The text provided contains information about Collin County, Texas. The data comes from various sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. County Health Rankings, interviews and correspondence with county individuals, residents’ personal reports, and a visual drive through of the community and surrounding areas.
Epidemiology & Community Description: Collin County is located in northeastern Texas and is one out of 254 counties in the state. It shares its borders with Grayson County to the north, Fannin County to the northeast, Hunt County to the east, Rockwall County to the southeast, Dallas County to the south, and Denton County to the west.
The population of Collin County, located in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, was approximately 782,341 according to the 2010 US Census report. It is projected to reach 1,000,000 by 2020 and 1,166,700 by 2030. The county covers an area of 886 square miles with 848 square miles of land and 38 square miles of water. The population density is 580 people per square mile. The county seat is McKinney with a population of 131,117 as of 2010.
In terms of ethnic composition, Caucasians make up the majority at79.9%, followed by African Americans at8.0%, American Indians at0.6%, Hispanics at14.1%, and Asian/Pacific Islanders at9.9%.
Collin County offers education opportunities through public and private schools as well as a public community college within and outside its boundaries. The healthcare services provided are excellent with multiple clinics, Level3 trauma hospitals, a Level2 hospital offering specialized services like interventional neurology for stroke victims,and a public health department providing various programs such as Tuberculosis Clinic; STD/HIV Clinic; Perinatal Hepatitis B prevention program;and programs catering to indigent individuals.
According to the data from the2010 US Census report,the approximate populationof CollinCountyis782 ,341.
Collin County in the United States has a population with a median age of 33 years old. In 2000, the US Census reported that the population was 491,675 and it grew by 290,666 residents over the next decade. This growth is unique as it goes against national population trends. In September 2012, Money magazine ranked McKinney (the county seat) as the second-best place to live in the US, following its fifth-place ranking in July 2010.
In Collin County’s total of 181,970 households:
– Around 40.60% had children under 18 living with them.
– Approximately62.10% were married.
– About7.50% had a female head of household without a husband present.
– Around27.30% were non-families.
– Approximately22.10% consisted of individuals and around3.10% had individuals aged65 years or older living alone.
The average household size was2.68 and the average family size was3.
In terms of age distribution within Collin County’s population:
– About28 .70 %were under18.
– Approximatley7 .40 %were aged18 to24.
– Roughly37 .90 %wereaged25to44.
– Around20 .70 %wereaged45to64.
– Only about5 .30 %wereaged65orolder.
Females slightly outnumbered males with every group of100females aged18andover being accompanied by approximately97 .80males.
The estimated median household income in Collin County for 2007 was $70,835 and the median family income was $81,856 The figures had risen to $77,671 and $91,881 correspondingly.
The median income for males was $57,392 and for females it was $36,604. The per capita income for the county was $33,345. About 3.30% of families and 4.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.10% of those under age 18 and 7.10% of those age 65 or over.
The morbidity and mortality rates in Collin County will be examined in relation to the Healthy People 2010 initiative. Mortality refers to premature deaths before the age of 75, while morbidity focuses on residents’ overall health perception, physical health, mental health, and birth outcomes related to low birth weight infants.
To measure overall community health, key indicators such as infant mortality rate are targeted to be at 4.5 percent according to Healthy People 2020 goal. However, Collin County currently has a low birth weight rate of 7.7 percent and an infant mortality rate of 5.2 percent which exceeds the HP2020 goal.
The general health practices that contribute to measuring community health include blood pressure control,
cholesterol and triglyceride management,
promotion of physical activity to prevent obesity,
cancer screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms),
smoking cessation efforts
as well as homicide and suicide prevention.
The importance of monitoring a community’s lifestyle practices, coping mechanisms, and general health behaviors cannot be overstated. This allows for the early identification of abnormal findings and behaviors, enabling timely intervention and treatment. Ultimately, this improves outcomes and promotes positive behaviors among citizens (Collin County Health Care Services, 2010). Understanding a community’s behavioral and mental health helps to prioritize efforts in addressing issues such as binge drinking, substance abuse, tobacco use, depression, anxiety, and self-harm thoughts through education and intervention. Substance use is associated with various diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic lung disease. Additionally, alcohol consumption often results in violence, injury, and HIV infection. Individuals with mental health problems are more susceptible to engaging in risky sexual activity while using substances.
According to the Community Health Status Indicators, Collin County exceeds the median county value in most areas. In Collin County, the percentages for different health issues are as follows: teen pregnancy (1.4%), breast cancer (24.2%), colon cancer (13.5%), coronary heart disease (133.9%), stroke (41.6%), lung cancer (44.3%), homicide (2.4%), and suicide (9.2%) according to the U.S Dept of Health & Human Services in 2012.
However, when compared to other counties, Collin County only meets or surpasses the Healthy People Target in terms of colon cancer, coronary heart disease, homicide, and stroke as per the U.S Dept of Health & Human Services.
In relation to neighborhood and community safety within Collin County:
- A total of twenty-three fire departments exist throughout the county – nineteen supported by the county itself and four staffed by volunteers.
- Each city within Collin County has at least two fire departments.
- Police departments can be found in each city.
- The extensive Collin County Sheriff’s complex encompasses forty-five acres and includes various buildings such as administration building, detention administration building,inmate housing clusters,and a central energy/maintenance plant.
Recent statistics show an upward trend in crime rates over time in Collin County.
Between 1999 and 2008, there was a 30 percent increase in reported crimes in Collin County, with a specific 2 percent increase in violent crime (RecordsPedia, 2012). The county had a total of 133,033 thefts, including 14,906 automobile thefts. The county is currently working on a public works program to pave all county roads within a decade and has completed 295 out of the total 473 miles as of now. The goal is to finish by 2014.
Regarding waste disposal, Collin County offers landfill space for public dumping and runs an extensive recycling program. Waste and recycling removal services are available through public means within city limits. However, residents outside the city area have the option to choose private companies that offer curbside pickup at a monthly fee.
The air quality in Collin County complies with national standards for various pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide,Sulfur Dioxide,Ozone., Particulate Matter and Lead (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services ,2012).
Collin County provides hunting opportunities in its lakes and wooded areas known for their wildlife presence; however,this has resulted in an increase in tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
In 2012, there was an outbreak of West Nile Virus in Collin County during the summer that quickly spread throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. To address this epidemic, aerial spraying took place across the entire area. The public health department advised residents to stay indoors and take precautions when going outside, such as wearing protective clothing and using mosquito spray with high deet content. Additionally, the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services issued warnings about eliminating standing water to prevent further breeding grounds for mosquitoes in the community.
Collin County actively participates in disaster planning and safety measures through its involvement in The North Texas Fusion Center. This collaboration allows for joint exercises and events focused on emergency preparedness. The county’s EMS office plays a significant role by providing disaster preparedness education to the public and organizing mock emergencies involving local fire departments, EMS teams, hospitals, and reserve medical corps. These simulations help assess how well-prepared the county is for potential disasters.
The elderly and disabled population are particularly vulnerable during a disaster due to their limited resources and lack of familial support.
There is a community wide warning system in place, specifically consisting of sirens that are activated during bad weather such as tornadoes or other disasters. This system undergoes a monthly test. The public health department aims to educate the public on how to be better prepared and increase awareness about the importance of having home emergency plans. Multiple services are available at the EMS office, police headquarters, and public health departments to aid in preparedness, but there is a lack of community involvement. A random sampling of individuals within the community revealed that the majority do not have personal emergency plans in place. This lack of preparation either demonstrates a blatant disregard for potential emergencies or results in shock when individuals realize their unpreparedness.
This is aggravated by the fact that they did not have any information about how the county would respond to such a large-scale disaster, as well as thoughts about their family, home, or work in the event of such a disaster. The community genogram for Collin County, Texas.
Disaster assessment and planning
In the State of Texas, every county, including Collin County, has its own public works emergency response plan. Additionally, neighboring counties participate in mock exercises conducted by the North Central Texas Fusion Center. A county-wide emergency warning system is also tested on a monthly basis. The health department contributes significantly to communication efforts. However, despite these measures, a majority of residents are not engaged and lack their personal emergency plans.
The top priority is ensuring the safety of communities and neighborhoods.
The water quality is poor due to the growth of algae.
On the other hand, the air quality is good.
Collin is not classified as a superfund site.
The presence of many lakes presents a high risk of drowning.
There is an increased risk for wildlife vector-borne diseases.
Law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services have a strong presence with quick response time.
Crime rates are increasing, with theft and violent crimes becoming more common. The public health department actively operates in the area.
Cultural Assessment
The second best place to live in the U.S. is predominantly white, with a population of 77.21%. The county consists of large suburbs on the outskirts of the fourth largest city in the U.S., as well as small rural-based communities. The primary industries are service, healthcare, and education, and there are both public and private schools available. There are numerous community colleges and universities located in and around the county, with a low teen pregnancy rate. However, there has been a 30% increase in overall crime rate and a 2% increase in violent crime rates. The county offers various recreational areas both indoors and outdoors.
Situated in North Texas, this area has a population of about 491,675. The majority of residents are Whites, accounting for over 81.39% of the population. The Black population makes up approximately 4.79%, Native Americans make up 6.92%, Asians make up 0.05%, and Pacific Islanders make up 4.26%. The average family income is $75,709, while 47% of adults aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The total unemployment or underemployment rate stands at 7.3%.
The following is an explanation:
Collin County, Texas is a safe and family-friendly place to live and raise a family. It offers excellent schools, job opportunities, efficient law enforcement, and emergency services. The unemployment rate is low and wages are favorable. However, there is room for improvement in terms of disaster preparedness for vulnerable populations and promoting residents’ involvement in emergency preparedness activities. Although teenage pregnancy rates are low, it is crucial to prioritize addressing water conditions and establishing public swimming education programs to ensure safety. Lastly, law enforcement should implement plans to combat the rising violent crime that poses a concerning trend.
Community Diagnosis:
Collin County is a thriving community that predominantly enjoys good health. However, there are areas requiring improvement, such as water quality and the incidence rate of sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, the county faces challenges with an increasing crime rate, especially in violent crimes. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for educating the community on personal disaster preparedness. This includes understanding resource distribution, planning, and accessing services during large-scale disasters. Despite having educational resources and plans in place, residents of the county lack preparedness and engagement in dealing with natural or manmade disasters. To improve the overall well-being of Collin County, Texas, it is crucial to continue focusing on educating the community about risks, disease prevention, and disaster preparedness. By implementing these suggested changes, Collin County will remain an outstanding place to live and work.
Resources:
Collin County Health Care Services. (2010). Our services. Retrieved from http://www.co.collin.tx.us/healthcare_services/index.jsp RecordsPedia. (2012). Crime Statistics. Retrieved from http://recordspedia.com/Texas/Collin-County/Crime-Statistics U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. (2009). Community Health Status Indicators. Retrieved from http://www.communityhealth.hhs.gov/EnvironmentalHealth.aspx?GeogCD=48085&PeerStrat=10&state=Texas&county=Collin
