21664, Secretary, Maryland Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 21664, Secretary, Maryland is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.65 percent of the residents in 21664 has some form of health insurance. 44.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.27 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 21664 would have to travel an average of 13.22 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, University Of Md Shore Medical Center At Easton. In a 20-mile radius, there are 409 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 21664, Secretary, Maryland.

## The Breath of Secretary: Unpacking the Asthma Score in 21664

The air hangs thick and humid over the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a familiar embrace for the residents of Secretary, nestled in the heart of Dorchester County. Here, where the Choptank River whispers secrets to the marshlands and the scent of salt and farmland mingles, community health isn't just a statistic; it’s a lived experience, a breath taken, a breath held. And in 21664, Secretary’s ZIP code, that breath, for some, is a struggle. This is the story of that struggle, and the community's fight to improve its Asthma Score, a critical measure of respiratory health and overall well-being.

Secretary, a town of roughly 500 souls, is a tapestry woven with threads of history, tradition, and a deep connection to the land. Generations have farmed these fertile fields, fished these bountiful waters, and built a community that prides itself on its resilience. But like any community, Secretary faces challenges. One of the most pressing, and often unseen, is the prevalence of asthma.

**Decoding the Score: What the Numbers Whisper**

An Asthma Score, in its essence, is a composite measure. It's a blend of factors that contribute to asthma prevalence and severity within a given area. It takes into account things like:

* **Prevalence Rates:** How many people in 21664 are diagnosed with asthma?
* **Hospitalization Rates:** How often are residents hospitalized for asthma-related issues?
* **Emergency Room Visits:** How frequently do people in Secretary require emergency medical care for asthma?
* **Environmental Factors:** What are the levels of air pollution, allergens, and other environmental triggers that might exacerbate asthma symptoms?
* **Socioeconomic Factors:** Are there disparities in access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing that could contribute to asthma prevalence?

These factors, when combined and analyzed, paint a picture of the respiratory health landscape in Secretary. A high Asthma Score, indicating a greater burden of asthma, can be a red flag, signaling the need for targeted interventions and community-wide efforts.

**The Landscape of Life: Demographics and the Breathing World**

Secretary's demographics are a key piece of the puzzle. The population skews older, with a significant percentage of residents over 65. This demographic, often more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, can influence the Asthma Score. The town is also predominantly white, with a smaller, but vital, Black community, each with its own unique health experiences.

The housing stock in Secretary is diverse, ranging from historic farmhouses to more modern single-family homes. The age and condition of homes can play a role. Older homes, particularly those with poor ventilation or signs of mold and mildew, can harbor allergens that trigger asthma. The presence of lead paint, a potential hazard in older housing, can also contribute to respiratory problems.

**Places to Live, Places to Breathe: A Neighborhood Vignette**

Imagine a crisp autumn morning. The sun, a molten coin in the sky, casts long shadows across the fields. A young mother, Sarah, pushes a stroller down Main Street, the air thick with the scent of burning leaves. Her son, Liam, diagnosed with asthma at a young age, coughs softly, his small chest rising and falling. Sarah, vigilant, checks his inhaler, a familiar ritual.

Across town, in a cozy bungalow on Church Street, Mr. Henderson, a retired farmer, sits on his porch, sipping sweet tea. The gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the oak tree in his yard. He, too, battles asthma, a legacy of years spent working the land. He remembers a time when the air felt cleaner, before the increasing use of pesticides and the changing climate.

Further down the road, in a newly renovated home, the Miller family, recent transplants from the city, are settling in. They are drawn to the quiet charm of Secretary, but they are also mindful of the environmental factors that could affect their daughter, who also has asthma. They are learning about the local air quality and seeking information on how to create a healthy home environment.

These vignettes, though fictional, represent the reality of life in Secretary. The challenges are real, and the impact of asthma is felt across generations and neighborhoods.

**The Environmental Equation: Triggers and Terrain**

Secretary’s environment plays a significant role in its Asthma Score. The agricultural landscape, while beautiful, can also contribute to asthma triggers. Pollen from crops, dust from farm operations, and the use of pesticides can all exacerbate respiratory problems.

The town's proximity to the Choptank River, while a source of beauty and recreation, can also introduce allergens. The marshlands, teeming with life, also harbor mold spores and other irritants.

The climate, with its humid summers and mild winters, further complicates the equation. Humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, while the seasonal changes can trigger allergies.

**The Vibe of Vitality: Outdoor Recreation and Community Spirit**

Despite the challenges, Secretary is a town that values its outdoor spaces. The Choptank River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge provides a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The community spirit is strong. Neighbors look out for each other, and there is a palpable sense of connection. This sense of community is crucial in the fight against asthma. When people are connected, they are more likely to share information, support each other, and advocate for change.

**Local Wellness Programs: Breathing Easier Together**

Secretary is not alone in its fight. The community is actively working to improve its Asthma Score. Local wellness programs are emerging, offering resources and support to residents.

* **Community Health Clinics:** These clinics provide access to affordable healthcare, including asthma screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. They also offer education on asthma management, medication adherence, and environmental control.
* **School-Based Initiatives:** Schools are implementing asthma-friendly policies, such as providing designated spaces for students with asthma and educating teachers and staff on asthma management.
* **Environmental Awareness Campaigns:** Local organizations are working to raise awareness about environmental triggers and promote healthy home practices. This includes educating residents about mold remediation, pest control, and air quality monitoring.
* **Support Groups:** Support groups provide a safe space for people with asthma and their families to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.

**The Path Forward: A Collective Breath**

Improving Secretary's Asthma Score requires a multifaceted approach. It demands collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, schools, and residents. It requires addressing the environmental factors that contribute to asthma, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to quality healthcare.

Here are some key steps towards a healthier future:

* **Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis:** A more comprehensive understanding of asthma prevalence, triggers, and disparities is crucial. This requires improved data collection and analysis at the local level.
* **Targeted Interventions:** Based on the data, targeted interventions can be implemented to address specific needs. This might include providing asthma education to high-risk populations, improving air quality in schools and homes, and increasing access to affordable medication.
* **Community Engagement:** Engaging the community is essential. This includes involving residents in the planning and implementation of programs, providing opportunities for education and awareness, and fostering a sense of ownership.
* **Advocacy:** Advocating for policies that support asthma prevention and management is crucial. This includes advocating for clean air regulations, affordable healthcare, and funding for asthma research and programs.

The journey to a healthier Secretary is not a sprint; it's a marathon. It requires patience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. But as the residents of 21664 continue to breathe together, to support each other, and to work towards a healthier future, the Asthma Score will undoubtedly improve. And with each breath taken, the air in Secretary will become a little bit clearer, a little bit easier, a testament to the resilience and the enduring spirit of this small town on the Eastern Shore.