38034, Friendship, Tennessee Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 38034, Friendship, Tennessee is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.39 percent of the residents in 38034 has some form of health insurance. 44.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.33 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 38034 would have to travel an average of 11.77 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Dyersburg Regional Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 608 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 38034, Friendship, Tennessee.

## Breathe Easy, Friendship: A Community Health Score for 38034

The air hums a particular song in Friendship, Tennessee. It’s a song of tractors, cicadas, and the low rumble of conversation drifting from porches. But for some, that song can be a struggle. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, can steal the joy of a deep breath, turning a simple walk in the crisp autumn air into a battle. This isn't just a medical issue; it's a community issue, a reflection of the very fabric of life in 38034. So, how healthy is Friendship, specifically when it comes to asthma? Let's take a deep dive.

**Understanding the Score: A Community Health Compass**

This isn't a clinical diagnosis, but a community health score, a snapshot of the factors that influence respiratory health in Friendship. We'll consider demographics, housing, access to care, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It’s a complex equation, a dance between individual choices and community resources.

**The Demographics Dance: Who Calls Friendship Home?**

Friendship is a small town, a place where everyone seems to know everyone else. The 2023 census data paints a picture of a close-knit community. The population skews older, with a significant percentage of residents over 65. This aging population brings with it a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, including asthma.

The racial makeup is predominantly White, with a smaller Black population. Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role. While the cost of living is generally lower than the national average, pockets of poverty exist, impacting access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing – all crucial factors in asthma management.

**Vignette 1: The Porch Swing and the Wheeze**

Picture Mrs. Gable, a lifelong resident, sitting on her porch swing, the rhythm of the creaking wood a familiar comfort. The scent of honeysuckle hangs heavy in the air, a sweet perfume she usually relishes. But today, the air feels different. A tightness in her chest, a familiar wheeze, signals an asthma flare-up. She reaches for her inhaler, the familiar metallic taste a reminder of the daily battle. Her porch, a symbol of community and connection, becomes a place of isolation during these episodes.

**The Housing Landscape: Homes and Hazards**

Housing conditions are a critical piece of the puzzle. Older homes, common in Friendship, can harbor triggers like mold, dust mites, and pests. Poor ventilation, leaky roofs, and inadequate insulation can exacerbate these problems, creating an indoor environment that’s hostile to respiratory health.

The presence of wood-burning stoves, while offering warmth and a nostalgic charm, can also contribute to poor air quality, particularly during the colder months. Proximity to agricultural activities, with potential exposure to pesticides and dust from farming operations, adds another layer of complexity.

**Vignette 2: The Dusty Attic and the Hidden Threat**

Young Thomas, a spirited boy with a love for exploring, often ventures into the dusty attic of his family’s old farmhouse. Sunlight streams through cracks in the roof, illuminating swirling dust motes. He’s oblivious to the hidden dangers: mold spores clinging to forgotten treasures, pet dander from years of accumulated memories. He comes down from the attic, breathless, his small chest tightening, a familiar cough beginning. His mother knows the drill, the routine of medication and worry.

**Access to Care: The Lifeline of Health**

Access to quality healthcare is paramount. While Friendship has a small clinic, access to specialized asthma care, like pulmonologists and allergy specialists, often requires travel to larger cities like Jackson or Dyersburg. This can pose a significant barrier for those without reliable transportation or the financial resources to cover travel costs.

The availability of affordable medications and insurance coverage is equally crucial. The cost of inhalers, nebulizers, and other asthma-related supplies can be a significant burden, especially for those with limited incomes.

**Vignette 3: The Pharmacy Run and the Financial Strain**

Mr. Henderson, a retired farmer, carefully counts his remaining pills. His medication is essential, keeping his asthma under control, allowing him to enjoy his grandchildren's visits. But the prescription refills are expensive, eating into his fixed income. He drives to the pharmacy in Jackson, the drive a necessary expense, the cost of medication a constant worry.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Friendship: Breathing Room for Wellness**

Friendship offers both challenges and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. The rural setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, but access to these opportunities can be uneven.

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

The rolling hills and open fields of Friendship beckon. Hiking, biking, and simply enjoying the fresh air are readily available. However, the presence of allergens, like pollen from various plants, can trigger asthma symptoms.

**Vignette 4: The Hayride and the Hidden Trigger**

The annual fall hayride is a cherished tradition. Children, bundled in sweaters, laugh as the tractor rumbles through the fields. Little Emily, however, sits a little apart, her inhaler close at hand. The hay, the dust, the pollen – all potential triggers. She loves the feeling of the wind in her hair, but the risk of a flare-up is a constant concern.

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

The community's response to health needs is crucial. The presence of local wellness programs, even small ones, can make a significant difference. These programs can offer asthma education, support groups, and resources for managing the condition.

**Neighborhood Vibe: The Social Fabric of Support**

The sense of community in Friendship is a powerful asset. Neighbors helping neighbors, sharing information, and offering support can create a safety net for those managing chronic conditions.

**Vignette 5: The Community Garden and the Shared Knowledge**

The community garden, a vibrant patch of green, is a testament to the spirit of Friendship. Neighbors gather to plant, tend, and harvest, sharing not only vegetables but also knowledge. Mrs. Davis, a retired nurse, leads a small group, offering tips on asthma management, sharing recipes for healthy meals, and providing a listening ear.

**Environmental Factors: The Invisible Threats**

The environmental factors in Friendship, like air quality and the presence of allergens, play a role in asthma prevalence. The impact of agricultural practices, such as pesticide use and dust from farming operations, needs careful consideration.

**The Scorecard: A Holistic Assessment**

Based on these factors, we can begin to construct a community health score for asthma in Friendship, 38034.

* **Demographics:** The aging population and potential socioeconomic disparities increase the risk.
* **Housing:** Older housing stock and potential environmental hazards (mold, dust mites) are a concern.
* **Access to Care:** Limited access to specialized care and potential financial barriers to medication are challenges.
* **Healthy Lifestyle:** Opportunities for outdoor recreation are present, but allergen exposure is a factor. The community's strong social fabric is a significant asset.
* **Environmental Factors:** Agricultural practices may impact air quality and allergen exposure.

**Overall, the community health score for asthma in Friendship, 38034, is moderate.** There are significant challenges, but also strengths that can be leveraged to improve respiratory health.

**Recommendations: Breathing Room for the Future**

* **Strengthen Access to Care:** Advocate for increased access to specialized asthma care, including telemedicine options. Partner with local pharmacies to ensure affordable medication options.
* **Improve Housing Conditions:** Promote home repair programs and resources to address mold, dust mites, and other indoor triggers.
* **Promote Healthy Lifestyles:** Encourage asthma education and support groups. Develop community-based outdoor recreation programs that consider allergen exposure.
* **Address Environmental Factors:** Work with local farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices that minimize air pollution and allergen exposure.
* **Foster Community Engagement:** Encourage community-wide awareness campaigns about asthma. Support local wellness programs and community gardens.

**The Final Breath: A Call to Action**

Friendship, Tennessee, is a community with a heart. By understanding the challenges and leveraging the strengths, the residents of 38034 can work together to create a healthier environment for everyone. It’s about more than just managing asthma; it’s about fostering a community where everyone can breathe easy, where the song of Friendship is a melody of health and well-being, not a struggle for breath. The journey to better respiratory health in Friendship is a shared responsibility, a testament to the power of community, and a breath of fresh air for the future.