17084, Reedsville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score People Score

The People Score for the Arthritis Score in 17084, Reedsville, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.88 percent of the residents in 17084 has some form of health insurance. 24.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.67 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 17084 would have to travel an average of 4.70 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,002 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 17084, Reedsville, Pennsylvania.

## The Reedsville Rumble: Scoring Community Health in 17084

The air in Reedsville, Pennsylvania, hums with a quiet energy. It’s not the frenetic buzz of a city, but a steady thrum, a rhythm built on generations, on the land, and on the unspoken understanding that community matters. Nestled in the heart of Mifflin County, ZIP Code 17084 isn't just a collection of houses and businesses; it’s a tapestry woven with threads of history, resilience, and a deep-seated connection to the outdoors. But how healthy is this community? Let's dive in and take the pulse of Reedsville, assessing its "Arthritis Score" – not in a clinical sense, but as a metaphor for the stiffness, the flexibility, and the overall vitality of its community health.

**The Demographics Dance: A Snapshot of the People**

Before we can assess the health of a community, we need to understand its people. Reedsville, like much of Mifflin County, boasts a strong, working-class demographic. The median age hovers around the late 30s, suggesting a relatively young population with families at its core. The area leans towards a predominantly white population, a fact that shapes the cultural landscape and influences the types of businesses and services available.

Imagine this: a crisp autumn morning. The sun, a golden disc, spills across the rolling hills surrounding Reedsville. You see a young couple, bundled in jackets, pushing a stroller along the sidewalks of Main Street. Their faces are flushed with the exertion of a brisk walk, their laughter echoing in the crisp air. This is the face of Reedsville: families building lives, investing in their future, and embracing the simple joys of everyday living.

The economic landscape is largely blue-collar, with a significant portion of the workforce employed in manufacturing, agriculture, and related industries. This economic reality impacts community health in complex ways. While the tight-knit nature of these industries often fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and support, it can also lead to physically demanding jobs and potential exposure to health hazards.

The housing market in 17084 is generally affordable, offering a range of options from charming older homes with character to newer developments designed for growing families. This affordability is a significant draw, attracting residents seeking a more relaxed pace of life and a lower cost of living than many urban areas.

**Places to Live: Where the Community Takes Root**

The physical layout of Reedsville plays a crucial role in its community health. The town is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The streets are lined with mature trees, providing shade and a sense of tranquility.

Picture this: a summer evening. The scent of freshly cut grass hangs in the air. Children chase fireflies in their backyards, their laughter punctuated by the rhythmic chirping of crickets. Neighbors gather on porches, sharing stories and enjoying the cool evening breeze. This is the essence of Reedsville: a place where community thrives in the spaces between homes.

The availability of public spaces is a key factor in assessing community health. Reedsville boasts parks and recreational areas, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and social interaction. The presence of well-maintained sidewalks and bike paths encourages physical activity and promotes a sense of walkability.

The location of essential services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities, is also crucial. Reedsville benefits from having these services readily accessible, minimizing the need for residents to travel long distances for basic necessities.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Connections**

The "neighborhood vibe" is a crucial element in the Arthritis Score. It reflects the social fabric, the sense of belonging, and the level of social cohesion within the community. In Reedsville, this vibe is generally positive, characterized by a strong sense of community spirit and a willingness to help one another.

Imagine this: a winter snowstorm. The roads are treacherous, and the power flickers. A neighbor, a seasoned veteran of Mifflin County winters, appears at your door with a shovel and a warm smile, offering to clear your driveway. This is the spirit of Reedsville: a community that looks out for its own.

The presence of local businesses and community organizations contributes significantly to the neighborhood vibe. These entities often serve as gathering places, fostering social interaction and strengthening community bonds. Local churches, volunteer fire departments, and civic groups play a vital role in organizing events, providing support services, and promoting a sense of belonging.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Life into the Landscape**

Mifflin County is blessed with stunning natural beauty, and Reedsville residents have ample opportunities to connect with the outdoors. This connection is a vital component of community health, offering physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Picture this: a sunny spring afternoon. You're hiking along a trail that winds through the wooded hills surrounding Reedsville. The air is fresh, the birds are singing, and the views are breathtaking. You encounter other hikers, exchanging smiles and greetings. This is the restorative power of the outdoors: a place to connect with nature and with each other.

The availability of outdoor recreation opportunities is a key factor in the Arthritis Score. Reedsville benefits from its proximity to state parks, hiking trails, and waterways, providing residents with access to a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.

The presence of well-maintained parks and recreational facilities further enhances the community's outdoor offerings. These spaces provide opportunities for families to gather, for children to play, and for individuals to engage in physical activity.

**Local Wellness Programs: Nurturing a Healthy Lifestyle**

The availability of local wellness programs is a critical element in the Arthritis Score. These programs can play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing chronic diseases, and improving overall community health.

Picture this: a community center buzzing with activity. A group of seniors is participating in a gentle exercise class, led by a certified instructor. A health clinic is offering free screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol. This is the proactive approach to health: a community investing in the well-being of its residents.

Reedsville, while perhaps not boasting a plethora of large-scale wellness programs, benefits from the presence of local healthcare providers who offer a range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and health education. The availability of these services, coupled with the strong community spirit, creates a foundation for promoting healthy lifestyles.

The local YMCA or community center, if present, likely offers fitness classes, recreational activities, and health education programs. These programs can be invaluable in promoting physical activity, reducing stress, and fostering social connections.

**The Arthritis Score: A Holistic Assessment**

So, how does Reedsville score on our metaphorical "Arthritis Score"?

* **Flexibility:** Reedsville demonstrates a good level of flexibility. The community is adaptable, resilient, and open to embracing change. The strong sense of community spirit and the willingness to help one another contribute to this flexibility.
* **Stiffness:** There are areas where Reedsville could improve. The reliance on blue-collar industries can lead to physical strain and potential health risks. The availability of comprehensive wellness programs could be expanded.
* **Vitality:** Reedsville exhibits a high level of vitality. The community is vibrant, energetic, and deeply connected to the land and to each other. The strong sense of community spirit, the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, and the affordability of housing all contribute to this vitality.

**Overall Assessment:**

Reedsville, Pennsylvania (17084), receives a solid "B+" on our Arthritis Score. It's a community with a strong foundation of community health, built on a bedrock of family values, a connection to the outdoors, and a deep-seated sense of belonging. While there's always room for improvement, Reedsville is a place where people thrive, where neighbors help neighbors, and where the rhythm of life is both comforting and invigorating. The community is poised for continued growth and development, ensuring that its residents can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life for generations to come. The future is bright for Reedsville, a community that understands the true meaning of community health.