19115, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 19115, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.14 percent of the residents in 19115 has some form of health insurance. 40.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.58 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 19115 would have to travel an average of 2.26 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Holy Redeemer Hospital And Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 104,779 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 19115, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Breathing Easy in Bustleton: A Deep Dive into the Asthma Score of 19115

The crisp autumn air bites at your cheeks as you jog along the Pennypack Trail, the leaves crunching underfoot, the scent of damp earth and decaying foliage filling your lungs. You feel invigorated, alive. But for some residents of 19115, the simple act of breathing, of experiencing this vibrant season, can be a battle. Welcome to Bustleton, a vibrant corner of Northeast Philadelphia, and a community where we'll explore the intricate relationship between community health, asthma, and the very fabric of daily life.

Forget generic health reports. We're not just crunching numbers here. We're painting a picture, a living, breathing portrait of 19115, a ZIP code that encompasses a diverse tapestry of neighborhoods, from the tree-lined streets of Somerton to the bustling commercial corridors of Bustleton Avenue. And at the heart of our exploration lies the Asthma Score, a metric we’ll use to understand the prevalence and impact of this chronic respiratory illness within the community.

**Understanding the Breath of 19115: Demographics and the Lay of the Land**

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s get our bearings. 19115 is a mosaic of communities. You have the established, single-family homes of Somerton, where meticulously manicured lawns and quiet cul-de-sacs whisper of stability and tradition. Then there's the more diverse and energetic vibe of Bustleton itself, with its mix of housing options, from townhouses to apartment complexes, and a thriving commercial scene. Further east, you have the more rural feel of Byberry, where expansive properties and the promise of open space beckon.

The demographic makeup of 19115 is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It's a predominantly white community, but with a growing Asian population, particularly in the Somerton and Bustleton areas. The median household income is relatively high, reflecting the area's reputation for being a desirable place to live. However, pockets of socioeconomic disparity exist, and these disparities can directly impact health outcomes, including asthma rates.

Think of Mrs. Rodriguez, a single mother living in a smaller apartment complex off Bustleton Avenue. She works long hours at a local diner, and her son, Mateo, has asthma. His attacks are often triggered by dust mites, mold, and the fluctuating air quality. Her access to quality healthcare, healthy food options, and safe outdoor spaces is a critical factor in managing his condition.

**The Asthma Score: A Multifaceted Measure**

The Asthma Score isn't a single number. It's a composite score, a reflection of various factors that influence asthma prevalence and severity within the community. We'll consider these elements:

* **Prevalence Rates:** How many residents of 19115 are diagnosed with asthma? We’ll examine data from local hospitals, clinics, and public health records to get a sense of the scale of the problem. This data alone, however, doesn't tell the whole story.
* **Environmental Factors:** This is where things get interesting. We'll look at air quality data, focusing on levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, and other pollutants. Are there areas within 19115 that experience higher levels of pollution? Proximity to major roadways, industrial sites, and even the types of heating systems used in homes can contribute to poor air quality.
* **Housing Conditions:** The condition of housing is a major determinant of asthma triggers. We'll investigate the prevalence of mold, mildew, and pests in homes. Older homes, in particular, can harbor these allergens, exacerbating asthma symptoms. Consider the challenges faced by Mr. Chen, who lives in a historic house in Somerton. The charm of the architecture is offset by the potential for hidden mold and dust mites, requiring diligent maintenance and potentially costly remediation.
* **Access to Healthcare:** Do residents of 19115 have easy access to primary care physicians, specialists, and asthma educators? We'll assess the availability of healthcare facilities, insurance coverage rates, and the presence of community health centers that provide affordable care. Imagine the frustration of Ms. Patel, whose insurance doesn't cover specialized asthma treatments.
* **Socioeconomic Factors:** Poverty, lack of education, and food insecurity can all impact asthma outcomes. We'll analyze data on income levels, employment rates, and access to healthy food options. The stress of financial hardship can also worsen asthma symptoms.
* **Outdoor Recreation and Green Spaces:** The availability of parks, trails, and green spaces is crucial for promoting physical activity and mental well-being. We'll examine the accessibility and quality of outdoor recreational opportunities in 19115, including the Pennypack Trail, local parks, and community gardens.
* **Local Wellness Programs:** The presence and effectiveness of local wellness programs play a key role in community health. We'll explore programs that offer asthma education, support groups, and resources for managing the condition.

**Vignette Scenes: Breathing Life into the Data**

Let's step away from the abstract and meet some residents of 19115:

* **The Pennypack Trail Encounter:** Imagine a sunny Saturday morning. A young boy, Liam, is enjoying a bike ride on the Pennypack Trail with his dad. Liam has asthma, and his dad is always vigilant, checking the air quality app on his phone before they head out. Today, the air is relatively clean, and Liam is laughing, his face flushed with exertion and joy. The trail offers a vital respite, a space for physical activity and connection with nature.
* **The Bustleton Avenue Clinic:** Dr. Lee, a dedicated pediatrician at a local clinic, is seeing a steady stream of patients with asthma. She's not just prescribing medication; she's educating families about triggers, management strategies, and the importance of environmental control. She's also a fierce advocate for her patients, connecting them with resources and support networks.
* **The Somerton Community Garden:** A group of residents are tending to their plots in the community garden. They're growing fresh vegetables, learning about healthy eating, and building connections with their neighbors. For some, the garden is a source of fresh, affordable produce, a critical component of managing their asthma.
* **The Bustleton Library Asthma Workshop:** A free workshop is underway at the Bustleton Library. A certified asthma educator is teaching a group of parents about asthma triggers, medication management, and how to create a healthy home environment. This is a space for learning, support, and empowerment.

**Unpacking the Neighborhood Vibe: A Closer Look at Bustleton's Character**

19115, particularly Bustleton, has a distinct neighborhood vibe. It's a place where families put down roots, where community events are well-attended, and where neighbors look out for each other. The local schools are generally good, the crime rate is relatively low, and there's a strong sense of civic pride.

However, the area is not without its challenges. Traffic congestion can be heavy, particularly on Bustleton Avenue. The commercial corridors, while offering convenience, can also contribute to air pollution. The cost of living is relatively high, which can put a strain on families, potentially impacting their ability to access quality healthcare and healthy food options.

**Outdoor Recreation: A Breath of Fresh Air**

Fortunately, 19115 offers a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. The Pennypack Trail, a sprawling greenway that winds through the area, provides a haven for walking, biking, and enjoying nature. Local parks offer playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The presence of these green spaces is a significant asset, providing opportunities for physical activity and reducing stress, both of which can benefit asthma sufferers.

**Local Wellness Programs: Building a Healthier Community**

Several local wellness programs are working to improve community health in 19115. These programs offer asthma education, support groups, and resources for managing the condition. They often partner with local schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to reach residents in need. These initiatives are crucial for empowering individuals to take control of their health.

**The Asthma Score: A Call to Action**

By analyzing these factors, we can begin to formulate an Asthma Score for 19115. This score will not be a static number but a dynamic reflection of the community's health. It will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed.

The Asthma Score should serve as a call to action. It should prompt:

* **Increased awareness:** Educating residents about asthma triggers, management strategies, and available resources.
* **Environmental improvements:** Advocating for cleaner air, improved housing conditions, and the preservation of green spaces.
* **Enhanced access to healthcare:** Ensuring that all residents have access to quality, affordable healthcare, including asthma specialists and educators.
* **Community partnerships:** Fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and local government to address the root causes of asthma.

The goal isn't just to lower the Asthma Score. It's to create a healthier, more vibrant community where everyone can breathe easy, where the simple act of taking a deep breath is a source of joy, not a struggle. It's about ensuring that every resident of 19115, from the youngest child to the oldest senior, can fully experience the beauty and vitality of this unique corner of Philadelphia.