Peak Vista Community Health Center
Colorado Springs, Co

Colorado Springs, in El Paso County, Colorado, sits on a high elevation mesa at the foot of the Rocky Mountains (particularly Pikes Peak) in eastern central Colorado (City-Data, n.d.). To its east are rolling prairie lands and to the north a place called the Monument Divide, a geological mountain ridge that divides it from the city of Denver, causing distinct differences in weather between the two big cities (City-Data, n.d.; Palmer Lake Historical Society, n.d.). The city is known for its mild, dry weather as it is protected from severe climate by the mountains to the west (City-Data, n.d.). The city encompasses 194 square miles of land with about 2,242 people per square mile (World Population Review, 2016). As of 2015, 11 neighborhoods find refuge within its borders (Statistical Atlas, 2015).
Because of its location beside the beautiful Rockies, it has much natural beauty (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016). In addition to the majestic mountains themselves, national forests and natural sandstone monuments add to the picturesque view (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016).

Colorado Springs, Colorado is an extremely large city, the 2nd most populous in Colorado after Denver, and the 41st largest in the entire US (World Population Review, 2016). The total population is 416,427 as of Suburban Stats 2015-2016 with 34 being the median age. 11% of the population is over age 65, 70% of households are families, and 47% of those have children under age 18 (Fecteau, 2016). It also has fewer single people than the national average (Fecteau, 2016). In spite of its size, Colorado Springs is known as being reliably conservative (Fecteau, 2016). It has a sprinkling of every major world religion, but predominately Evangelical Christians (Fecteau, 2016).
This city was initially begun in 1871 and called “Little London” in hopes that it would become a resort town (World Population Review, 2016). The Gold Rush of 1890 made it known as the “City of Millionaires” by the 19th century (World Population Review, 2016). The Department of Numbers (2015) reports the median income now being slightly above the national average.
The US View and World Report in 2016 bestowed Colorado Springs with the high honor of placing 5th as the “most desirable place to live,” scoring them 7.4 of a possible 10. Their judging also takes into account the quality of schools and hospitals. People are attracted to Colorado Springs as it is a quieter city and less of a cultural hub as some of similar size (Fecteau, 2016). It attracts students, professionals, and military personnel (Fecteau, 2016). College education in Colorado Springs is higher than the rest of the nation boasting 9.45% Associate Degrees, 22.20% Bachelors Degrees, and 10.01% Graduate Degrees compared to the national statistics of 7.76% Associates Degree, 18.25% Bachelors Degrees, and 7.67% with Graduate Degrees (CLRsearch.com, 2012).
Colorado Springs is also called “Olympic City USA” as it has a prestigious complex for sports events and training of prospective Olympic winners (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016). There is a large military presence in the population as the town hosts military bases, academy, and command centers (World Population Review, 2016). As many large cities, it also has many homeless people (Hobbs, 2014).

Colorado Springs is primarily a city of white citizens, 78% in the 2015-2016 statistics (Suburban Stats, 2016). Hispanics or Latinos come in second at 16%, followed by 6% Black, 5% other race, 3% Asian, and less than 1% American Indian (Suburban Stats, 2016). Though many think of Colorado Springs as a white community, it won a reward in 2010 for its efforts in diversity inclusion (Epstein, 2010). Racial minority populations are more evenly distributed in Colorado Springs compared with other cities across the US (Vogrin, 2013). In spite of this, there will always be some pockets and higher concentrations of certain races in particular areas due to economics like public housing projects or the mansions of Broadmoor neighborhood (Vogrin, 2013). According to Statistical Atlas (2015) English is the predominate language and 6.3-8% reportedly speak Spanish in the home. The next most used language falling far behind is Korean reportedly spoken only 0.6% in Colorado Springs homes (Statistical Atlas, 2015)

Since the 1920s, every census taken has shown a double digit growth pattern even though it was one of the slowest to recover from the recession (World Population Review, 2016). The economy has been built around the military since the installation of Fort Carson in 1940, and since the addition of the U.S. Airforce Academy, Fort Peterson Airforce Base, and the North America Air Defense Command (NORAD) (World Population Review, 2016; City-Data, n.d.). The military employs one fifth of the city’s work force today (City-Data, n.d.). The town was founded in the hopes of being a tourist town, which was realized and remains to this day because of the natural beauty and sporting options it holds (City-Data, n.d.; World Population Review, 2016). The addition of aerospace and related electronics has made for a solid economy (City-Data, n.d.). Presently, the Colorado Springs Business Alliance is making rapid strides toward economic growth in sporting, defense, aerospace, and tourism industries, in spite of significant military personnel cuts (World Population Review, 2016; Heilman, 2015). The local economy is producing approximately 5,000 new job annually, pretty much keeping up with the increase in population, keeping unemployment low (World Population Review, 2016; Heilman, 2016). Unemployment dramatically declined in 2014 from 7.2% to 5.2% coinciding with a decline in home foreclosures also (Colorado Springs.gov., 2015). The city’s net position during 2014 increased to $119.6 million related to governmental and business efforts (Colorado Springs.gov., 2015). They are definitely operating in the green with an income of $1,279,075 and expenses of $1,246,674 in 2014 (Colorado Springs.gov., 2015). The city also heavily relies on tax revenue, so tax rates have seen a steady increase over the years (Colorado Springs.gov., 2015).
The Colorado Springs median income is $59,411 compared with $53,657 nationwide and the Colorado Springs median family income $71,236 compared with $65,910 nationally (Department of Numbers, 2015).

According to Dictionary.com geopolitics is a combination of geographic and political factors influencing or delineating a country or region (n.d.). The geography of Colorado Springs at the base of the Rocky Mountains has influenced their economic growth as a tourism city (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016). An interesting bit of information also regarding the mountains is that it attracted the eye of our military (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016). The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has hollowed out part of the mountain as their headquarters (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016).
Colorado Springs is known as a conservative town politically, whereas the neighboring and rival city of Denver is very liberal (Hazlehurst, 2015). The county of El Paso in which Colorado Springs lies is a strong republican seat (Hazlehurst, 2015). In 2010, the city revamped its government, becoming a “council-strong mayor” form of city government (Caldwell, 2010). This gives the people more say in how the town is run as the mayor is elected, not appointed as previously (Caldwell, 2010). The local government claims to have good rapport, a nonpartisan attitude, with the black and growing Hispanic community (Morrison, 2015).

33.38% of people living in Colorado Springs affiliate themselves with a religion compared to 48.78% of people living in the United States (Sperling’s Best Places, 2014). This is most likely due to the growing youth population. In fact, Colorado College (located in Colorado Springs) is ranked #94 in the United States of more than 800 colleges as the most liberal. Increased liberalism in the colleges most likely contributes to the low statistics for religious affiliation in the city. Out of those who identify as religious, the vast majority are of the Christian faith. Despite an insignificant religious population, citizens in Colorado Springs are more conservative as evidenced by political polls in past elections. According to a study published in 2014, Colorado Springs is ranked the fourth most conservative major city in the United States (Minor, 2014). Although the city is not as religious as expected, Colorado Springs is known for the many national religious organizations that are based there. Thus, there are many spiritual resources in the community and religion is a commonality for social interaction.

Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, NORAD, the Air Force Academy and Fort Carson are all military bases located in or near Colorado Springs, contributing to the city’s substantial veteran population and economy. In fact, “the military presence in Colorado Springs already accounts for 40 percent of the economy” (Litwin, 2011). The city’s Veteran’s Day parade is a significant event, demonstrating the community’s acceptance and support for the military presence. Veterans are heavily involved in volunteering programs, schools, and churches.
Colorado Springs is located at the base of Pike Peaks and the Rocky Mountains so parks and other natural attractions are popular places to visit for social activities. Citizens and tourists can go hiking or rock climbing in the mountains or running/walking in the trails. Sports is another popular form of social interaction and entertainment. Colorado Springs has its own minor league baseball team, the Sky Sox and the city is also home to the United States Olympic Training Center. Thus, fitness enthusiasm is not rare to see.

Due to the heat and dry conditions, and the abundance of vegetation, Colorado is prone to wildfires, especially in recent years. Smoke from the wildfires often spread to Colorado Springs, causing a haze that harbors several health risks. Immediate effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation. Exposure to smoke for long periods of time is said to cause an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease (New York State Department of Health, 2015). “ Individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma), fetuses, infants, young children, and the elderly may be more vulnerable to the health effects of smoke exposure” (2015).
Colorado Springs has suffered a high unemployment rate that has only recently decreased. As a result of the high rate, several health-related issues are concerns for the city. In 2014, there was an increase in homelessness by 4% and housing units and day centers for people who are homeless are very limited (Pikes Peak United Way, 2014). “There are only 16 affordable and available housing units for every 100 people who are categorized economically as very low income in our city” (2014). Being unable to afford to live in a home often equates to an inability to access or afford healthcare. As a result, “residents in greater El Paso County are more physically inactive and have higher rates of drinking and smoking than national averages” (Colorado Health Story, 2012). And just as the rest of the United States, many citizens of Colorado Springs suffer from unaddressed mental health issues (2012).

Peak Vista Community Health Center is a non profit organization offering care to nearly 84,000 patients in Colorado. Peak Vista offers care in a variety of settings such as routine exams, newborn care, well baby/child check ups, immunizations, acute and chronic disease management, health education and wellness prevention screenings, dental, specialty referrals, and behavioral which covers mental wellness programs and offers behavioral health and psychiatric support. The large military population in this community utilizes the behavioral services to aid in treatment of PTSD.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could develop after the exposure of a traumatic experience causing a person to develop extreme stressors related to the traumatic experience. The stressor could be a direct personal experience with actual death or serious injury or witnessing the event causing that person’s response to the event to react with intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

Two strategies have been used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), universal prevention strategy and targeted prevention strategy. Universal prevention strategy calls for delivering interventions to anyone who was affected by a traumatic event regardless of symptoms or risk level of developing PTSD. For example, a school shooting takes place and everyone within the community is offered support and assistance to cope with the traumatic experience regardless of their involvement. Meaning if the were present or not. On the other hand a targeted prevention strategy would only deliver interventions to those at high risk for developing PTSD. For example, those who were directly involved with the school shooting would get targeted prevention. Those who were present have a higher risk of developing PTSD than those who were not.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are interventions and techniques may be used as way to manage feelings of arousal which trigger patient’s PTSD and change their behaviors. CAM is can also be used to treat patients who suffer from from a variety of behavioral conditions, For example, CAM can can be used to treat patients with anxiety. Techniques are used to teach the patient mindfulness and relaxation along with meditation and yoga the patient can feel calm and centered.

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