Siler City, North Carolina, Chatham County : a community diagnosis including secondary data analysis and qualitative data collection
Creators: name: Cowhig, Alison
name: Mendoza, Melanie
name: Burritt, Steven
name: Jones, Pam
name: Rochat, Suzette
name: Lee, Parky
Publisher: name: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Libraries
Year: 2000

description: This document is a result of a community diagnosis of Siler City, a growing community located in the western part of Chatham County, North Carolina. A community diagnosis is a research project that aims to assess the strengths and weaknesses of and help identify future directions for a community. In essence, a community diagnosis seeks to understand communities and the people who live there: The diagnosis ... aims to understand many facets of a community including culture, values and norms, leadership and power structure, means of communication, helping patterns, important community institutions, and history. A good diagnosis suggests what it is like to live in a community, what the important health problems in a community are, what interventions are most likely to be efficacious, and how the program would be best evaluated (Steckler, Dawson, Israel, & Eng, 1993). The Siler City community diagnosis was completed by six graduate students in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In order to better understand Siler City, secondary data was collected on Siler City’s geography, history, economy, demographics, education, and income, poverty, and employment levels. In addition, data was compiled on health indicators such as mortality and morbidity, social health, youth behaviors, and health care resources. The feasibility of establishing a School Based Health Clinic (SBHC) in Siler City was investigated, as requested by the Family Resource Center (FRC) and the Chatham County Health Department. There were certain limitations in collecting secondary data for Siler City. The 1990 U.S. Census data was the primary resource for Siler City-specific data. A problem with using 1990 data for Siler City is the lack of accurate information regarding the recent population growth, especially among the Hispanic community. Whenever possible, data was collected at a community level. However, most of the community profile and health data was available only on a county or state level. Caution must be taken when making assumptions about Siler City from county and state level data. To obtain a more accurate picture of Siler City, qualitative interviews were conducted with community members and service providers to further assess community strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Between December 1999 and February 2000, 14 face-to-face interviews and six focus groups were completed. This interview process was approved by the University of North Carolina’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB reviews requests from the School of Public Health students or faculty to conduct research on human subjects. There were various limitations for gathering this qualitative data. Time constraints in receiving IRB approval delayed the interview process. In order to maximize the use of time, contact information for interviews and focus groups were obtained from field preceptor referrals, local publications, web sites, and other directories. Interview and focus group participants included health care providers, school administrators, town officials, law enforcers, parents and youth in the community, and other key community informants. Gaining entree to the other less assessable community members was difficult due to the time constraints previously discussed. Furthermore, communication with the Hispanic community was limited in that none of the six students were able to speak Spanish. After analyzing secondary and qualitative data, findings were presented at a community gathering at the Family Resource Center on March 5, 2000. Findings were separated into major themes considered to be of importance to the people of Siler City. The purpose of this document is to summarize the findings of the Siler City Community Diagnosis. Key issues identified by community members are summarized by the following indicators: Growth: The population in Siler City has increased over the past decade. Whereas Siler City has historically been an agricultural town, its industrial base is growing, thus creating more job opportunities. Community members noticed the overall population growth, especially among the Hispanic population. Concern was expressed regarding meeting the resource needs of the community. Identified areas of need for resource development that were mentioned by residents include housing, transportation, health care, and education. Community and Faith: In reflecting upon the strengths of the community, Siler City residents often mentioned the town’s sense of community and faith. Despite the rapid growth in the last few years, some residents remarked upon Siler City’s strength in remaining a close-knit community. Many talked about the important role that church plays in everyday life. One service provider mentioned, “Churches are a strong part of Siler City.” Language: Language differences between English and Spanish speaking residents were identified as a barrier. Many residents commented on the language barrier’s effect on Siler City schools, health care, work place, and day-to-day activities. Opinions varied as to how to address the problem, yet most agreed that more strategies are needed. At the community forum, members suggested that more residents could learn another language by taking language classes. Cultural Changes: Various reactions were expressed regarding Siler City’s changing culture. Several residents noted cultural barriers in addition to language barriers. Many community members noted the division between the White, African American, and Hispanic communities in Siler City. One town official attributed this division to the “lack of understanding of each other’s culture.” Various opinions about cultural differences in Siler City are becoming more public as indicated by an anti-immigrant town rally and a trip by county officials to Mexico to gain cultural understanding. Youth Recreation: Community members expressed concern over the lack of recreation activities available for youth. Youth and adults alike believed that expanding existing activities as well as creating new activities were important. PTA, schools, and industry were identified by community members as potential partners in creating opportunities for youth recreation. Sex Education: Addressing the issue of sex education in the schools was brought up by many community members. Many parents felt that more sex education was needed for youth in the schools. One community member noted that although abstinence should be the focus of sex education, youth should also be taught about other protective measures in school. This strategy will therefore educate not only those who choose to abstain but also those who decide to become sexually active. Others suggested that sex education about protective measures was a private matter that should not be addressed in the school system. Gangs: There has been a growing concern about youth gangs in Siler City. Initial signs of growing gang-level activity include physical violence and graffiti. Currently, the Siler City Police Department is working to increase awareness about gangs in the community and to decrease gang-related activity. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: Community members mentioned the effect that substance abuse has on the quality of life for Siler City residents, particularly youth. One service provider commented on the ease many youth have in gaining access to alcohol. A recent drug raid, in which police seized an estimated $5 million worth of marijuana, has generated further discussion of drug use. Concerned residents noted the importance of youth drug prevention and education. School-Based Health Clinic (SBHC): An effort to improve youth access to health care has resulted in an investigation of the feasibility of placing a SBHC in Siler City. Many community members are supportive of the SBHC idea, as long as those in the community have the opportunity to guide its development and implementation. Although many had suggestions about SBHC services, others were unaware of the services that could be provided by a SBHC. These individuals requested more information about SBHCs. The purpose of this document is to provide a picture of the Siler City community through secondary data and community interviews. Major issues revealed in this community diagnosis process are growth; community and faith; language; cultural changes; youth recreation; sex education; gangs; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; and School-Based Health Clinic. This document can be utilized by community members and service providers in not only understanding Siler City as a community, but also in assessing its future directions.