36524, Coffeeville, Alabama Alzheimers Score People Score

The People Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.32 percent of the residents in 36524 has some form of health insurance. 65.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.35 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 36524 would have to travel an average of 19.13 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Jackson Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 135 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama.

## The Alzheimer's Score: Unveiling Community Health in Coffeeville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36524)

The Mississippi River whispers secrets to the cypress trees lining the Tombigbee River, a constant, ancient murmur that defines the rhythm of life in Coffeeville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36524). This isn't a place that shouts; it hums. It's a place where front porches are more than architectural features, they're extensions of the living room, where conversations drift on the sweet scent of honeysuckle, and where the pace of life allows for a deeper connection to the land and to each other. But beneath the surface of this serene landscape, the specter of Alzheimer's disease looms, not just as a medical concern, but as a barometer of the community's overall health and well-being. This is where the "Alzheimer's Score" comes in – a way to understand the factors that contribute to cognitive health, and by extension, the vitality of the community itself.

**The Heart of the Matter: Demographics and the Lay of the Land**

Coffeeville is a small town, cradled in the embrace of Clarke County. The 2020 census paints a picture of a community primarily composed of white residents, with a significant African American population contributing to the rich tapestry of its history and culture. The median age leans towards the older side, reflecting a national trend of an aging population, which naturally increases the risk of Alzheimer's and other age-related health challenges.

Imagine driving into Coffeeville. The sun, a molten orange, is sinking behind the rolling hills, painting the sky in hues of peach and lavender. You pass the weathered brick of the Coffeeville High School, its football field bathed in the golden light, a testament to the town's enduring spirit. Further down, you see the stately homes on Main Street, their porches adorned with rocking chairs, each house whispering stories of generations past. The town square, a focal point of community life, is anchored by the imposing Clarke County Courthouse, its clock tower a steady reminder of the passage of time.

The geography itself plays a role. The Tombigbee River, a lifeblood of the region, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the water. The surrounding forests provide a natural playground for hiking, birdwatching, and connecting with the restorative power of nature. This access to the outdoors is a crucial element of a healthy lifestyle, a potential buffer against the stresses that can contribute to cognitive decline.

**Places to Live: More Than Just a Roof Over Your Head**

The quality of housing in Coffeeville varies. You'll find charming, historic homes with character and history, alongside more modern dwellings. The availability of affordable housing is a critical factor in community health. Financial stress, the inability to secure stable housing, can significantly impact mental and physical well-being, indirectly increasing the risk of cognitive decline.

Consider Mrs. Eleanor, a lifelong resident of Coffeeville. She lives in a cozy bungalow on a quiet street, her porch overflowing with vibrant flowers. She's lived in the same house for over fifty years, a testament to the stability and sense of belonging that a secure home provides. Her neighbors, a mix of young families and retirees, look out for each other, creating a network of support that is invaluable, particularly for older residents.

Then there’s Mr. Jackson, a veteran who lives just outside of town. His property, a few acres of land, allows him to grow his own vegetables, a source of fresh, healthy food that contributes to his overall well-being. He often shares his harvest with his neighbors, a simple act of generosity that strengthens the bonds of community.

The availability of assisted living facilities and memory care units is another crucial aspect of community health. As the population ages, the need for specialized care increases. The presence of these facilities, coupled with the quality of care they provide, directly impacts the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's and their families.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Symphony of Social Connections**

Coffeeville's "neighborhood vibe" is a blend of Southern hospitality and a strong sense of community. This intangible quality, the feeling of belonging and connection, is a powerful protective factor against cognitive decline. Loneliness and social isolation are known risk factors for Alzheimer's.

Picture the annual Coffeeville Christmas Parade. The streets are lined with families, their faces lit up with anticipation. The local school band marches proudly, their music filling the air. The fire trucks, adorned with twinkling lights, rumble past, their sirens a joyous cacophony. This shared experience, this collective celebration, strengthens the bonds of community, reminding everyone that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

The local churches play a vital role, providing not only spiritual guidance but also social support networks. Church potlucks, community outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities foster a sense of connection and purpose. The local library, a haven for knowledge and connection, offers programs for all ages, promoting lifelong learning and cognitive stimulation.

The small businesses that dot the landscape also contribute to the neighborhood vibe. The friendly faces at the local grocery store, the familiar chatter at the post office, the conversations that unfold at the local diner – these everyday interactions are the threads that weave the fabric of community.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Good Life**

Coffeeville is blessed with natural beauty, and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are plentiful. The Tombigbee River offers a chance to cast a line, the surrounding forests beckon with hiking trails, and the open spaces invite leisurely walks.

Imagine a crisp autumn morning. The leaves are ablaze with color, and the air is filled with the scent of woodsmoke. You decide to take a walk along the riverbank. The gentle lapping of the water, the rustling of the leaves, the sight of a soaring hawk – these sensory experiences are incredibly stimulating and restorative. Regular physical activity, coupled with exposure to nature, has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

The local park, with its playground and picnic areas, is a gathering place for families. Children laugh and play, their energy infectious. The sound of their laughter, the sight of their joyful faces, is a reminder of the simple pleasures of life. This vibrant energy, this sense of community, is a powerful antidote to the stresses that can contribute to cognitive decline.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Hope**

While Coffeeville may be a small town, the seeds of wellness are being sown. The local healthcare providers play a critical role in promoting healthy lifestyles and providing early detection and intervention for cognitive issues.

Imagine a community health fair. Local doctors and nurses are offering free health screenings, providing information on healthy eating and exercise, and answering questions about Alzheimer's disease. Support groups for caregivers are available, offering a safe space to share experiences and provide mutual support. These programs, though perhaps modest in scale, are vital in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing access to resources.

The local senior center is another valuable resource. It offers a variety of programs, including exercise classes, social activities, and educational workshops. These programs provide opportunities for social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and physical activity, all of which are crucial for maintaining cognitive health.

The potential for growth is immense. The development of more comprehensive wellness programs, including memory cafes, brain health workshops, and partnerships with local organizations, could significantly improve the quality of life for Coffeeville residents.

**The Alzheimer's Score: A Call to Action**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Coffeeville, 36524, is not a simple number. It's a reflection of the community's strengths and weaknesses, a call to action to build a healthier, more supportive environment for all residents.

The challenges are real: an aging population, the need for more specialized care, and the importance of addressing social isolation. But the opportunities are also abundant: the strong sense of community, the access to nature, the potential for developing more comprehensive wellness programs.

The future of Coffeeville depends on its ability to embrace these opportunities. By fostering a culture of connection, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing access to resources, the community can create a place where everyone can thrive, where the whispers of the Tombigbee River are a soundtrack to a life lived fully, with dignity and grace. The "Alzheimer's Score" is a reminder that community health is not just about healthcare; it's about the whole of life, the interconnectedness of people, place, and purpose. It's about building a community that cares, a community that remembers, a community that thrives.