The People Score for the Asthma Score in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 89.76 percent of the residents in 18837 has some form of health insurance. 35.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.70 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.
A resident in 18837 would have to travel an average of 12.21 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Robert Packer Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,664 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania
Asthma Score | 68 |
---|---|
People Score | 44 |
Provider Score | 97 |
Hospital Score | 35 |
Travel Score | 42 |
18837 | Rome | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Employer Insurance | 52.97 | 52.97 | 58.71 |
Direct Purchase Insurance | 16.62 | 16.62 | 14.80 |
Medicare | 19.35 | 19.35 | 19.53 |
Medicaid | 17.48 | 17.48 | 19.77 |
TRICARE | 2.65 | 2.65 | 1.43 |
VA | 56.22 | 56.22 | 51.92 |
Percent Insured in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania
Residents who need health insurance can purchase insurance at The U.S. government healthcare website.
18837 | Rome | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Under 19 | 89.60 | 89.60 | 95.41 |
Adults (19-64 years) | 86.89 | 86.89 | 92.43 |
Seniors (65+ years) | 100.00 | 100.00 | 99.56 |
## The Breath of Rome: Unpacking Asthma & Community Health in 18837
The air hangs thick with the scent of pine and damp earth in Rome, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18837). It’s a scent that, for many, evokes a sense of peace, a deep inhale of the Susquehanna Valley’s embrace. But for others, for the children with the racing heart and the adults struggling for a full breath, that same air can be a source of fear. This is Rome, a place where the beauty of nature and the challenges of community health, particularly asthma, intertwine.
This isn’t just a medical issue; it’s a community story, a narrative woven into the fabric of Rome's life. Understanding the prevalence of asthma in 18837 requires a deep dive, a look beyond the statistics, to the heart of the community.
**Demographics & the Lay of the Land: Knowing the Players**
Rome, nestled in Bradford County, is a small, rural community. The population, hovering around a few hundred, is a tapestry of generations. Families who have farmed the land for centuries, newcomers drawn by the quiet life, and a scattering of young professionals seeking a slower pace. The median age skews older, reflecting a trend seen in many rural areas. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills, vast farmlands, and the winding Susquehanna River, a visual feast that belies the potential health challenges lurking beneath the surface.
Knowing the demographics is crucial. A higher percentage of older adults, for instance, might mean a greater vulnerability to respiratory illnesses. The presence of young families, with their children more susceptible to asthma triggers, adds another layer of complexity. Understanding the socioeconomic makeup is equally important. Are there pockets of poverty? Limited access to healthcare? These factors can significantly impact asthma management and overall community health.
**The Houses We Call Home: Where the Air Begins**
Imagine a crisp autumn morning. The sun casts long shadows across the meticulously kept lawns of the older homes on Main Street. These houses, with their gingerbread trim and wraparound porches, often hold the ghosts of generations past. Some are well-maintained, lovingly restored, while others show the wear and tear of time, potentially harboring hidden asthma triggers.
Dust mites, mold, and pet dander are silent adversaries, lurking in carpets, upholstery, and poorly ventilated spaces. Old houses, while charming, can sometimes trap these allergens, exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Then there are the newer developments, the ranch-style homes dotting the outskirts of town. These often boast more modern construction, potentially offering better insulation and air filtration. But even these can be vulnerable. The use of certain building materials, the presence of attached garages (with potential for car exhaust to seep into the living space), and the proximity to outdoor allergens like pollen can all contribute to asthma triggers.
The very structure of our homes, the air we breathe within them, plays a significant role in our health.
**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Relationships**
Rome isn't just a collection of houses; it's a community. The local general store, with its creaking floorboards and friendly banter, is a central hub. The volunteer fire department, the heart of community resilience, responds to emergencies, including those related to respiratory distress. The church, a place of solace and social connection, often hosts community events.
This tight-knit atmosphere can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to health. On the one hand, neighbors look out for each other. They share information, offer support, and provide a safety net for those struggling with chronic illnesses like asthma. They know the telltale signs of a flare-up, the anxious faces, the labored breathing.
On the other hand, the close proximity can also mean the rapid spread of respiratory infections, a common trigger for asthma exacerbations. The shared spaces, the potlucks, the school events – all can become potential breeding grounds for illness.
**The Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**
While Rome might be small, the seeds of change are taking root. The local health clinic, perhaps a satellite of a larger regional hospital, likely offers basic asthma management services. They might provide education on inhaler use, trigger avoidance, and emergency action plans.
Imagine a community health worker, a friendly face known throughout the town, conducting home visits. They might assess the home environment for asthma triggers, offer practical advice, and connect families with resources. They might also organize educational workshops at the community center, teaching children and adults about asthma management and healthy living.
Perhaps a local pharmacist, a trusted source of information, is actively involved in patient education, ensuring that medications are taken correctly and that patients understand their treatment plans.
These local initiatives, however small, are crucial. They are the frontline defense against asthma, the bridge between medical knowledge and community action.
**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Deep, But with Caution**
The beauty of Rome is undeniable. The rolling hills, the clear skies, the vast open spaces – all beckon to be explored. Hiking trails wind through the forests, offering breathtaking views of the Susquehanna Valley. The river is a haven for fishing and kayaking.
But for those with asthma, the great outdoors can present challenges. Pollen, a common allergen, can trigger asthma symptoms during certain seasons. Air pollution from nearby agricultural activities or seasonal burning can also exacerbate the condition.
This is where education and awareness are paramount. Local health programs might offer guidance on safe outdoor activities, suggesting the best times to exercise, advising on the use of inhalers before exertion, and providing information on pollen counts and air quality alerts.
Imagine a group of children, participating in a guided nature walk, learning about the local flora and fauna, but also learning about the importance of managing their asthma in the outdoors. They might carry their inhalers with them, knowing how to use them if needed, and understanding the importance of listening to their bodies.
**The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Individual**
Asthma in Rome isn't just about individual health; it's about the health of the entire community. When children miss school due to asthma flare-ups, it affects their education and social development. When adults are unable to work, it impacts their families and the local economy.
Addressing asthma requires a multi-pronged approach, one that involves healthcare providers, community leaders, educators, and individuals. It requires a shift in mindset, a recognition that community health is everyone's responsibility.
**The Future of Breath: A Call to Action**
What can be done to improve the lives of those with asthma in 18837?
* **Enhanced Education:** Expanding asthma education programs in schools, community centers, and healthcare settings. This includes teaching children and adults about asthma triggers, proper medication use, and emergency action plans.
* **Home Assessments:** Providing home assessments to identify and mitigate asthma triggers. This could involve identifying mold, dust mites, and other allergens.
* **Air Quality Monitoring:** Implementing a local air quality monitoring system to provide real-time information on pollen counts, air pollution, and other environmental factors that can trigger asthma.
* **Collaboration:** Fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government to develop and implement comprehensive asthma management programs.
* **Advocacy:** Raising awareness about asthma and advocating for policies that support community health, such as improved air quality regulations and access to affordable healthcare.
* **Promoting Healthy Lifestyles:** Encouraging healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and smoking cessation programs.
The journey to improving community health in Rome is ongoing. It requires a commitment to collaboration, a willingness to learn, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that this rural community faces.
The air in Rome holds the promise of both beauty and challenge. By working together, by understanding the complexities of asthma and community health, the residents of 18837 can breathe easier, knowing that they are building a healthier future, one breath at a time. The scent of pine and damp earth can become a symbol of vitality, of a community thriving, of a place where everyone can breathe freely.
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