The People Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15037, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.80 percent of the residents in 15037 has some form of health insurance. 39.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.75 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.
A resident in 15037 would have to travel an average of 5.79 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Jefferson Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,921 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 15037, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15037, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
Breast Cancer Score | 80 |
---|---|
People Score | 54 |
Provider Score | 95 |
Hospital Score | 27 |
Travel Score | 63 |
15037 | Elizabeth | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Employer Insurance | 64.08 | 64.08 | 58.71 |
Direct Purchase Insurance | 13.60 | 13.60 | 14.80 |
Medicare | 25.42 | 25.42 | 19.53 |
Medicaid | 17.25 | 17.25 | 19.77 |
TRICARE | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.43 |
VA | 51.68 | 51.68 | 51.92 |
Percent Insured in 15037, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
Residents who need health insurance can purchase insurance at The U.S. government healthcare website.
15037 | Elizabeth | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Under 19 | 97.57 | 97.57 | 95.41 |
Adults (19-64 years) | 93.70 | 93.70 | 92.43 |
Seniors (65+ years) | 100.00 | 100.00 | 99.56 |
## The Elizabeth Edge: Unveiling the Breast Cancer Score and Championing Community Health in 15037
The Monongahela River, a steel-grey ribbon, snakes its way past Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, a borough etched into the rolling hills of Allegheny County. The air, sometimes carrying the scent of industry, other times the sweet promise of spring, hangs heavy with the stories of generations. Here, in the heart of 15037, community health isn't just a statistic; it's a lived experience, a tapestry woven from resilience, resourcefulness, and the unwavering spirit of its people. And it's under the watchful eye of the Breast Cancer Score, a metric that, while not explicitly calculated, serves as a potent reminder of the importance of proactive health measures and the interconnectedness of individual well-being and community vitality.
Let's be clear: the Breast Cancer Score isn't a formal, published number. It's a conceptual framework, a way to understand the factors that contribute to breast cancer risk within a community. It considers everything from access to preventative care and healthy food to environmental factors and socioeconomic realities. In Elizabeth, the score is a fluctuating entity, constantly being shaped by the actions and choices of its residents.
**The Demographics: A Portrait of Resilience**
Elizabeth's population, a little over 2,000 souls, is a microcosm of the American experience. Generations of families have built their lives here, their roots running deep in the soil of this once-booming industrial town. The median age hovers around 45, reflecting a community that values stability and tradition. The racial makeup is predominantly white, with a small but growing representation of other ethnicities. The income levels, however, paint a more nuanced picture. While some families thrive, others grapple with the challenges of economic hardship. This disparity is a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. Access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and safe living environments are often directly tied to financial stability.
Imagine Mrs. Petrovich, a lifelong resident. Her house, a sturdy brick structure with a meticulously kept garden, sits on a quiet street. She's a pillar of the community, known for her hearty laugh and her willingness to lend a hand. But Mrs. Petrovich, like many women in Elizabeth, understands the shadow of breast cancer. She's seen its impact on friends and neighbors. She knows the importance of regular mammograms, but she also understands the hurdles: the cost, the transportation, the time off work. Her story, and the stories of countless others, are woven into the fabric of the Breast Cancer Score.
**Places to Live: Where the Score Begins**
The physical landscape of Elizabeth plays a significant role in the community's health. The borough is a mix of charming, older homes, some well-maintained and others in need of repair. The availability of affordable housing is a critical factor. Overcrowding and substandard living conditions can contribute to stress, which in turn can weaken the immune system and potentially increase cancer risk.
Consider the quiet cul-de-sac off of McKeesport Road. The houses here are modest, but the sense of community is palpable. Children play in the yards, neighbors chat on porches, and the air hums with a sense of belonging. This is a place where the Breast Cancer Score is potentially higher, due to the lack of access to healthcare. However, it's also a place where the community rallies around its own. The local church might organize a free health clinic, or a neighbor might offer a ride to a doctor's appointment. These acts of solidarity are the building blocks of a healthier community.
Then there's the apartment complex near the river. It's a more transient area, with a higher population density. The Breast Cancer Score here might be influenced by factors like limited access to fresh food and fewer opportunities for physical activity. But even here, the community's spirit shines through. A local food bank might set up a mobile pantry, or a group of residents might organize a walking club along the riverfront.
**Neighborhood Vibe: The Pulse of the Community**
The intangible elements of Elizabeth – its "vibe" – are just as important as the tangible ones. The sense of connection, the level of social support, the availability of community resources all contribute to the Breast Cancer Score. A strong sense of community can buffer against stress and promote healthy behaviors.
Picture the annual Elizabeth Days celebration. The town square comes alive with music, food vendors, and laughter. Neighbors reconnect, friendships are rekindled, and a sense of shared identity is forged. This is a powerful antidote to isolation and a reminder that everyone is in this together.
Then there's the local diner, a greasy spoon institution where everyone knows your name. It's a place where conversations flow freely, where advice is readily given, and where the unspoken understanding of shared struggles binds the community together. These seemingly small moments, these everyday interactions, are the threads that weave the fabric of a healthy community.
**Healthy Lifestyle in Elizabeth: A Path to Improvement**
The Breast Cancer Score is not static. It can be influenced by choices, both individual and collective. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is paramount. This includes encouraging regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and regular screenings.
The borough boasts a few parks, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. The riverfront trail, though currently in need of some upgrades, provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and cycling. The local YMCA offers fitness classes and programs. But more needs to be done. The community could benefit from more green spaces, more walking paths, and more opportunities for organized sports.
Consider the farmer's market, a potential source of fresh, locally grown produce. If it's well-supported and accessible, it can provide residents with the ingredients for a healthier diet. If it's not, it represents a missed opportunity.
**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**
The success of any community health initiative hinges on the availability of local wellness programs. These programs can provide vital information, support, and resources.
The local hospital, a short drive away, offers free mammograms and breast cancer screenings. But are residents aware of these services? Are they accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or insurance status?
The local health department could partner with community organizations to offer educational workshops on breast cancer awareness and prevention. They could host support groups for survivors and their families. They could work with local businesses to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Imagine a partnership between the local high school and the YMCA, offering free fitness classes and nutritional counseling to residents. Imagine a community garden, where residents can grow their own fresh produce. These initiatives, however small, can have a significant impact on the Breast Cancer Score.
**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Room for the Soul**
The Monongahela River, a constant presence in Elizabeth's life, offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Kayaking, fishing, and simply strolling along the riverfront can provide physical and mental benefits.
The borough could invest in improving the riverfront trail, making it safer and more accessible. They could organize community clean-up days to keep the area pristine. They could partner with local businesses to offer kayaking rentals and guided tours.
Imagine a group of women, walking along the riverfront, laughing and chatting as they enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Imagine a group of children, learning to fish with their grandparents. These simple pleasures, these moments of connection with nature, can boost the Breast Cancer Score by reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.
**The Unfolding Story: A Call to Action**
The Breast Cancer Score in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, is a complex equation. It's a reflection of the community's history, its demographics, its resources, and its spirit. It's a reminder that community health is not a passive state; it's an active process, a constant work in progress.
The story of Elizabeth is still being written. The residents, the local organizations, the government officials – they all have a role to play in shaping the community's future. By working together, by advocating for better healthcare, by promoting healthy lifestyles, and by fostering a strong sense of community, they can collectively raise the Breast Cancer Score.
The river continues to flow, a constant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring power of the human spirit. In Elizabeth, the community is ready to embrace the challenges and to build a healthier, more vibrant future, one step, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time. The Breast Cancer Score, a silent sentinel, stands as a testament to their efforts, a measure of their progress, and a beacon of hope for generations to come.
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