35474, Moundville, Alabama Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 35474, Moundville, Alabama is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.58 percent of the residents in 35474 has some form of health insurance. 32.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.38 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 35474 would have to travel an average of 18.78 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Greene County Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 603 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 35474, Moundville, Alabama.

## Moundville's Breath of Fresh Air: Unpacking the Asthma Score and Building a Healthier Future in 35474

The Alabama sun, a molten coin in the vast sky, beats down on Moundville. The air, thick with the promise of summer, hangs heavy, a palpable presence. This is the heart of 35474, a ZIP code that cradles the town of Moundville, a place steeped in history, community, and the everyday rhythms of life. But beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic setting lies a challenge: asthma. Understanding the prevalence of asthma, and the factors that contribute to it, is critical to building a healthier future for everyone in Moundville. This article delves into the community health landscape of 35474, exploring the "Asthma Score" – not a formal metric, but a way of understanding the complex interplay of demographics, environment, and access to resources that impact respiratory health.

**A Tapestry of People and Place: Demographics and the Lay of the Land**

Moundville, and the surrounding area encompassed by 35474, is a mosaic of people. The echoes of the ancient Mississippian culture, whose monumental earthworks still dominate the landscape, resonate through the town. The population, a mix of long-time residents and newcomers, reflects a deep-seated sense of community.

The demographics of 35474 are a crucial piece of the puzzle. The racial makeup, with a significant African American population, is a key consideration. Nationally, asthma disproportionately affects African Americans, and understanding the specific challenges faced by this community in Moundville is paramount. Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role. Poverty, limited access to quality healthcare, and substandard housing can all contribute to higher asthma rates.

The physical environment of Moundville itself is a factor. The Black Warrior River, a lifeblood of the region, winds its way through the landscape, offering both beauty and potential challenges. Proximity to the river can mean higher humidity, which can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. The presence of agricultural activities, with potential exposure to pesticides and other irritants, also needs to be considered.

The housing stock in 35474 varies. Some homes are older, with potential for mold and other indoor air quality issues. Others are newer, but may still lack proper ventilation or be situated near sources of pollution. The condition of housing is a direct link to respiratory health, and addressing housing quality is a key component of any community health initiative.

**Breathing Easy: Unpacking the Asthma Score**

The "Asthma Score" isn't a number on a chart. It's a holistic understanding of the factors that influence asthma prevalence and severity in 35474. It’s about seeing the whole picture, from the air people breathe to the support systems available to them.

* **The Air We Breathe:** The quality of the air is a fundamental factor. This includes both outdoor air quality, influenced by pollution from traffic, industry, and agricultural practices, and indoor air quality, affected by mold, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. Are there industrial facilities nearby? What is the level of vehicle traffic on the main roads? Are there community gardens or green spaces that can help to filter the air?

* **Access to Healthcare:** Do residents have access to affordable and quality healthcare, including regular check-ups, asthma medications, and specialist care? Are there enough primary care physicians and pulmonologists in the area? Does insurance coverage adequately address asthma treatment? The presence of the Moundville Health Clinic is a crucial resource, but its capacity and reach need to be assessed.

* **Health Literacy and Education:** Understanding asthma triggers, proper medication use, and asthma management techniques is crucial. Are there educational programs available to residents? Are these programs culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of the community?

* **Social Determinants of Health:** This encompasses the broader factors that influence health outcomes, such as poverty, education, housing, and access to healthy food. These factors can exacerbate asthma symptoms and limit access to care.

* **Environmental Factors:** The presence of allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites can trigger asthma attacks. The climate, including humidity levels, can also play a role.

**Vignette: The School Bus and the Dust**

The school bus rumbles down the dusty road, kicking up a cloud of fine particles. Inside, young Maya clutches her inhaler. She's been struggling with her asthma all week, a familiar pattern that often flares up during the dry, dusty months. Her mom, a single parent working two jobs, worries constantly. The school nurse, a dedicated woman who knows Maya well, has been a lifeline, but the school's resources are stretched thin. This scene, repeated countless times, highlights the intersection of environment, poverty, and access to care that impacts asthma in 35474.

**Building a Healthier Future: Local Wellness Programs and Community Initiatives**

Creating a healthier environment for everyone in Moundville requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on both prevention and treatment. This means investing in local wellness programs and community initiatives.

* **Strengthening the Healthcare Network:** Expanding access to healthcare is paramount. This could involve increasing the capacity of the Moundville Health Clinic, recruiting more healthcare providers, and ensuring that all residents have access to affordable health insurance. Telemedicine could also play a role, connecting residents with specialists remotely.

* **Promoting Environmental Health:** Addressing environmental factors is crucial. This could involve advocating for cleaner air standards, supporting initiatives to reduce pollution from industry and vehicles, and promoting healthy housing practices. This could also include community gardens and tree planting initiatives to improve air quality.

* **Empowering the Community:** Health education is key. This means providing asthma education programs in schools, community centers, and churches. These programs should be culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of the community. Support groups for people with asthma and their families can also provide valuable support.

* **Fostering Healthy Lifestyles:** Encouraging healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help to manage asthma symptoms. This could involve promoting outdoor recreation opportunities, such as walking trails and parks, and supporting access to fresh, healthy food.

* **Collaboration and Partnerships:** Success requires collaboration. This means bringing together healthcare providers, community organizations, local government, schools, and residents to work together to address the challenges of asthma.

**Vignette: The River Walk and the Promise of Fresh Air**

The Black Warrior River glints under the afternoon sun. A new walking trail, built with community input, winds along its banks. Families stroll, children laugh, and the air, though still warm, feels cleaner. The local YMCA offers free exercise classes for people with asthma. This scene represents the power of community action and the promise of a healthier future.

**The Neighborhood Vibe and Outdoor Recreation: A Breath of Fresh Air**

The "neighborhood vibe" in 35474 is one of resilience and community spirit. People look out for each other. There's a strong sense of place, a deep connection to the land and its history. This sense of community is a valuable asset in the fight against asthma.

Outdoor recreation is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. The area offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Access to these activities can improve physical and mental health, but it's important to ensure that these activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or ability. The development of safe and accessible parks and recreational facilities is a priority.

**Vignette: The Community Garden and the Seeds of Hope**

In the heart of Moundville, a community garden thrives. Volunteers tend to rows of vegetables, sharing their harvest with neighbors. The garden provides fresh, healthy food, a sense of community, and a place for people to connect with nature. It's a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of collective action.

**The Path Forward: A Collective Responsibility**

Addressing the challenges of asthma in 35474 is a collective responsibility. It requires a commitment from everyone – residents, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. By understanding the "Asthma Score" – the complex interplay of factors that influence respiratory health – and by working together to implement evidence-based interventions, Moundville can build a healthier future for all its residents. The sun will continue to rise over Moundville, but with concerted effort, the air will become a little easier to breathe, and the future will be a little brighter.