Quantitive and qualitative data analysis is necessary for a comprehensive assessment of community needs. The target neighborhood and population for the following analysis are women of reproductive age, defined as 15 to 49 years, in Elmhurst and Corona, Queens. The next two paragraphs will provide statistics about this target population that are indicative of the needs experienced by the population, as well as the resources and strengths available. Data is available on demographic characteristics, maternal health, family planning, and natality indicators from various sources. Key findings from administrative government data indicate that women aged 15-49 in Elmhurst and Corona suffer from poverty and lack of access to prenatal care.
The target district for the following needs assessment is Elmhurst and Corona, Queens. Firstly, it should be noted that 62.8 percent of the residents in Elmhurst and Corona are foreign-born and over half have limited English proficiency (NYC Planning, 2018). More than half of the population is Hispanic, and a third is Asian (NYC Planning, 2018). Twenty-five percent of adults have no health insurance, which is double the citywide rate (NYC Health, n.d.). The unemployment rate is 3 points lower than the state average, but 27 percent of residents are impoverished, compared to 20 percent of NYC residents (NYC Health, n.d.). Since participation in the labor force is high, the poverty level is probably due to the prevalence of lower-wage industry jobs among the immigrant workforce. These statistics signify that Elmhurst and Corona is a culturally diverse, working-class district that suffers from poverty and lack of access to medical care.
The ubiquity of poverty and lack of medical insurance are significant data points for women of reproductive age and child and family planning. Out of the estimated 140,200 residents of Queens Community District 4, approximately 26 percent are women of reproductive age (NYC Planning, 2018). The percentage of births to teenagers aged 15 to 19 is 2.2, and the percentage of births to women aged over 35 is 26.3 (NYS Department of Health, 2019). The pregnancy rate for all women of reproductive age amounted to 90.5 per 1,000, a 6-point decrease from 2014 to 2016 (NYS Department of Health, 2019). The rate of teen and adult pregnancy is steadily declining in the area, matching the general trends within Queens and the state of New York. However, the rate of expectant mothers receiving late or no prenatal care is 7.8 percent, which is higher than the citywide rate of 6.7 (NYC Health, n.d.). Despite this, infant mortality rates are lower than the NYC average, amounting to 4.4 per 1,000 live births (NYC Health, n.d.). The Elmhurst and Corona community needs more affordable insurance coverage so expectant mothers can receive prenatal care.
In conclusion, Elmhurst and Corona is a vibrant and culturally diverse working-class community. However, a quarter of the adult population is impoverished and has no medical insurance, presumably due to their immigrant status and limited English proficiency. This is a significant data point for women of reproductive age, because it means that expectant mothers receive late or no prenatal care at a higher rate than the citywide average. Furthermore, pregnancy and birth rates are steadily declining, possibly due to the economic hardship of raising a child. The main needs that will be targeted by the program are economic security and access to affordable healthcare.
References
Family planning/natality indicators. (2019). NYC Department of Health.
Community health profiles. (n.d.) NYC Health.
Community district profiles: Queens community district 4. (2018). NYC Planning.