47640, Hazleton, Indiana Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 47640, Hazleton, Indiana is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.32 percent of the residents in 47640 has some form of health insurance. 37.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.85 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 47640 would have to travel an average of 9.77 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Gibson General Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 826 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 47640, Hazleton, Indiana.

## Breathing Easy in Hazleton: A Community Health Asthma Score for 47640

The air hangs thick, a humid blanket over the fields of 47640, Hazleton, Indiana. The scent of freshly turned earth, a hint of diesel from passing trucks, and the faint, sweet perfume of drying hay – these are the olfactory signatures of this small, rural community. But beneath the surface, a different kind of breath is being taken, a breath that sometimes struggles to find its rhythm: the breath of those living with asthma.

This isn't just a medical issue; it's a community health concern, a thread woven into the fabric of Hazleton's identity. To truly understand the state of respiratory well-being here, we need to go beyond the medical charts and delve into the heart of the community, exploring the factors that contribute to the "Asthma Score" of 47640.

**The Demographics of Breath: Who Calls Hazleton Home?**

Hazleton, nestled in the heart of Gibson County, is a town that feels both familiar and unique. The 2023 census data paints a picture of a close-knit community, a tapestry woven with threads of long-standing families and newer arrivals. The population hovers around 500, a number that fluctuates with the seasons and the ebb and flow of the local economy.

The demographic profile reveals a predominantly white population, with a smaller percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age skews slightly older, reflecting a community where families often put down deep roots. This older demographic can be a factor in asthma prevalence, as age can sometimes exacerbate respiratory issues.

Income levels in Hazleton are generally modest, with a significant portion of the population falling within the lower-middle-class range. This economic reality impacts access to healthcare, healthy food options, and safe housing – all critical components of asthma management.

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

The housing landscape in Hazleton is a mix of charming, well-maintained older homes and more modern, often manufactured, dwellings. The age of the housing stock is a crucial consideration for asthma sufferers. Older homes, while often steeped in character, can harbor hidden triggers. Dust mites, mold, and allergens trapped within walls and carpets can silently assault the airways.

Imagine a young child, playing on the worn linoleum floor of a cozy, but aging, home. Sunlight streams through the dusty windows, illuminating swirling dust motes. Unbeknownst to the child, these seemingly harmless particles are a constant irritant, triggering a cough, a wheeze, a tightening in the chest.

Then there's the issue of indoor air quality. Proper ventilation, crucial for removing pollutants, can be a challenge in older homes. The presence of wood-burning stoves, common in rural areas for heating, can also contribute to poor air quality, releasing particulate matter that exacerbates asthma symptoms.

Conversely, newer homes, while often built with more modern materials, can also present challenges. The use of synthetic materials and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in construction can release fumes that irritate the airways.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Sense of Place and Its Impact**

Hazleton possesses a distinct neighborhood vibe, a sense of community that is both comforting and complex. The close proximity of neighbors fosters a strong social network, a vital resource for families struggling with chronic conditions like asthma. Support systems, from carpooling to sharing childcare, can ease the burden of managing the disease.

But the close-knit nature of the community can also present challenges. The spread of information, both accurate and inaccurate, can be rapid. Misconceptions about asthma, its triggers, and its management can persist, hindering effective care.

Picture a local gathering at the town square. The aroma of freshly grilled burgers mingles with the scent of freshly cut grass. Children, oblivious to the potential triggers, run and play. A parent, concerned about their child's asthma, navigates the social landscape, trying to balance their child's need for fun with the reality of their condition.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Beauty, Navigating the Risks**

Hazleton's location, surrounded by rolling farmland and verdant fields, offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The nearby White River provides a scenic backdrop for fishing and boating. The vast open spaces invite exploration and physical activity.

However, these very assets can also present challenges for asthma sufferers. Pollen counts, particularly during the spring and fall, can be high, triggering allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations. The presence of agricultural activities, including the use of pesticides and herbicides, can also contribute to poor air quality.

Envision a family outing to a local park. The sun shines, the birds sing, and the children are eager to play. But for a child with asthma, the seemingly idyllic setting can be a minefield of triggers. The scent of freshly mown grass, the presence of pollen-laden trees, and the potential for exposure to insect bites can all pose risks.

**Local Wellness Programs: Building a Breath of Fresh Air**

The good news is that Hazleton isn't just a collection of houses and fields; it's a community actively working to improve the health and well-being of its residents. While specific programs may be limited due to the town's size, the potential for growth and collaboration is immense.

The local clinic, the Gibson County Health Department, and the local schools are potential partners in developing asthma-focused wellness programs. These programs could include:

* **Asthma Education and Awareness Campaigns:** Educating residents about asthma triggers, management strategies, and the importance of regular medical care.
* **Home Environment Assessments:** Providing resources and guidance to families on how to identify and eliminate asthma triggers in their homes.
* **School-Based Asthma Management Programs:** Working with schools to create asthma-friendly environments, including training for school staff on asthma management and providing access to asthma medications.
* **Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring:** Partnering with local organizations to monitor air quality and provide real-time information to residents, allowing them to adjust their activities based on air quality alerts.
* **Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices:** Encouraging physical activity, healthy eating habits, and smoking cessation programs to improve overall respiratory health.

Imagine a community health fair, held in the town square. Tables are set up, offering information on asthma management, healthy eating, and exercise. Local healthcare providers are on hand to answer questions and provide free screenings. Children participate in fun, asthma-friendly activities, learning about their condition in a supportive and engaging environment.

**The Asthma Score: A Call to Action**

The "Asthma Score" for 47640 is not a static number. It's a dynamic reflection of the community's health, a measure of the factors that influence the breath of its residents. It's a call to action, a reminder that improving respiratory health requires a multifaceted approach.

To improve the Asthma Score, Hazleton needs to:

* **Address Housing Concerns:** Advocate for programs that assist residents in improving indoor air quality, such as grants for home repairs and weatherization.
* **Enhance Access to Healthcare:** Ensure that residents have access to affordable and quality healthcare, including asthma specialists and respiratory therapists.
* **Promote Community Awareness:** Educate residents about asthma triggers, management strategies, and the importance of preventative care.
* **Foster Collaboration:** Encourage partnerships between healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and local government to create comprehensive asthma management programs.
* **Embrace Outdoor Recreation Safely:** Provide information and resources on how to enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing exposure to asthma triggers.

The journey towards a healthier Hazleton, where everyone can breathe easy, is a collective effort. It requires the dedication of healthcare professionals, the commitment of community leaders, and the active participation of every resident. By working together, Hazleton can create a community where the air is clean, the homes are healthy, and the breath of life is enjoyed by all.

The future of breathing easy in 47640 depends on the collective will to make it so. It's a future where the scent of the earth, the murmur of the community, and the clear, untroubled breath of its residents are the defining signatures of Hazleton.