MHA 599 Week 1 – Part 1: Defining the Health Problem and Identifying the Affected Population

In Week 1, your task is to identify a public health issue in a locale of your choice based on an analysis of public health data for the demographic area. Based on your research, you will conceive of a program at the local hospital, health system, or clinic to improve health outcomes for the population.

Use this project template to complete the requirements for Part 1 of your Capstone Project, detailed as follows:

1.      Use the data to identify 2 endemic health issues among populations in the county. Your project will focus on only 1 of the issues, but you will need to identify a second issue if your first choice is determined to be unfeasible for this project. Your instructor will assist you in making that determination. Since county-level health data in most states is more detailed than city-level data, it is recommended that you choose a county, rather than a city. You can locate health data from the following sources:

·       County Health Rankings

·       National Center for Health Statistics

·       County Health Department websites

·       State health department

2.      Describe the conditions and the extent of these health problems and why you feel they warrant a program or service to address their impact on the population. Support the results of your analysis using charts or graphs that include demographic, morbidity, and mortality data.

3.      Provide and analyze demographic information on the county population including age, gender, income, employment and other relevant information for your program.

4.      Summarize the health issue you want to work on and explain your idea for a program to accomplish this objective.

Sources of Data

Cite using APA guidelines. Enter text below.

County and Health Profile

County and Hospital / Health System / Clinic

Select a county for the location of your project. County level data is kept by most states and is usually more detailed than city-level data. Include a rationale of why you selected the city, including if you have any prior experience or knowledge about the existing health care system in that city. (175-250 words) Enter text below.

Health Issue 1

Description and Analysis of Data

Explain the source(s) of your data and the types of analyses you conducted to reach your findings. For example, how does this data compare with other counties, states, or at the national level? (250-350 words) Enter text below.

Description of Condition(s) (primary interest)

Describe the condition(s) you have identified in your data analysis. Describe the extent of these health problems and why you feel they warrant a program or service to address their impact on the population. Provide demographic information on the county population including age, gender, income, employment and other relevant information for your program. (250-350 words) Enter text below.