Kingsport,+TN+3

The majority of Kingsport residents seem to travel by personal car. Pedestrian travel is seen in the downtown areas. Kingsport offers a public transportation system that offers nine buses on a fixed route service Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. There is a railroad system, but it is for commercial cargo instead of passengers. Railroad crossings in the city are clearly marked and/or have crossbars and warning lights. All public transportation vehicles stop at every railroad crossing. For the most part, Kingsport roadways are properly maintained and free of potholes and broken pavement. Snowfall in the winter months is not usually prominent, but when inclement weather occurs the city does an adequate job of clearing the streets. Only in cases of extreme snowfall or ice storms will the city have to cancel schools and public transportation.
 * KRISTI AL-KHATEEB**
 * Transportation/road conditions: **

**Rivers/mountains:** The north and south forks of the Holston River meet on the west side of Kingsport. Pollution is an issue with its proximity to Eastman Chemical Company (it actually runs through the property) and there have been cases of accidental drownings. Bays Mountain is a popular tourist attraction that offers hiking trails, wildlife exhibits and a planetarium. Staff is available during hours of operation to assist with problems or emergencies.

** Windshield survey: ** While driving through Kingsport on a Tuesday morning, I observed residents working in their yards, shopping, driving their cars, walking/jogging. Some residences had a dog in their yard. Ages ranged from small children to older adults. As expected, the overwhelming majority of the population was white. Obesity seems to be an obvious problem. It could be assumed that the culture consisted mostly of people native to this area. It was not unusual for people to throw up their hand and wave even though they did not know you. Since a large part of this population is either overweight or obese, prevention should be a main focus in regards to healthcare. As a nurse, education could be provided to the different target audiences with regard to lifestyle improvements and healthy choices (ex. senior centers, schools, health fairs). Air quality is a major concern due to the industry and number of pollutants being emitted. Healthcare providers and the general public should make an effort through the city government to be sure that EPA standards are being met and reported. Also, inquiries should be made regarding the possibility of an environmental disaster, such as a major spill or explosion, and whether or not there is an emergency disaster plan in place. If not, the healthcare community could play an integral part in implementing one. While Kingsport should be commended for having a public transit system, it is unfortunate that the hours of operation are only during weekday business hours. Residents who benefit most from public transportation are more likely to have employment with establishments that operate evenings, nights, and weekends. Eliminating their possible only means of transportation eliminates them from the workforce.
 * Community needs/what's missing? **