare, social services, and support for those who live in poverty in Fort Payne. In Fort Payne schools score above the state average, with two elementary schools earning A’s. While middle and high school scores dipped slightly, the district excels in growth, college readiness, and graduation rates (Staff Reports, 2024). A million-dollar grant will fund a new vocational training center in Fort Payne, focused on construction, electric vehicle, and aviation technologies, preparing students and adults for in-demand jobs (ADECA, 2021). Taking all this into consideration it appears to show that the quality of public schools and the availability of vocational training outside of college is appropriate. Fort Payne has fewer police officers per capita than both the state and national averages, suggesting potentially inadequate coverage (Areavibes, n.d.).

Two major religious organizations in Fort Payne are active in improving the health of the vulnerable. The first is Minvale Life Center, which offers wellness programs and resources focused on mental, emotional, and physical health, supporting personal growth and recovery through workshops, counseling, and resource connections (7 Cups, n.d.). Secondly, the Marked For Life Ministries Hope Center strengthens the Fort Payne community by offering spiritual, emotional, and practical support, including meals, clothing, job resources, and life skills training, with a focus on those facing homelessness, addiction, and food insecurity.

Vulnerable populations in Fort Payne likely face health barriers like poverty, limited healthcare access, food insecurity, housing instability, transportation issues, education disparities, social isolation, substance abuse, mental health stigma and access problems, and lack of awareness of resources. Addressing the health disparities faced by vulnerable populations in Fort Payne requires focusing on several key areas. Increased funding for health programs and social services is essential. Fostering strong leadership is crucial. Improving education and health literacy, while being culturally sensitive, can empower individuals to make healthier choices. Expanding access to essential resources, including healthy food and safe housing, is vital. Combating stigma, improving data collection, and promoting collaboration and communication among organizations are also critical for progress.