43777, Roseville, Ohio Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 43777, Roseville, Ohio is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.40 percent of the residents in 43777 has some form of health insurance. 45.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.43 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 43777 would have to travel an average of 11.51 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Genesis Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 393 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 43777, Roseville, Ohio.

## The Breath of Roseville: Scoring Community Health in 43777

The air hangs thick and humid over Roseville, Ohio, a town sculpted by the Muskingum River and the rolling hills of Perry County. It’s a place where the echoes of pottery kilns still seem to hum, a place where neighbors wave from porches and the scent of freshly cut grass mingles with the faint tang of coal dust. But beneath the surface charm, a critical question lingers: How healthy is Roseville? How well is the community breathing? We’re here to take a deep breath ourselves and assess the community health of ZIP Code 43777. We'll use an "Asthma Score" framework – not to diagnose asthma itself, but to gauge the overall respiratory health of the community, reflecting factors that impact air quality, access to care, and lifestyle choices.

**The Baseline: Demographics and the Lay of the Land**

Roseville, population hovering around 700, is a tight-knit community. The median age skews older, reflecting a trend of young people seeking opportunities elsewhere. The vast majority of residents identify as white, with a small but growing Hispanic/Latino population. Income levels are modest, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. This economic reality is a critical factor in our "Asthma Score," as financial constraints often limit access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing.

The physical landscape of Roseville is a double-edged sword. The beauty of the surrounding hills and the proximity to the Muskingum River offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, the legacy of coal mining casts a long shadow. Abandoned mines, while offering unique geological formations and potential for exploration, can also contribute to environmental hazards, including poor air quality.

**The "Asthma Score" Framework: A Deeper Dive**

Our "Asthma Score" will consider several key areas, each contributing to the overall respiratory health of the community:

* **Air Quality:** This is the foundation. We'll assess factors like proximity to industrial sites (even those long dormant), vehicle traffic, and the prevalence of wood-burning stoves.
* **Access to Healthcare:** Can residents easily access primary care physicians, specialists, and asthma-specific treatments? We'll look at the availability of clinics, insurance coverage rates, and the presence of transportation barriers.
* **Environmental Factors:** This encompasses everything from housing conditions (mold, pests) to the presence of allergens in the environment (pollen, dust mites).
* **Lifestyle Factors:** Diet, exercise, smoking rates, and exposure to secondhand smoke all play a role.
* **Community Resources:** The availability of wellness programs, parks, and recreational opportunities.

**Scene 1: The Porch Swing and the Whispers of the Wind**

The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the porch of Mrs. Eleanor's house on Main Street. Her porch swing, a weathered testament to countless summer days, creaks rhythmically. Eleanor, a lifelong Roseville resident, watches children playing in the street. She recalls a time when the air was thick with coal dust, a constant reminder of the town's industrial past. Now, the air feels cleaner, but she worries about the lingering effects, the invisible particles that might still affect her grandchildren's lungs. She remembers her late husband, a coal miner, whose breathing became labored in his later years. This is a stark reminder of the legacy of the past and the need for proactive measures to protect the community's respiratory health.

**Air Quality: A Mixed Bag**

Roseville's air quality is a complex issue. The closure of the coal mines has significantly reduced particulate matter in the air. However, the town's location in a valley can trap pollutants, especially on still days. The presence of older homes, some with outdated heating systems, contributes to indoor air quality concerns. The use of wood-burning stoves, while offering a cost-effective heating option, can also release harmful pollutants into the air.

**Scene 2: The Clinic on the Corner and the Quest for Care**

The Perry County Health Department, a beacon of community health, sits on the edge of town. A young mother, Sarah, sits in the waiting room with her toddler, Liam. Liam has been wheezing, a familiar sound in their home. Sarah works two jobs to make ends meet, and navigating the healthcare system is a constant struggle. The nearest pediatrician is a drive away, and insurance coverage is a hurdle. This scene highlights the critical importance of accessible and affordable healthcare.

**Access to Healthcare: A Critical Need**

Roseville faces challenges in healthcare access. The town has limited medical facilities, and residents often rely on clinics and hospitals in nearby Zanesville or New Lexington. Transportation can be a barrier, especially for those without reliable vehicles. Insurance coverage rates are a concern, and the cost of prescription medications can be prohibitive. The availability of asthma-specific specialists is limited, requiring patients to travel for specialized care.

**Scene 3: The Park and the Promise of Fresh Air**

The Roseville Community Park, a green oasis in the heart of town, offers a welcome respite. Children chase each other across the grass, their laughter echoing through the trees. The park provides a valuable space for outdoor recreation, a crucial element in promoting a healthy lifestyle. But even here, concerns linger. The park's proximity to a busy road raises questions about air pollution, and the presence of certain allergens in the environment can trigger asthma symptoms.

**Environmental Factors: A Complex Web**

Housing conditions in Roseville vary. Older homes may have issues with mold, pests, and inadequate ventilation, all of which can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The presence of allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, is another concern. The town's proximity to agricultural land can also expose residents to pesticides and other environmental hazards.

**Scene 4: The Farmer's Market and the Seeds of Change**

A small farmer's market, held on a Saturday morning, bustles with activity. Local farmers offer fresh produce, a vital step towards promoting healthy eating habits. The market is a testament to the community's growing interest in wellness. But the availability of healthy food options is not always consistent, and the cost of fresh produce can be a barrier for low-income families.

**Lifestyle Factors: A Call to Action**

Smoking rates, while decreasing nationally, remain a concern in many rural communities. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a significant trigger for asthma. Diet and exercise are also critical factors. The prevalence of processed foods and limited access to recreational facilities can contribute to unhealthy lifestyles.

**Scene 5: The Community Center and the Power of Connection**

The Roseville Community Center, a hub of activity, offers a range of programs, including exercise classes, youth activities, and health education workshops. The center plays a crucial role in promoting community health. But the availability of resources is limited, and the center relies heavily on volunteers and grants.

**Community Resources: A Foundation for Health**

Roseville boasts a number of community resources, including the community center, the Perry County Health Department, and various local churches. These organizations offer a range of programs, including health education, exercise classes, and support groups. However, the availability of resources is limited, and funding is often a challenge.

**The "Asthma Score" – A Preliminary Assessment**

Based on our assessment, Roseville's "Asthma Score" is a mixed bag. While the closure of the mines has improved air quality, challenges remain in healthcare access, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.

* **Air Quality:** Moderate (Improvements, but lingering concerns)
* **Access to Healthcare:** Fair (Limited access, transportation barriers)
* **Environmental Factors:** Fair (Housing conditions, allergens)
* **Lifestyle Factors:** Fair (Smoking rates, diet, exercise)
* **Community Resources:** Good (Community center, health department)

**Overall: A Cautious Optimism**

Roseville has the potential to improve its "Asthma Score." By addressing the challenges in healthcare access, promoting healthy lifestyles, and investing in community resources, the town can create a healthier environment for its residents.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Expand Healthcare Access:** Advocate for increased funding for local clinics, mobile health units, and telehealth services. Explore partnerships with healthcare providers in nearby cities.
* **Promote Healthy Lifestyles:** Support the farmer's market, create more recreational opportunities, and launch public awareness campaigns on the dangers of smoking and the benefits of healthy eating and exercise.
* **Improve Environmental Conditions:** Provide resources for home inspections and mold remediation. Advocate for stricter regulations on wood-burning stoves.
* **Strengthen Community Resources:** Increase funding for the community center and other local organizations. Encourage volunteerism and community involvement.
* **Foster Collaboration:** Encourage collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents to develop and implement comprehensive health initiatives.

Roseville, like the resilient trees that cling to the hillsides, has the strength to weather challenges. By focusing on community health, by breathing life into its resources, and by working together, Roseville can ensure that its residents can breathe easy, today and for generations to come. The future of Roseville's respiratory health, and indeed its overall health, depends on the actions taken today. The air, and the health of the community, is worth fighting for.