30145, Kingston, Georgia Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 30145, Kingston, Georgia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.32 percent of the residents in 30145 has some form of health insurance. 32.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.18 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 30145 would have to travel an average of 8.64 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,269 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 30145, Kingston, Georgia.

## Kingston's Breath of Fresh Air: Assessing the Asthma Score and Cultivating Community Health in 30145

The sun, a molten orange disc, dips below the horizon, painting the rolling hills of Kingston, Georgia, in hues of fire and rose. From the porch of a modest, two-story home on North Main Street, Mrs. Evelyn Carter, a Kingston native for over seventy years, inhales deeply. The air, crisp and carrying the scent of pine from the nearby forests, feels good in her lungs. It’s a feeling she cherishes, a testament to the improvements she’s witnessed in her community’s health over the decades. But, as a long-time resident, she knows the fight isn't over, especially when it comes to breathing easy. This is Kingston, 30145, and understanding its "Asthma Score" is more than just a statistic; it’s a window into the community’s well-being.

**Decoding the Asthma Score: A Vital Sign for Kingston**

The "Asthma Score," in this context, isn't a formal, standardized metric. Instead, it represents a holistic understanding of factors contributing to asthma prevalence and severity within the 30145 ZIP code. It's a composite assessment, weaving together data points like asthma diagnoses, emergency room visits related to respiratory distress, air quality reports, access to healthcare, socioeconomic indicators, and community resources. A high "Asthma Score" would signify a greater prevalence of asthma and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a lower score suggests a healthier environment and community.

In Kingston, the score is a nuanced one. While precise, publicly available data on asthma prevalence at the ZIP code level can be limited, we can paint a picture based on available information and local observations. We know that asthma, like many respiratory illnesses, is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Understanding these factors is the first step in improving the community's health.

**Demographics: The Heartbeat of the Community**

Kingston, nestled in Bartow County, is a tapestry woven with diverse threads. The 2020 census data reveals a population of approximately 2,000 residents within the 30145 ZIP code. The community is predominantly white, with a significant Black/African American population, and a growing Hispanic/Latino community. This demographic mix is reflected in the local schools, churches, and businesses, creating a vibrant, albeit sometimes challenging, social landscape.

The median household income in 30145 is lower than the national average. This economic reality impacts access to quality healthcare, healthy food options, and safe housing – all crucial factors that can influence asthma prevalence. Families struggling financially might face challenges in affording preventative care, medications, or even maintaining a home free from asthma triggers like mold and dust mites.

**Places to Live: Where the Air We Breathe Resides**

The housing landscape in Kingston varies. You’ll find charming, older homes lining the historic streets, alongside newer developments sprouting up on the outskirts of town. The older homes, while often filled with character, can present challenges. Poor ventilation, outdated insulation, and the potential for mold growth can create environments that exacerbate asthma symptoms.

The newer developments, while often boasting modern amenities, might be located closer to roadways, potentially exposing residents to higher levels of air pollution. Understanding the specific microclimates within the ZIP code is crucial. Are there areas with higher concentrations of allergens, like pollen from specific tree species? Are there industrial sites nearby that could contribute to air pollution? These are questions that need to be considered when assessing the "Asthma Score."

**Vignette: The School Bus Stop on a Misty Morning**

The morning mist hangs heavy over Kingston Elementary School. Children, bundled in jackets, wait patiently at the bus stop on the corner of Main Street and Church Street. Little Mateo, clutching his inhaler, coughs, his chest tightening. His mother, Maria, worries. She knows the morning air, heavy with moisture and potentially pollen, can trigger his asthma. She’s meticulously cleaned their small apartment, a constant battle against dust mites and mold. She's grateful for the school nurse, who is always on hand to provide support and education. But she also knows that the root of the problem goes beyond her apartment walls. It's about the air they breathe, the resources available, and the community's collective commitment to health.

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

The "neighborhood vibe" in Kingston is a blend of Southern charm and a strong sense of community. Neighbors know each other, often gathering for potlucks, church events, and local festivals. This sense of connection is a powerful asset. It fosters a willingness to help one another, to share information, and to advocate for improvements.

However, this close-knit community can also present challenges. Misinformation can spread quickly, and access to reliable health information might be limited. Addressing these challenges requires building trust and fostering open communication. It means empowering community leaders to become health advocates and providing accessible resources for everyone.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in Nature's Embrace**

Kingston is blessed with natural beauty. The Etowah River meanders nearby, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the water. The surrounding forests provide trails for hiking and biking. These outdoor spaces are vital for promoting physical and mental well-being.

However, access to these resources isn't always equitable. Some residents might lack transportation to reach the trails, or they might not feel safe venturing into certain areas alone. Furthermore, the presence of allergens, like pollen, can limit the ability of those with asthma to fully enjoy these outdoor spaces.

**Vignette: A Run in the Park**

The sun filters through the leaves of the trees in the local park. David, a young man with asthma, laces up his running shoes. He's been working hard to manage his condition, and regular exercise is a key part of his strategy. He knows the importance of monitoring the air quality before heading out, checking the pollen count, and carrying his inhaler. He's also become an advocate for cleaner air in the community, participating in local events and sharing his experiences with others. He runs with a newfound confidence, a testament to his resilience and the supportive community around him.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

Kingston is not without its resources. The local health department offers various programs, including asthma education and management workshops. Churches and community centers often host health fairs and screenings. The local library provides access to health information and resources.

However, the reach of these programs needs to be expanded. They need to be tailored to the specific needs of the community, considering factors like language barriers, cultural sensitivities, and transportation limitations. Furthermore, collaboration between different organizations is crucial to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure that resources are used efficiently.

**Vignette: The Community Garden**

A vibrant community garden flourishes on a vacant lot near the center of town. Residents of all ages and backgrounds cultivate vegetables and herbs, sharing their harvests and knowledge. This garden is more than just a source of fresh produce; it's a place for social interaction, education, and empowerment. It provides a space for people to learn about healthy eating, to connect with nature, and to build a stronger sense of community. For those with asthma, the garden offers a place to learn about allergen-free gardening practices and to access fresh, locally grown food.

**Improving the "Asthma Score": A Call to Action**

Improving the "Asthma Score" in Kingston requires a multifaceted approach:

* **Enhancing Access to Healthcare:** Ensuring that all residents have access to affordable, quality healthcare, including asthma specialists and preventative care.
* **Promoting Healthy Homes:** Educating residents about asthma triggers in the home and providing resources for home repairs and improvements.
* **Improving Air Quality:** Advocating for policies that reduce air pollution, such as stricter emissions standards and promoting green spaces.
* **Supporting Local Wellness Programs:** Expanding the reach and effectiveness of existing programs and creating new initiatives, such as asthma support groups and community education campaigns.
* **Empowering the Community:** Fostering a culture of health awareness and encouraging residents to take an active role in their own health and the health of their community.

**The Future of Kingston: Breathing Easier Together**

The journey to improve the "Asthma Score" in Kingston is ongoing. It requires the collective effort of residents, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. It demands a commitment to data-driven decision-making, a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, and a deep-seated belief in the power of community.

As the sun sets over Kingston, casting long shadows across the fields and forests, Mrs. Carter takes another deep breath. The air, she knows, is getting cleaner. The community, she believes, is getting stronger. And the future, filled with the promise of healthier lungs and a brighter tomorrow, is within reach. The "Asthma Score" is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's spirit, its resilience, and its unwavering commitment to breathing easier, together.