19133, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 19133, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 2 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.43 percent of the residents in 19133 has some form of health insurance. 70.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 23.96 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 19133 would have to travel an average of 1.25 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Temple University Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 102,605 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 19133, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Breathing Easy in 19133: A Community Health Scorecard

The air hangs thick, a humid Philadelphia summer day pressing down on the rowhomes of 19133. The scent of sizzling onions and peppers from a corner deli mixes with the faint, metallic tang of the nearby train tracks. This is Kensington, this is Fairhill, this is the heart of 19133, and this is where we assess the community health landscape. Forget sterile statistics and impersonal reports. We’re diving deep into the lived experience, the vibrant pulse of this community, to understand the asthma score – not just a medical metric, but a reflection of the very air the residents breathe and the lives they lead.

**Demographics: A Tapestry Woven with Resilience**

19133 is a neighborhood of stories. Stories etched onto the faces of long-time residents, spoken in the rapid-fire Spanish of newer arrivals, and whispered in the quiet determination of those striving for a better future. The demographic makeup is a complex tapestry, primarily Hispanic/Latino, with a significant Puerto Rican population, and a growing influx of young families and individuals seeking affordable housing. This diversity is a strength, a vibrant cultural mosaic that fuels the neighborhood's energy. But it also presents unique challenges when it comes to community health.

Imagine Maria, pushing a stroller down the sidewalk, the rhythmic click-clack of her abuela's rosary beads echoing from the porch. Her son, Mateo, has asthma. She worries constantly about the air quality, the triggers that could send him into a coughing fit. She knows the drill: the inhaler, the nebulizer, the trips to the clinic. But she also knows the power of community, the shared experience of raising children in a neighborhood where resources are often stretched thin.

The median household income in 19133 paints a stark picture. Poverty is a persistent shadow, casting its pall over access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe housing. This economic vulnerability is a significant factor in the asthma score. Overcrowding, substandard housing with mold and pests, and limited access to preventative care all contribute to the prevalence of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

**Places to Live: Homes and Havens**

The rowhomes of 19133 are the backbone of the community. Brick facades, often adorned with vibrant murals depicting local heroes and cultural pride, line the streets. But beneath the surface, the age of these homes and the quality of their maintenance are critical factors in the asthma score. Leaky roofs, poor ventilation, and the presence of allergens like dust mites and cockroaches can exacerbate respiratory conditions.

Consider the apartment building on the corner of Somerset and Ruth. Its crumbling facade hides a network of families, each striving to create a safe and healthy environment for their children. The building manager, a kind-faced woman named Mrs. Rodriguez, is constantly battling leaks, pest infestations, and the challenges of maintaining a building that has seen better days. She knows the health struggles of her tenants intimately, the wheezing coughs, the sleepless nights, the constant worry.

Beyond the immediate living spaces, the availability of safe and affordable housing is crucial. The scarcity of affordable options often forces families into substandard conditions, further impacting the asthma score. The constant pressure to find a place to live, to keep a roof over their heads, can be a significant source of stress, a factor that also contributes to poor health outcomes.

**Neighborhood Vibe: Resilience and Resourcefulness**

The neighborhood vibe of 19133 is a complex blend of resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep-seated sense of community. The streets are alive with activity: children playing hopscotch, vendors selling fresh produce, the aroma of cooking wafting from open windows. This vibrancy is a testament to the spirit of the residents, their determination to create a thriving community despite the challenges they face.

The corner store, a hub of social interaction, is more than just a place to buy groceries. It’s a place to catch up on the news, share a laugh, and offer support to neighbors. The local churches and community centers serve as vital anchors, providing social services, educational programs, and a sense of belonging.

But the neighborhood vibe is also shaped by the realities of poverty and systemic inequities. The lack of green spaces, the prevalence of vacant lots, and the constant exposure to environmental hazards can take a toll. The constant worry about safety, the presence of drug-related activity, and the lack of economic opportunities can create a climate of stress and anxiety, which can further exacerbate asthma symptoms.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Room and Green Spaces**

The availability of outdoor recreation opportunities is a critical component of the asthma score. Green spaces, parks, and playgrounds provide essential breathing room, offering respite from the urban environment and promoting physical activity. In 19133, these spaces are often limited.

Imagine the children of 19133, yearning for a place to run and play. The small, often neglected, pocket parks offer a glimmer of hope, but they are often overcrowded and lack the resources needed to maintain them properly. The lack of dedicated bike lanes and safe walking routes limits opportunities for exercise and outdoor exploration.

The presence of vacant lots, while sometimes used for informal recreation, can also pose a health risk. They can become dumping grounds for trash and debris, contributing to air pollution and creating breeding grounds for pests. The transformation of these vacant lots into community gardens and green spaces is a crucial step in improving the asthma score and enhancing the overall health of the community.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

Despite the challenges, 19133 is home to a growing number of local wellness programs that are working to improve community health. These programs are the seeds of change, offering vital resources and support to residents.

The local health clinic, a beacon of hope, provides essential medical care, including asthma management and education. They offer asthma education classes, teaching families how to identify triggers, manage symptoms, and navigate the healthcare system. They also provide free inhalers and nebulizers to those in need.

The community centers offer a range of programs, from after-school tutoring to exercise classes. They host farmers' markets, providing access to fresh, healthy produce. They also organize community clean-up days, working to improve the environment and create a sense of pride in the neighborhood.

Consider the work of the local non-profit organization that is running a summer camp for children with asthma. The camp provides a safe and supportive environment where children can learn about their condition, participate in outdoor activities, and connect with other children who understand their struggles.

These programs are making a difference, but they are often underfunded and understaffed. Increased investment in these initiatives is crucial to improving the asthma score and creating a healthier community.

**A Community Health Score: More Than Numbers**

The asthma score in 19133 is not just a number. It's a reflection of the complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors that shape the health of the community. It's a story of resilience, a story of struggle, and a story of hope.

The challenges are significant: poverty, substandard housing, limited access to healthcare, and environmental hazards. But the community is not defined by these challenges. It is defined by its people, their strength, their determination, and their unwavering commitment to creating a better future for their children.

To improve the asthma score, we must address the root causes of the problem. We must invest in affordable housing, improve air quality, expand access to healthcare, and create more green spaces. We must support local wellness programs and empower the community to advocate for its own health.

The journey to a healthier 19133 will not be easy. But with a collaborative effort, with a commitment to equity, and with a deep understanding of the lived experience of the residents, we can breathe easier. We can create a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive, where the air is clean, and where the future is bright. The asthma score is a call to action, a reminder that community health is not just a medical issue, it's a matter of justice, a matter of love, and a matter of breathing easy together.