Perceptions of one African American community about its' health, health status and safety

African Americans remain at the low end of the socio-economic stratum, have less health care access, and have the highest mortality from illnesses. This supports a need for African American nurses to enter African American communities to offer health education/literacy sessions. This project conducted a survey to determine the health status of African Americans living in a select section eight housing area and their perception of their health, health status and safety. Participants identified their health and health status as good. They had a high concern about safety in their neighborhood. Earlier reports from the county and state do not support the respondents' belief about their health or health status. These same reports do support the respondents concern for safety.