39666, Summit, Mississippi Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 39666, Summit, Mississippi is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.96 percent of the residents in 39666 has some form of health insurance. 40.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.09 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 39666 would have to travel an average of 3.18 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Southwest Ms Regional Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 875 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 39666, Summit, Mississippi.

## The Breath of Summit: Unpacking the Asthma Score in 39666

The air in Summit, Mississippi, hums with a particular energy. It’s the energy of a small town, a place where generations intertwine, where the scent of magnolia blossoms mingles with the faint, sweet smoke from a backyard grill. But beneath the surface, a different kind of energy exists, a less visible current: the persistent challenge of community health, particularly the impact of asthma. In ZIP code 39666, we're not just talking about a statistic; we're talking about the lived experiences of neighbors, the health of our children, and the very fabric of our community. Let's dive deep into the breath of Summit and explore what shapes its asthma score.

**The Lay of the Land: Demographics and the Pulse of the Community**

Summit, a town nestled in Pike County, is a tapestry woven with threads of history, resilience, and a deep sense of place. The demographics tell a story, a starting point for understanding the health landscape. The population, hovering around a few thousand, is predominantly African American, with a significant presence of families who have called Summit home for generations. This demographic profile is crucial. Studies consistently show that African American communities experience a disproportionately higher burden of asthma. This disparity is often linked to a complex interplay of factors: socioeconomic disparities, environmental exposures, and access to quality healthcare.

Imagine the porch of Ms. Evelyn’s house on East Railroad Avenue. It's a warm afternoon, the cicadas are buzzing their relentless song, and the scent of her famous sweet potato pie drifts from the open screen door. Ms. Evelyn, a pillar of the community, has seen it all. She remembers a time when the air felt cleaner, before the subtle, insidious creep of environmental factors began to impact the health of her neighbors. She’s seen children struggle to breathe, their faces etched with the fear of an asthma attack. Her observations, her lived experience, are invaluable pieces of the puzzle.

The median household income in 39666 is a crucial indicator. Lower incomes often translate to less access to quality housing, healthcare, and nutritious food – all factors that can exacerbate asthma. Picture the homes along Martin Luther King Drive. Some are well-maintained, their lawns neatly trimmed. Others show the wear and tear of time, the paint peeling, the windows needing repair. These conditions can contribute to indoor air quality issues, triggering asthma attacks. Mold, dust mites, and pests can thrive in older homes, creating a constant assault on the respiratory systems of vulnerable residents.

**The Houses We Call Home: Places to Live and Their Impact**

The type and condition of housing in Summit are inextricably linked to the asthma score. The age of a home, the presence of dampness, and the quality of ventilation all play a role. Older homes, particularly those built before modern building codes, may contain lead-based paint or asbestos, further compounding respiratory issues.

Consider the quiet streets of the residential areas off of Highway 51. The houses are close-knit, the yards are often small, and the sense of community is palpable. But the proximity of homes can also mean a greater concentration of potential asthma triggers. The scent of wood smoke from fireplaces, the fumes from lawnmowers, the pollen from nearby trees – these elements can all contribute to poor air quality and trigger asthma attacks, especially during peak allergy seasons.

Conversely, newer housing developments, while potentially offering better air quality, might also be located in areas with less access to green spaces or recreational opportunities. This can limit opportunities for physical activity, a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle and asthma management.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Community's Heartbeat**

The "vibe" of a neighborhood is more than just aesthetics; it’s the intangible feeling of connection, safety, and belonging. In Summit, this vibe is strong, rooted in a history of resilience and mutual support. But even a close-knit community faces challenges.

Think about the annual Juneteenth celebration in the town square. It's a vibrant display of community pride, a time for families to gather, share food, and celebrate their heritage. But large gatherings can also expose individuals to increased levels of allergens and pollutants, potentially triggering asthma symptoms.

The presence of local businesses, the availability of public transportation, and the accessibility of parks and recreation facilities all contribute to the neighborhood vibe and, by extension, the community's health. The presence of a well-stocked grocery store, for example, makes it easier for residents to access fresh, healthy food, a cornerstone of asthma management.

**Breathing Easier: Local Wellness Programs and Resources**

The good news is that Summit is not alone in facing these challenges. A growing number of community health initiatives are working to improve the asthma score and promote overall well-being.

Imagine the community center on Main Street. It’s a hub of activity, offering a variety of programs aimed at improving health outcomes. The center might host asthma education workshops, teaching residents about triggers, medications, and self-management techniques. They might partner with local healthcare providers to offer free asthma screenings and vaccinations.

Local churches often play a vital role in disseminating health information and providing support to families affected by asthma. They might host health fairs, offer transportation to medical appointments, or simply provide a listening ear and a helping hand.

The Pike County Health Department is another critical resource. They provide a range of services, including asthma management programs, environmental health inspections, and access to affordable healthcare. Their work is essential in identifying and addressing environmental hazards, educating residents about asthma triggers, and ensuring that individuals with asthma have access to the care they need.

**Embracing the Outdoors: Outdoor Recreation and Healthy Lifestyles**

Despite the challenges, Summit offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and a healthy lifestyle. The key is to balance the benefits of outdoor activity with the awareness of potential asthma triggers.

Picture the children playing at the local park, their laughter echoing through the trees. Parks and green spaces are essential for physical activity and mental well-being. But they can also be sources of allergens, such as pollen and mold. The key is to be mindful of the environment and take precautions, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons or using prescribed asthma medications before engaging in strenuous activities.

The nearby Percy Quin State Park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. These activities can be beneficial for overall health, but individuals with asthma need to be aware of potential triggers, such as allergens and air pollution.

**The Future of Breath: A Call to Action**

The asthma score in 39666 is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's health and well-being. Improving the score requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the complex interplay of factors that contribute to asthma.

This means:

* **Investing in Affordable Housing:** Ensuring that all residents have access to safe, healthy housing that minimizes asthma triggers.
* **Strengthening Healthcare Access:** Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including asthma specialists, medications, and educational resources.
* **Promoting Environmental Justice:** Addressing environmental hazards, such as air pollution and exposure to allergens, that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
* **Supporting Community-Based Programs:** Investing in local wellness programs that provide asthma education, self-management training, and access to resources.
* **Fostering a Culture of Health:** Promoting healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, nutritious eating, and stress management, to improve overall well-being.
* **Empowering the Community:** Engaging residents in the process of identifying and addressing health challenges, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the unique needs of the community.

The breath of Summit is a shared responsibility. It's a call to action for residents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers to work together to create a healthier, more vibrant community for all. The future of Summit depends on our collective commitment to breathing easier, together. It's a future where Ms. Evelyn can watch her grandchildren play without fear, where the air is clean, and where every child has the opportunity to live a full and healthy life.