Theory for Rural Nursing in Mississippi

Nursing: A Theory for Rural Nursing in Mississippi

The provision of accessible, affordable, quality health care is greatly dependent upon existing structures in society, such as transportation, business, industry, and community location.

The objective of this work is to prepare a community assessment. The community will be described; the characteristics of the people who live in the community, health disparities and any strategies that are being implemented to address them, the major sources of income and ranges of average income will be described along with occupational safety and other health risks. The community's healthcare system will be described and finally discussed will be the concept of availability, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness and acceptability of health services.

Historical and Demographical Information:

Greenville, Mississippi is home to one of the "most significant sites of prehistoric Indian Culture" known as the "mound builders." The Mound Builders lived and traded on the Mississippi River. In 1827 Washington County was formed with Greenville being the county seat, the namesake of Nathaniel Greene, war hero of the Revolution. Greenville is situated between Memphis, Tennessee and Vicksburg, Mississippi and is a port city known for its "manufacturing, retail shopping hub, gaming and equipment center and a nucleus of agriculture research facilities and processing plants." (Greenville: Heart & Soul of the Delta, 2005)

Transportation is primarily via U.S. Highway 82, U.S. Highway 61 and the Great River Road (Mississippi Highway 1) A corridor route I-69 is in the works with the potential to double the size of Greenville according to the Greenville Homepage website. Greenville is stated as well to be "the hub of river transportation for northwest Mississippi with the largest still water port between St. Louis, Missouri and New Orleans, Louisiana on the Mississippi River." Otherwise noted are various towing related industries some of which own fleets of barges or towboats and some of which provide services to barge and boat owners." (Greenville: Heart & Soul of the Delta, 2005) Stated as well at the Greenville Homepage Online are the following demographical facts:

"The Greenville area is home to approximately 90 manufacturing and processing plants. This diversified industrial base currently provides some over 5,000 jobs, solidifying the county's position as one of the state's leading industrial centers. Local manufacturing concerns include chemicals, knitwear, food processing including rice and catfish, metal and lumber products, rugs and carpets, non-electric pitching machines, barges and truck bodies, ceiling tiles, and packaging. Among the qualities drawing these businesses to the area are the excellent transportation network (air, water, rail, highway), accessibility to major markets, and a highly trainable and motivated workforce. The six industrial expansions and three new industries which moved to the area within the last year, showcase the growth and development taking place in the area. Local governments have made certain that the region moves forward. Essential services are provided to keep pace with residential and business needs." (Greenville: Heart & Soul of the Delta, 2005)

A wide range of income exists on the average income scale in Greenville. While it appears that it is a town tends toward upper-scale living for many and if predictions are correct that class is growing in Greenville. However, the range is one in terms of housing from a Southern Mansion to a $400 2 bedroom lease for apartments in the town. The occupational risk in Greeneville is as varied and limitless and the industries employed in the town which is inclusive of chemical exposures, accidents on highways, river ways along with the health disparities that can traced to industrial towns specifically port cities with freight and cargo entering the town from all over carrying the possibility of transmittance of disease.

Analysis & Summary: