Running head: WINDSHIELD SURVEY

Windshield Survey
Lindsay Scholten
Ferris State University

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Windshield Survey

A windshield survey was done of Allendale Township, Michigan (see Appendix).

Allendale is a geopolitical community. Potential health risks and benefits were identified based
on the results of the survey. Leading Health Indicators from Healthy People 2020, correlating
with the risks and benefits were also chosen.
Community
The definition of community varies depending on which group is being defined.
Allendale Township is a geopolitical community. Harkness and DeMarco (2016) define a
geopolitical community as a specific area, possessing geographic boundaries and sharing the
same governing structure (p.189). Since a windshield survey was used to collect data, the
aggregate does not affect the findings. Allendale Township is between Grand Rapids and Grand
Haven, with M-45 running through it. Grand Valley State University makes Allendale a
booming college town for most of the year.
Community Health & Leading Health Indicators
Community health nursing is a type of public health nursing that assesses the community
to identify its strengths, weaknesses, assets, and deficits (Harkness & DeMarco, 2016, p. 187).
The windshield survey identified several strengths that can positively impact health. Social and
physical determinants affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes
(United States Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2016, Social
Determinants, para 4). Allendale has well lit sidewalks through the main part of town. Allendale
also has a township park centrally located. Access to parks and safe sidewalks for walking is
associated with physical activity in adults (USDHHS, 2016, Social Determinants, para 4). A
potential health risk is the number of fast food restaurants compared to healthier options. There

WINDSHIELD SURVEY

is twice the number of unhealthy fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, compared to healthier
choices like Subway. Nutrition is another Leading Health Indicator because most Americans do
not eat healthy diets (USDHHS, 2016). Allendale is a college town, and with college students
there is a higher likelihood of binge drinking. The USDHHS (2016) addresses substance abuse,
specifically binge drinking, with the Leading Health Indicators. Last but not least, Allendale is
not a very diverse community. The lack of diversity presents potential for health disparities
among minorities. Those requiring health care may not get it due to cultural or language barriers.
Community as Client & Nursing Role
When the community is the client, multiple assessment techniques are necessary for
comprehensive data (Harkness & DeMarco, 2016). The windshield survey, while informal,
provides a big picture that can then be assessed further. Harkness and DeMarco (2016) write
that identifying strengths and assets is as important as pointing out what is missing (p. 192).
The nurses role in community health is to collaborate with and empower residents. The
nurse cannot spur change without the community as a partner (Harkness & DeMarco, 2016, p.
197). In Allendale, a community nurse could develop a program targeting college students to
raise awareness of the dangers of binge drinking. Healthy People 2020s objective is to decrease
the proportion of college students who have engaged in binge drinking in the last 2 weeks from
41.1% to 37% (USDHHS, 2016).
Conclusion
Piper (2011) writes that community assessments gain information and clarify the need
for change, they also empower those responsible for implementing that change (as cited in
Harkness & DeMarco, 2016, p. 193).

WINDSHIELD SURVEY

The windshield survey of Allendale identified both positive and negative aspects that may impact
the health of the community. The survey provided a great start, but more information is needed
to create specific programs to address aspects affecting health.

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References

Harkness, G.A. & DeMarco, R.F. (2016). Community and public health nursing: Evidence for
practice. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams & Wikins.
U.S. Department of Commerce. (2016, February 13) United States census bureau: quick facts
Allendale CDP, Michigan. Retrieved from
http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/2601340,00
United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2016, February 14). Healthy people
2020: social determinants. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/leadinghealth-indicators/2020-lhi-topics/Social-Determinants

WINDSHIELD SURVEY

Housing and zoning

The houses range from 100
year old farmhouses to new
construction. Most are woodframed. There are many
options for housing including
single family detached,
duplexes, apartments, and
condominiums.
The architecture varies greatly.
Most houses are in good
repair, with lawns in front and
back.
Allendale is a college town, so
there are many student
housing developments. Homes
have central air, heat and
modern plumbing.

Transportation
Allendale is centrally located
between Grand Rapids and the
Lakeshore. Access to U.S. 31,
U.S. 131, I-96, and I-196 are
just minutes away. Most local
transportation is by car. There
are sidewalks through the main
part of town for walking or
biking.
Grand Valley State University
has a public transit system,
The Rapid, available to Grand
Rapids.

Race and ethnicity

The majority of the population is
Caucasian. There is a small
percentage of Hispanics, AfricanAmericans, and Asians (U.S.
Department of Commerce [U.S.D.C.],
2016).

Open space
Space is becoming limited with
the rapid growth of the
Township. Farmland is still
scattered throughout with
housing developments
gradually taking over. Lot and
land sizes vary from 0.3 acres
to 100 acres. There is one
township park centrally located
with baseball fields, a
playground, splash pad, and
tennis courts.
Boundaries
The East end of town Allendale
is marked by a large stone
retaining wall and sign, directly
outside of Grand Valley. The
West end also is marked by a
large retaining wall with a sign.
The North side of town is
bordered by the Grand River.

Service centers
Allendale has 3 main primary
physicians offices. Spectrum
Health, Metro Health, and
Allendale Family Practice.
There are two dental offices,
and several chiropractic
offices. There are no Health
Departments in town, but
several in neighboring
communities of Hudsonville,
Holland, and Grand Haven.
There is a WIC center in town.
Stores and street people
Centrally located are Family
Fare, Family Farm & Home,
True Value, Walgreens, and
Dollar General.
There are no street people. It
is common to see wildlife and
farm animals, but no strays.

Religion and politics

Allendale is predominantly Protestant.
There are Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic,
Reformed, Christian Reformed and
non-denominational churches. People
attend church Saturday, Sunday, and
Wednesday evenings. Politically the
township is a mix of Republicans and
Democrats.

Commons
The township park is open to
the public. The township
leaders create family events
like a 4th of July celebration,
Movies in the Park, and
Winterfest.
Churches and schools also
hold events.

Signs of decay
There is little evidence of
decay. Many older homes and
buildings are being restored.
The township is thriving and
improving.

Appendix

There is a Hispanic church in the

community.

Health and morbidity

Allendale residents suffer from various
diseases such as hypertension,
diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cancer.
There is no overwhelming evidence of
higher than normal prevalence. The
rate of disability in residents under 65
is 4.3% compared to a national
average of 8.5% (U.S.D.C.,2016).The
nearest hospital is 16 miles away.
Allendale is surrounded by 5 hospitals,
each about 15-30 minutes away.
Media
There are few exterior antennas. Most
residents have cable or satellite TV.
Most people use the internet and have
cell phones. Many still have landlines
as well. The Grand Rapids Press is
popular in Allendale. A free publication
called The Advance, is also distributed
weekly.