Full Answer Section

• Race: African American
• Income: Low income
• Educational Level: Lower educational attainment rates are common in low-income communities [3].
• Percentage Living in Poverty: Flint’s poverty rate is 28.3%, significantly higher than the national average (11.4%) [4].
• Crime Rates: Flint has a violent crime rate above the national average [5].
• Occupations: Limited job opportunities often characterize low-income areas.
• Access to Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare can be limited due to cost and lack of transportation.
• Transportation: Public transportation options might be limited or unreliable.
• Food Sources: Access to fresh and affordable food options might be limited (food deserts).
• Health and Nutrition Rates: Low-income communities often experience higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity due to limited access to healthy food and preventative care [6].

Environmental Concerns:

• Water Quality: Flint’s water crisis, where lead contamination occurred from 2014 to 2016, has had lasting health consequences for residents, particularly children [7].
• Air Quality: Air quality concerns include emissions from industrial facilities, impacting respiratory health [8].

Demographic Comparison:

• Flint’s African American population experiences higher poverty rates compared to the overall community.
• Educational attainment might be lower in the low-income subpopulation.
• Crime rates might be higher in low-income neighborhoods.

Data Supporting Health Concerns:

• Lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems in children [9].
• Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory illnesses like asthma, particularly affecting children and older adults [10].

B. Social Determinant of Health (SDOH): Economic Disadvantage

Explanation:

Economic disadvantage in Flint limits access to resources that contribute to good health. Residents might struggle to afford healthy food, quality housing, and preventative healthcare.

• Morbidity and Mortality: Chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease are prevalent in low-income communities due to factors like poor diet and lack of preventative care [11].
• Community Health Concerns: The lingering effects of the water crisis and ongoing air quality issues are major concerns [12].
• Community Concerns: Residents are likely concerned about the long-term health effects of lead exposure, access to affordable healthcare, and overall community safety.
• Emergency Room Visits: Childhood asthma and lead-related health problems might be frequent causes of emergency room visits.
• Reduced Quality of Life: Limited access to resources, environmental hazards, and health problems likely contribute to a lower quality of life.

C. Available Resources

• Flint Public Health Department: Provides various health services, including lead poisoning prevention programs [13].
• Food Banks and Pantries: Offer emergency food assistance to low-income residents [14].

D. Needed Resources

• Affordable Housing Programs: Stable and affordable housing can improve overall health outcomes [15].
• Job Training and Educational Opportunities: Improved employment prospects can lead to higher income and better access to healthcare.

Explanation:

• Affordable Housing: Safe and secure housing reduces exposure to environmental hazards and promotes overall well-being.
• Job Training and Education: Increased earning potential allows residents to afford healthy food, quality healthcare, and potentially move to safer neighborhoods.

E. Evidence-Based Intervention: Mobile Health Clinics

Intervention: Mobile health clinics can provide accessible healthcare services in underserved communities, reducing transportation barriers [16].

Scholarly Source: A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (2019) found that mobile health clinics improved access to preventive care for underserved populations, demonstrating a positive impact on health outcomes [16].

Example: A mobile clinic offering lead testing, nutritional counseling, and chronic disease management can directly address the health concerns of Flint’s low-income African American residents in their neighborhoods. This reduces transportation barriers and provides much-needed healthcare services.

Conclusion:

By addressing the SDOH of economic disadvantage through improved access to affordable housing