43358, West Mansfield, Ohio COPD Score People Score

The People Score for the COPD Score in 43358, West Mansfield, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.10 percent of the residents in 43358 has some form of health insurance. 32.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.33 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 43358 would have to travel an average of 12.02 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Mary Rutan Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 838 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 43358, West Mansfield, Ohio.

## Breathing Easy in 43358: A COPD Score for West Mansfield, Ohio

The air hums differently in West Mansfield, Ohio. It’s a hum of tractors, of church bells, of kids yelling from porch swings. But beneath the surface, a different kind of hum resonates – the subtle, persistent whisper of community health. In this article, we’re not just talking about medical charts and diagnoses. We’re taking a deep breath, assessing the very fabric of life in ZIP Code 43358, and assigning a "COPD Score" – not in the medical sense, but as a measure of the community's capacity to foster a healthy lifestyle, a place where lungs can breathe easy.

This isn't about avoiding COPD, it's about building a community that proactively promotes well-being, making it a place where residents can thrive.

**The Baseline: Demographics and the Lay of the Land**

West Mansfield, nestled in Logan County, is a town that breathes history. The 2020 census paints a picture of a close-knit community. Roughly 600 souls call 43358 home, a blend of long-time residents and newcomers seeking a slower pace. The median age skews slightly older, reflecting a demographic trend common in rural areas. The population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as belonging to other racial groups.

Driving through West Mansfield, you’re struck by the open spaces. The rolling hills, the fields of corn and soybeans, the occasional glimpse of a grazing cow – these are the hallmarks of the Ohio countryside. The town itself is compact, easily navigable. The main street, a ribbon of asphalt, houses the essentials: a post office, a local diner, a gas station, and the heart of the community – the West Mansfield United Methodist Church.

The housing stock reflects the town's history. You'll see well-maintained Victorian homes with wraparound porches, cozy bungalows with flower-filled window boxes, and newer, more modern builds that blend seamlessly with the established aesthetic. The cost of living is generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas, making homeownership accessible to a wider range of residents.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Connection**

The "vibe" of West Mansfield is palpable. It’s a feeling of genuine connection, a sense of belonging that permeates everyday life. Imagine this:

* **Scene 1:** The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and frying bacon spills from the diner, a beacon on a crisp autumn morning. Locals gather, swapping stories, catching up on the week's events, and offering a helping hand to a neighbor whose car has broken down.
* **Scene 2:** The annual West Mansfield Community Days, a vibrant celebration of local pride. The park buzzes with activity: children's laughter, the sizzle of hot dogs, the strains of a country band, and the friendly competition of a horseshoe tournament.
* **Scene 3:** The weekly farmers market, a gathering place where residents can purchase fresh produce, locally made crafts, and engage in conversations with the farmers who grow their food.

This sense of connection is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for community health. It fosters social support, reduces feelings of isolation, and encourages residents to look out for one another. This social capital is a powerful buffer against the stresses of life and contributes to overall well-being.

**Healthy Lifestyle in West Mansfield: Opportunities and Challenges**

The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle in West Mansfield is a blend of opportunities and challenges. The abundance of outdoor space is a significant advantage. The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for physical activity:

* **Outdoor Recreation:** Hiking and biking trails wind through the nearby parks and forests, offering residents a chance to connect with nature and get their hearts pumping. Hunting and fishing are popular pastimes, providing opportunities for both recreation and access to fresh, locally sourced food.
* **The Importance of Green Space:** The town's parks and green spaces offer a place for residents to exercise, socialize, and simply relax. The presence of these spaces promotes physical activity and reduces stress levels.

However, there are also challenges. The lack of readily available public transportation can make it difficult for some residents to access healthcare services or participate in community events. The prevalence of fast-food restaurants and limited access to fresh produce can contribute to unhealthy eating habits.

**Local Wellness Programs: Building a Foundation for Health**

While West Mansfield may not have the resources of a major city, the community is actively working to promote health and wellness through various initiatives:

* **The West Mansfield United Methodist Church:** Often serves as a hub for community activities, offering support groups, exercise classes, and educational programs.
* **Local Health Clinics:** Provide access to primary care physicians, offering health screenings, preventative care, and chronic disease management.
* **School Programs:** Offer health education and promote physical activity for children.
* **Community Partnerships:** Collaborations between local organizations, such as the library, the YMCA, and the senior center, to offer wellness workshops and educational events.

**Places to Live: The Foundation of a Healthy Home**

The quality of housing in West Mansfield is a crucial factor in community health. Safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing provides a stable foundation for residents to thrive.

* **Homeownership:** The high rate of homeownership in West Mansfield is a positive indicator. Owning a home provides a sense of security and stability, and it encourages residents to invest in their community.
* **Housing Affordability:** The relatively low cost of housing in West Mansfield makes it accessible to a wider range of residents.
* **Community Development:** The town is focused on maintaining its historic character while planning for the future.

**Assigning the COPD Score: A Holistic Assessment**

So, what's the COPD Score for West Mansfield, Ohio (43358)? It's not a number, but a narrative. It's a story of a community that's striving to build a healthier future.

* **Social Connectedness:** High. The strong sense of community, the frequent interactions, and the willingness to help one another are key strengths.
* **Access to Outdoor Recreation:** Moderate to High. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for physical activity, but the lack of public transportation limits access for some residents.
* **Access to Healthcare:** Moderate. While local health clinics provide essential services, access to specialized care may require travel to larger cities.
* **Availability of Healthy Food:** Moderate. The presence of a farmers market and local grocery stores is positive, but the limited availability of fresh produce and the prevalence of fast-food restaurants present challenges.
* **Community Initiatives:** Moderate. The local church, school programs, and community partnerships are working to promote health and wellness, but there is room for growth.
* **Housing Affordability and Quality:** High. The affordable housing market and the well-maintained homes are positive indicators of community health.

**The Future: Breathing Easier Together**

West Mansfield has the potential to become a model for rural community health. By building on its strengths – its strong sense of community, its access to outdoor recreation, and its affordable housing – the town can create a place where residents can truly breathe easy.

The path forward involves:

* **Expanding Wellness Programs:** Increasing the availability of exercise classes, health education workshops, and support groups.
* **Improving Access to Healthcare:** Exploring options for expanding healthcare services and improving transportation options.
* **Promoting Healthy Eating:** Supporting the local farmers market, encouraging the development of community gardens, and educating residents about healthy eating habits.
* **Fostering Community Engagement:** Encouraging residents to participate in community events, volunteer their time, and advocate for policies that promote health and well-being.

West Mansfield is not just a town; it's a living, breathing organism. It's a community of people who care about each other, who are committed to building a better future. By focusing on the key elements of community health – social connectedness, access to outdoor recreation, access to healthcare, healthy food options, and community initiatives – West Mansfield can create a place where everyone can breathe easy, live longer, and thrive. The COPD score, in this context, isn't about a disease; it's about the vitality of a community. And in West Mansfield, that vitality is palpable. The air, though filled with the scent of hay and the distant rumble of a tractor, also carries the promise of a healthier, more vibrant future.