15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.42 percent of the residents in 15958 has some form of health insurance. 40.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.83 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 15958 would have to travel an average of 11.11 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 948 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania.

## Summerhill's Breath of Fresh Air: A Community Health Score for 15958

The wind whips off the Allegheny Mountains, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, a familiar aroma in Summerhill, Pennsylvania. This small borough, nestled in Cambria County, is more than just a dot on the map; it's a tapestry woven with threads of history, hard work, and a resilient spirit. But what about its breath? How healthy is the air, and more importantly, how healthy are the people who breathe it? This article delves into the community health landscape of ZIP code 15958, offering an “Asthma Score” assessment that considers factors beyond just air quality, painting a vivid picture of life in Summerhill and its pursuit of a healthier future.

**The Baseline: Understanding the Score**

Our "Asthma Score" isn't a formal medical metric. Instead, it’s a composite assessment, a way of understanding the community's health through the lens of asthma, a respiratory condition particularly sensitive to environmental and lifestyle factors. We'll examine:

* **Environmental Factors:** Air quality, proximity to industry, green spaces.
* **Socioeconomic Factors:** Poverty rates, access to healthcare, education levels.
* **Lifestyle Factors:** Physical activity, healthy food access, smoking rates.
* **Community Resources:** Local wellness programs, social support networks.

Each area will be assessed, contributing to an overall understanding of Summerhill's health profile. This is not a simple "good" or "bad" judgment; it's a nuanced exploration of strengths, challenges, and opportunities.

**Demographics: The People of Summerhill**

Before we dive into the details, let's meet the people. Summerhill is a tight-knit community, a place where generations often stay rooted. The 2020 census data reveals a population of around 450 residents. The population is predominantly white, with a smaller percentage of residents identifying as Black or African American. The median age leans towards the older side, reflecting a trend of younger generations seeking opportunities elsewhere. The median household income is lower than the national average, pointing to economic challenges that can impact health outcomes.

**Places to Live: Where Summerhill Residents Call Home**

Driving through Summerhill, the landscape is a mix of well-maintained homes and older structures, some with a history etched into their brick facades. The borough is compact, with residences clustered along Main Street and branching side streets. The majority of housing is single-family homes, reflecting the traditional American dream of homeownership.

* **The Heart of the Borough:** Main Street is the pulse of Summerhill, lined with homes, the local post office, and the volunteer fire department.
* **The Quiet Streets:** Side streets offer a sense of tranquility, with yards that often showcase meticulously kept gardens and the occasional swing set.
* **The Challenges:** Some older homes may present challenges, such as potential exposure to lead paint or inadequate insulation, which can impact respiratory health.

**Environmental Factors: Breathing Easy (or Not?)**

Summerhill's location in the Allegheny Mountains offers both advantages and disadvantages for air quality. The surrounding forests act as natural filters, cleansing the air. However, the borough's proximity to industrial areas, though not directly within the ZIP code, could potentially impact air quality.

* **The Good News:** The abundance of green spaces, including the nearby Gallitzin State Forest, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and helps to improve air quality.
* **The Potential Concerns:** While Summerhill itself doesn't have major industrial facilities, prevailing winds could carry pollutants from nearby areas. Monitoring air quality, although not readily available at a local level, would be crucial.
* **The Vignette:** Imagine a crisp autumn morning. The air is filled with the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke from the chimneys of homes. A child, bundled in a jacket, chases a soccer ball across a grassy field, their breath visible in the cool air. This scene represents the potential for healthy outdoor activity, but also highlights the need for vigilance regarding air quality.

**Socioeconomic Factors: The Foundation of Health**

Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in health outcomes. Lower income levels can limit access to quality healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing.

* **The Challenge:** The lower median household income in Summerhill presents a challenge. It can restrict access to preventative care, healthy food choices, and adequate housing maintenance.
* **The Opportunity:** The strong sense of community in Summerhill can act as a buffer. Neighbors often look out for each other, sharing resources and offering support.
* **The Vignette:** A single mother, working two jobs, walks her children home from school. She worries about affording healthy groceries and ensuring her children receive regular checkups. A neighbor, noticing her struggle, offers to share some fresh vegetables from her garden. This simple act of kindness underscores the importance of community support in overcoming socioeconomic barriers.

**Lifestyle Factors: Choices That Shape Health**

Lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and tobacco use, significantly impact respiratory health.

* **The Challenge:** Access to healthy food options might be limited in a small borough. Smoking rates, if higher than average, could exacerbate respiratory issues.
* **The Opportunity:** Summerhill offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking in the nearby forests and playing sports.
* **The Vignette:** A group of friends gathers at the local park. Some are playing basketball, others are taking a brisk walk, and still others are simply enjoying the sunshine. This scene highlights the importance of physical activity and the potential for a healthy lifestyle in Summerhill.

**Community Resources: The Pillars of Support**

A strong community provides resources and support that can improve health outcomes.

* **The Challenge:** The availability of specialized healthcare services and comprehensive wellness programs might be limited in a small borough.
* **The Opportunity:** The volunteer fire department, the local church, and the community center can serve as vital hubs for health information and support.
* **The Vignette:** The Summerhill Volunteer Fire Department holds a community health fair. Local healthcare providers offer free screenings, and volunteers provide information on healthy eating and exercise. This scene illustrates the community's commitment to promoting health and well-being.

**Local Wellness Programs: Breathing Life into Summerhill**

While specific, formal wellness programs might be limited, the community's inherent strengths offer opportunities for health initiatives.

* **The Potential:** Partnering with the local church or community center to offer health education workshops, promoting walking groups, and establishing community gardens could significantly improve health outcomes.
* **The Importance:** Engaging local residents in the design and implementation of these programs is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.
* **The Vignette:** A group of seniors gathers at the community center for a gentle exercise class led by a volunteer. They laugh, chat, and support each other, demonstrating the power of social connection in promoting health and well-being.

**Neighborhood Vibe: The Spirit of Summerhill**

The "neighborhood vibe" is difficult to quantify, but it's a critical factor in community health. A sense of belonging, social cohesion, and mutual support can buffer against stress and promote positive health behaviors.

* **The Strength:** Summerhill's tight-knit community fosters a strong sense of belonging. Neighbors know each other, look out for each other, and celebrate together.
* **The Opportunity:** Building on this existing social capital to promote health initiatives is a natural fit.
* **The Vignette:** A local resident organizes a community cleanup day. Neighbors of all ages work together to beautify their streets and parks, fostering a sense of pride and shared responsibility.

**Outdoor Recreation: Embracing the Outdoors**

The surrounding natural environment provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, which is crucial for both physical and mental health.

* **The Advantage:** The proximity to forests, trails, and parks encourages physical activity and provides a respite from the stresses of daily life.
* **The Challenge:** Ensuring access to safe and well-maintained recreational facilities is essential.
* **The Vignette:** A family hikes through the Gallitzin State Forest, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature. This scene highlights the importance of outdoor recreation in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

**The Asthma Score: A Holistic View**

Based on our assessment, Summerhill's "Asthma Score" is a complex one. While the borough benefits from its natural environment and strong community spirit, it faces challenges related to socioeconomic factors and potential air quality concerns.

* **Strengths:** Strong community bonds, access to outdoor recreation, and potential for community-led initiatives.
* **Challenges:** Lower median income, potential air quality concerns, and limited access to specialized healthcare services.
* **Opportunities:** Implementing community-based wellness programs, promoting healthy food choices, and advocating for improved air quality monitoring.

**The Future of Summerhill's Breath**

The future of Summerhill's health lies in its ability to leverage its strengths and address its challenges. By fostering a collaborative approach, the community can create a healthier environment for all its residents. This means:

* **Empowering residents:** Providing access to health education and resources.
* **Building partnerships:** Collaborating with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies.
* **Promoting healthy choices:** Encouraging physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco cessation.
* **Advocating for a healthy environment:** Supporting policies that improve air quality and protect green spaces.

Summerhill's journey towards a healthier future is not a sprint; it's a marathon. But with its resilient spirit and strong community bonds, the borough has the potential to breathe new life into its residents, ensuring that the air they breathe is as fresh and invigorating as the Allegheny Mountains that surround them. The "Asthma Score" is a starting point, a call to action, and a reminder that community health is everyone's responsibility.