39144, Pattison, Mississippi Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 39144, Pattison, Mississippi is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.72 percent of the residents in 39144 has some form of health insurance. 69.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 16.88 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 39144 would have to travel an average of 8.28 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Copiah County Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 44 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 39144, Pattison, Mississippi.

## The Breath of Pattison: Taking the Pulse of Community Health in 39144

The Mississippi sun, a molten coin in the sky, beats down on Pattison, ZIP code 39144. It’s a place where the air hums with the buzz of cicadas and the scent of honeysuckle, a place where the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasons and the land. But beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic setting, a silent struggle plays out: the fight for breath. This isn't just a personal battle; it's a community health challenge, a test of resilience, and a call to action. This is the Asthma Score for Pattison, a deep dive into the health of our community, focusing on the prevalence of asthma and the factors that shape it.

**The Silent Thief: Asthma in the Heart of the Delta**

Asthma, that insidious thief of breath, is a significant concern in Mississippi, and Pattison, nestled within the fertile embrace of the Delta, is not immune. While precise statistics for 39144 are difficult to isolate (and this is a critical area for improvement in local data collection), we can extrapolate from broader county and state data, coupled with anecdotal evidence from residents, to paint a picture. We know that factors like air quality, socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and housing conditions play a significant role in asthma prevalence. And in Pattison, these factors are interwoven, creating a complex tapestry that demands our attention.

Imagine Mrs. Johnson, a lifelong resident, sitting on her porch, the porch swing creaking a familiar rhythm. She remembers her own childhood, filled with the freedom of running through fields and climbing trees. Now, she watches her grandchildren, and worries. She sees the same dust that used to swirl in the air, the same pollen that used to blanket everything in the spring. She also sees a rise in childhood asthma, a cough that lingers, a struggle for breath that wasn't as common in her youth.

This isn't just Mrs. Johnson's observation. It's echoed by the nurses at the local clinic, the teachers at the Pattison Elementary School, and the families who are navigating the complexities of asthma management. The challenge is multifaceted.

**Decoding the Demographics: Understanding the Landscape**

To truly understand the asthma score, we need to understand the people of Pattison. The demographics are the foundation upon which the health of the community is built. 39144 is a predominantly rural community, with a strong sense of community spirit. The population skews towards a younger demographic, with a significant number of children and families. The racial makeup is a blend of African American and Caucasian residents, each with their own unique histories and experiences.

The economic landscape is a key factor. Pattison is a community where many residents work in agriculture, forestry, and related industries. This means exposure to potential asthma triggers like pesticides, dust, and mold. The median household income is lower than the state average, which can impact access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing.

The beauty of Pattison lies in its tight-knit community. Neighbors know each other, families support each other, and the church is often the center of social life. But this close-knit nature can also create challenges. Word-of-mouth information, while valuable, can sometimes perpetuate myths or hinder access to accurate health information.

**The Housing Factor: A Breath of Fresh Air or a Silent Trigger?**

The homes in Pattison tell a story. Some are historic, with weathered clapboard siding and sprawling porches. Others are more modern, built with the needs of contemporary families in mind. But regardless of their age or style, the quality of housing plays a crucial role in asthma prevalence.

Imagine a small, aging house, its walls showing signs of moisture. Mold, a known asthma trigger, could be silently flourishing behind the drywall. Poor ventilation, a common issue in older homes, can trap allergens and pollutants, exacerbating asthma symptoms. The presence of pests, like cockroaches and rodents, another common trigger, can also be exacerbated by housing conditions.

Contrast this with a newly renovated home, with sealed windows, efficient air conditioning, and regular maintenance. This is a space designed to promote health, a haven from the triggers that can steal a breath. The disparity in housing quality highlights the need for initiatives that support home repairs, weatherization, and education about asthma-friendly home environments.

**The Vibe of the Neighborhood: A Sense of Place**

The "vibe" of a neighborhood is more than just its aesthetic; it's the feeling of community, the sense of safety, and the access to resources. In Pattison, the neighborhood vibe is a complex blend of tradition, resilience, and the slow, steady pulse of rural life.

Picture a Saturday morning at the local general store. The air is thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the murmur of conversations. Neighbors catch up, sharing stories, offering support, and exchanging information. This is the heart of the community, a place where relationships are forged and trust is built.

But the neighborhood vibe can also be affected by factors that impact health. The lack of sidewalks, the absence of safe places for children to play, and the limited access to grocery stores with fresh produce can all contribute to a less healthy environment.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Deep in the Delta**

Pattison is blessed with natural beauty. The sprawling fields, the winding creeks, and the towering trees offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.

Imagine a group of children playing in a park, their laughter echoing through the trees. This is the joy of childhood, the freedom of movement, and the opportunity to breathe in fresh air. But access to these opportunities isn't always equitable. The availability of parks, trails, and recreational facilities can vary depending on location and resources.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

While challenges exist, Pattison is not without its strengths. The seeds of change are already being sown, in the form of local wellness programs and initiatives.

Imagine the local clinic hosting a community health fair, offering free asthma screenings, educational materials, and resources for families. This is a step towards proactive healthcare, a way to identify and address asthma triggers, and empower residents to manage their health.

The local schools play a vital role. They can implement asthma-friendly policies, educate students about asthma management, and provide access to healthy food options.

The church can also be a powerful force for good. By hosting health workshops, providing support groups, and promoting healthy lifestyles, the church can help to create a culture of wellness.

**The Call to Action: Building a Healthier Future**

The Asthma Score for Pattison is not a definitive grade; it's a snapshot, a starting point. It's a call to action, a challenge to the community to work together to improve the health of its residents.

Here are some key areas for focus:

* **Data Collection:** Improving the collection and analysis of local health data is crucial. This will allow us to track asthma prevalence, identify risk factors, and measure the impact of interventions.
* **Housing Initiatives:** Investing in home repair programs, weatherization projects, and education about asthma-friendly home environments is essential.
* **Access to Healthcare:** Ensuring that all residents have access to affordable, quality healthcare, including asthma specialists and medications, is paramount.
* **Education and Awareness:** Raising awareness about asthma triggers, management strategies, and the importance of healthy lifestyles is critical.
* **Community Collaboration:** Fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, schools, churches, community organizations, and residents is essential to create a sustainable culture of wellness.
* **Outdoor Recreation:** Increasing access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities will encourage physical activity and improve overall health.
* **Healthy Food Access:** Supporting local farmers markets and initiatives that promote access to fresh, healthy food will improve nutrition and overall health.

The journey to a healthier Pattison won't be easy. It will require dedication, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. But the potential rewards – healthier children, stronger families, and a more vibrant community – are well worth the effort. Let's breathe life back into Pattison, one breath at a time.