15324, Cokeburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score People Score

The People Score for the COPD Score in 15324, Cokeburg, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.47 percent of the residents in 15324 has some form of health insurance. 46.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.89 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 15324 would have to travel an average of 9.37 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Penn Highlands Mon Valley. In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,402 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 15324, Cokeburg, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score: Breathing Easy (or Not) in Cokeburg, PA (ZIP Code 15324)

The air hangs thick and heavy sometimes in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania. Not always with coal dust anymore, though echoes of that era still whisper through the town. It’s a place where generations have known each other, where the church bells chime a familiar rhythm, and where the pace of life, for better or worse, often seems to match the gentle roll of the surrounding hills. But beneath the surface of small-town charm, a silent struggle plays out: the fight for breath. This is our COPD Score for Cokeburg, ZIP code 15324, a deep dive into the community health landscape and the factors influencing respiratory well-being.

**The Baseline: Understanding the Breath of Cokeburg**

Before we can assess the COPD Score, we need to understand the community's lungs. Demographics are the first breath in this analysis. Cokeburg is a small borough, nestled in Washington County, with a population hovering around 600 residents. The median age skews older, reflecting a trend seen across many former coal-mining towns. This aging population is a significant factor, as age is a primary risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The economic landscape also plays a crucial role. Cokeburg, like many of its neighbors, has experienced economic hardship following the decline of the coal industry. This can translate into limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and safe housing – all contributors to poor respiratory health.

The history of coal mining is etched into the very fabric of Cokeburg. Generations of miners, inhaling coal dust for decades, are now living with the legacy of their labor. This history, combined with the potential for environmental pollutants from past industrial activities, presents a significant challenge to respiratory health in the community.

**The Scorecard: Assessing the Factors**

Our COPD Score considers several key factors, each contributing to the overall picture of respiratory health in Cokeburg:

**1. Environmental Factors:**

The air quality in Cokeburg is a critical piece of the puzzle. While the days of billowing coal smoke are largely gone, the remnants of industry linger. The presence of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, and other pollutants can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and contribute to the development of COPD.

* **Vignette:** Imagine a crisp autumn morning. The air smells of woodsmoke and fallen leaves, but a subtle, metallic tang hints at something else. You see the occasional plume from a passing truck, a reminder of the traffic that traverses the area. The air quality reports are a constant concern for residents, particularly those with existing respiratory conditions.

**2. Socioeconomic Factors:**

Poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, and limited health literacy all contribute to poorer health outcomes. In Cokeburg, these factors are intertwined.

* **Vignette:** The local Dollar General is the closest place to buy groceries. The shelves are filled with processed foods, and fresh produce is a rarity. The nearest full-service grocery store is a drive away, a barrier for those without reliable transportation. The local clinic, with its limited hours, struggles to meet the needs of a community where many rely on Medicare and Medicaid.

**3. Healthcare Access and Utilization:**

The availability of healthcare services, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and respiratory therapists, is vital. Timely diagnosis and management of COPD are crucial to slowing disease progression.

* **Vignette:** Mrs. Gable, a lifelong Cokeburg resident, struggles to breathe. She’s been coughing for weeks, but her doctor's appointment is weeks away. She’s worried about the cost of the visit and the medications she may need. She wonders if she should just tough it out, like her father always did.

**4. Lifestyle Factors:**

Smoking, both current and past, is the leading cause of COPD. Other lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and diet, also play a significant role.

* **Vignette:** You see a group of men outside the local bar, sharing cigarettes and stories. The air is thick with smoke, a familiar scent in Cokeburg. But there are also signs of change. A walking group meets at the park, and a community garden is starting to flourish, offering fresh produce to those who need it.

**5. Community Resources and Support:**

The presence of local wellness programs, support groups, and community initiatives can significantly impact respiratory health.

* **Vignette:** The Cokeburg Senior Center offers a gentle exercise class, designed for those with mobility issues. The local library hosts a health information session, providing resources on COPD and other respiratory illnesses. The local volunteer fire department is trained in basic first aid and CPR, providing an essential service to the community.

**Places to Live and Breathe Easier:**

Where you live can significantly impact your health. In Cokeburg, some areas might offer a slightly better environment for respiratory health.

* **Proximity to Parks:** Living near the local park, with its green spaces and potential for outdoor recreation, can offer a respite from polluted air.
* **Well-Maintained Housing:** Housing quality is crucial. Homes with proper ventilation and free from mold and other allergens are essential.
* **Accessibility to Services:** Living within easy reach of healthcare facilities and grocery stores can make a significant difference.

**The Neighborhood Vibe and Its Impact:**

The social fabric of Cokeburg plays a vital role. A strong sense of community can encourage healthy behaviors and provide support for those struggling with respiratory illnesses.

* **Vignette:** The annual Cokeburg Days festival is a vibrant celebration of community. Neighbors gather, sharing food, laughter, and stories. This sense of connection can foster a supportive environment, where people look out for each other and encourage healthy choices.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Beauty (and the Challenges)**

The rolling hills surrounding Cokeburg offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, but the air quality can sometimes limit these activities.

* **Vignette:** The local hiking trails are a source of pride for the community. But on days when the air quality is poor, the trails remain empty. The challenge is to balance the benefits of outdoor activity with the potential risks of exposure to pollutants.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Hope**

Several local initiatives are working to improve respiratory health in Cokeburg:

* **The Cokeburg Community Health Coalition:** This group brings together healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents to address local health needs.
* **The Senior Center:** Offers exercise classes and health education programs.
* **The Library:** Provides access to health information and resources.

**The COPD Score: A Preliminary Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, the COPD Score for Cokeburg, PA (ZIP Code 15324) is a **moderate to high risk**. The aging population, the history of coal mining, the socioeconomic challenges, and the potential for air pollution all contribute to a higher risk of COPD. However, the presence of community resources and the growing awareness of respiratory health offer a glimmer of hope.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Air Quality Monitoring and Improvement:** Implement a comprehensive air quality monitoring system and work to reduce sources of pollution.
* **Healthcare Access:** Improve access to primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and respiratory therapists.
* **Health Education:** Increase health literacy about COPD and other respiratory illnesses.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Offer accessible and affordable smoking cessation programs.
* **Community Support:** Strengthen community support networks for those living with COPD.
* **Promote Healthy Lifestyles:** Encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and access to fresh produce.
* **Advocate for Policy Changes:** Advocate for policies that support community health and environmental protection.

**The Final Breath:**

Cokeburg, like many small towns, faces significant challenges in protecting its residents' respiratory health. But it also possesses a unique strength: a close-knit community that cares about its own. By addressing the factors that contribute to poor respiratory health, and by fostering a culture of wellness, Cokeburg can breathe easier and build a healthier future for all its residents. The journey won't be easy, but the air is worth fighting for. The COPD Score is not just a number; it's a call to action, a challenge to breathe life back into the lungs of Cokeburg.