Clay County Community
Community Assessment
Clay Country, Mo, is located in the northern part of the metro area. In 2010, the county had a population of 221,939. Between 2000 and 2010, the country experienced a 21% increase in population. The land area of Clay County is 396 sq. mi (city-data, 2012). The area covered by water is 12.5 sq. mi (city-data, 2012). The county is not a densely populated county. The county’s average mean temperature is 53.58°F. Annual rainfall estimates vary from 40 inches to 27 inches (usa.com, 2014). The precipitation takes place mostly in the months between the months of April and September (usa.com, 2014). Tornados are commonplace in this county. Average annual snowfall is about 15.21 inches (usa.com, 2014). In addition, the County has good drinking water and the air quality is moderate. Summers are warmer and there is lower humidity where temperatures are high. The nights are usually cooler and the winters are dry with minimal snowfall (usa.com, 2014). The water companies like Langford provide water that is of high quality to the residents. This alienates and lessens the occurrence of waterborne diseases and hence maintains a healthy population. The county has a lower cost of living index of 88.0, as opposed to the US average, which is 100 (city-data, 2012).
Clay County is named after Henry Clay who was once a Secretary of State and a Senator in the U.S (Profile of Clay County, 2011). The percentage of females is 59.7% while males make 40.3%. The median age is 37 years. White population makes up 84.1% of Clay County. African American constitute 5.1%, Native American 0.5%, Asian, 2.0%, Hispanic and Latino comprise 5.9% (city-data, 2012)
The rate of unemployment in Clay County declined from about 8.2% in 2011 to about 7% in 2012, closely matching that of the metropolitan area. Of the 89,000 jobs in Clay County, Mo, the County residents hold about 38,000, while non-residents who commute in to work hold the rest.
The county has numerous employment opportunities, leading to low unemployment rate. The private sector has greatly contributed to employment in the country. Professionals and trained workforce, which include skilled labor of the county, have higher opportunities of getting employment in this country. The industries in Clay County are not only national but also global. Therefore, the County benefits from revenues that the big companies generate. Some industries in Clay County that are found internationally include Ward Craft Homes and Hutchison Mayrath among others. In addition, there are many healthcare centers. The employment opportunities are in fishing, mining, and agriculture (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). The private sector has most of the employees at 62%, followed by the government at 25% (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). Self employed citizens in the county make up for 13% (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). 10.1 % of the people in this county live below the poverty line. The citizens have myriad opportunities in the employment sector especially the industries and are thus able to maintain a good income from the salaries and wages. The average household income is 33000$ (Brown & Christell, 2011). With such an income, the residents can afford better services, and they can live comfortably without much stress and pressure (Kansas county website, 2014).
The county has many resources that help in providing income for the community. Obesity has been a problem that needs to be dealt with by the authorities. This means that the county government should institute measures to enhance health for the community. For instance, the greatest health challenges include diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and accidents (Clay County Public Health Canter, 2012). This calls for empowering people to live healthier lives.
The Clay County, MO, has low rates of crime (Brown and Christell, 2011). The figures of various crimes in 2005 have reduced significantly from the previous year, which was 2004 (city data website, 2013). According to political affiliations, the county is 22.6% democratic and 75.8 republican. The rest belong to the other parties, which include liberals among others.
Data Interpretation
A review of the above data helps us to come up with conclusions on Clay County, Mo. This is a healthy county. It is a place that one can enjoy living. The standards of living are quite good as the poverty level is at a minimum. The social amenities and infrastructure are in good condition, and the most important commodity, which is water, is in good condition. With the air quality being moderately good, the County has a good health standard. The crime rates have reduced to a minimal low and most of the population is learned. Recommendations to improve the welfare of the community would include building more institutions and take up youth who mostly engage in crime. This will reduce the crime rate significantly. The Country Government should institute activities that involve youth to reduce idleness, drug, and substance abuse. Seminars regarding obesity need to be held to help the population deal with it. Activities for decreasing obesity in children and adults will go a long way in maintaining a healthy population devoid of the various diseases associated with the heart. Recommendations for such activities will through undertaking exercises such as running competitions, walking to reduce obesity. Awareness campaigns to reduce fatty products will go a long way in helping the community to live healthier lives.
The local authorities need to prioritize disaster management of the County because of the prevalence of tornadoes, which is a health risk to the Clay County community. This can be prevented if the authorities take steps to alleviate the effects of the disasters (Hooper, 2004). It is important that people have relevant information on how to react in case of a tornado.
Genogram: Clay County
| Economic status of population
The county is located in the northern part of the metro area Population, 221,939 Median income is 33K Un-employment rate at 7% 10.1% below the poverty line Moderate need for food stamps Majority are homeowners |
Cultural Assessment
The ratio of men to women is slightly equal 53% subscribes to a religion Advanced education citizens are at a minimum The army and college students are many Outdoor activities are many |
Neighborhood/ Community Safety
Police and fire department are effective Potential for tornados Crime rates have decreased significantly Air quality is moderate Water quality standards are high
|
Disaster Assessment and Planning
Emergence teams are equipped for any disasters Information regarding disasters is available for example tornados Many health facilities Adequate fire and police stations |
Community Diagnosis
From the County profile, it can be deduced that the county is well placed and has numerous potentials for its citizen. There are adequate facilities that enable the people to lead better lives. The weather is not that harsh although the prevalence of tornadoes is high, which pose a health risk because of flying debris. The climate of Clay County is tolerable and one can live comfortably without having to worry about harsh climatic conditions. The many health facilities ensure that the population is healthy. The drinking water plants provide water that is clean and healthy to the population. This is important because it leads to a general decrease in water-borne ailments. The community is active as many commute to work, which enhances their well-being.
Genogram Interpretation
Clay County is a better place to stay in and work because of the many facilities that facilitate and provide good conditions and exercises for the residents. However, measures should be taken to reduce the population growth, which might lead to constraint on resources in the healthcare sector. Controlled population growth will enable release of more resources to the health and educational sectors as well as the development of infrastructure. Resource availability and community engagements in activities that enhance their well-being are critical for the County. In addition, about 10% of the population is live below the poverty line, which poses significant challenges to the County since they will require food stamps.
Conclusion
From this discussion, it is clear that Clay County is an ideal place to live and work. the population is greatly varied with the white population being the largest. The county encompasses many cultures and peoples. The acceptance of the various cultures over the years has enabled peaceful coexistence. The economic activities are many and provide employment to the locals. Most of the economic activities involve agriculture, mining, fishing, and industrial activities, which are involved in manufacturing of goods. The poverty level is at 10.1 %. There are many health centers, which cater for the communities in Clay County. Therefore, the County is in a good state, and one can live there comfortably.
References
Brown, B., & Christell, C. (2011). Clay County. Rockford, Ill.: Arcana Studio ;.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2013). Local Area Unemployment Statistics Map. Retrieved from http://data.bls.gov/map/MapToolServlet?survey=la&map=county&seasonal=uv
City Data website. (2013). City Data Clay, Kansas. Retrieved from http://www.city data.com/city/Clay-Kansas.html
city-data.com. Clay County, Missouri,(MO), Retrieved from http://www.city-data.com/county/Clay_County-MO.html
Kansas Counties. (n.d.). Clay County, Kansas. Retrieved, from https://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_counties/view/county:CY
usa.com (2014).Clay County Weather. Retrieved from http://www.usa.com/clay-county-mo-weather.htm
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