The People Score for the Hypertension Score in 15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.64 percent of the residents in 15696 has some form of health insurance. 47.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.98 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.
A resident in 15696 would have to travel an average of 2.74 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,831 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania
Hypertension Score | 96 |
---|---|
People Score | 92 |
Provider Score | 72 |
Hospital Score | 68 |
Travel Score | 50 |
15696 | Youngstown | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Employer Insurance | 60.59 | 60.59 | 58.71 |
Direct Purchase Insurance | 5.51 | 5.51 | 14.80 |
Medicare | 25.42 | 25.42 | 19.53 |
Medicaid | 23.73 | 23.73 | 19.77 |
TRICARE | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.43 |
VA | 55.08 | 55.08 | 51.92 |
Percent Insured in 15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania
Residents who need health insurance can purchase insurance at The U.S. government healthcare website.
15696 | Youngstown | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Under 19 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 95.41 |
Adults (19-64 years) | 90.96 | 90.96 | 92.43 |
Seniors (65+ years) | 100.00 | 100.00 | 99.56 |
## The Youngstown Pulse: Decoding the Hypertension Score in 15696
The air in Youngstown, Pennsylvania, hangs thick with the ghosts of steel, a legacy etched into the very fabric of its brick row houses and the stoic faces of its residents. But beneath the surface of this working-class town, a different kind of pulse beats – the rhythm of community health, a complex and often challenging measure. We're diving deep into ZIP Code 15696, the heart of Youngstown, to understand its hypertension score, a vital sign of its overall well-being, and explore the factors that contribute to this critical indicator.
Forget sterile statistics and impersonal charts. We're going to walk the streets, feel the sun on our faces, and listen to the stories that shape the health landscape of this resilient community.
**The Baseline: Understanding the Hypertension Score**
First, let's define our terms. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer, a chronic condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The "hypertension score" isn't a single number, but rather a composite of factors that influence blood pressure within a specific population. It considers prevalence rates (how many people have hypertension), access to healthcare, lifestyle choices, socioeconomic indicators, and environmental factors. A high score indicates a greater burden of hypertension within the community.
In 15696, the hypertension score is, unfortunately, a concern. The legacy of industrial decline, coupled with persistent socioeconomic challenges, has created a perfect storm for poor health outcomes. Understanding the "why" behind this score is the key to positive change.
**The Demographics: A Tapestry of Resilience**
Youngstown's demographics are a key piece of the puzzle. The population is predominantly white, with a significant percentage of residents over the age of 65. This aging demographic is inherently more susceptible to hypertension. The median household income in 15696 is lower than the national average, and a considerable portion of the population lives below the poverty line. This economic strain impacts access to healthy food, quality healthcare, and safe living environments, all of which contribute to the hypertension score.
Imagine Mrs. Petrocelli, her hands gnarled with age, meticulously tending to her small garden in the backyard of her Victorian-era home on Federal Street. She remembers when the steel mills roared, providing steady work and a sense of community. Now, she relies on a fixed income and struggles to afford fresh produce, often opting for cheaper, processed foods that contribute to her own battle with hypertension. Her story, like many others in Youngstown, highlights the intricate link between socioeconomic factors and health.
**Places to Live: A Landscape of Challenges and Opportunities**
The physical environment of 15696 plays a significant role in its health profile. The housing stock is a mix of well-maintained older homes, some in need of repair, and pockets of blight. Limited access to grocery stores with fresh, affordable produce contributes to a reliance on convenience stores and fast-food options, exacerbating dietary challenges.
Consider the quiet streets of the "West End," lined with sturdy brick homes that have weathered generations. The air here feels different, a sense of quiet pride in the well-tended lawns and the occasional porch swing. Yet, even here, access to healthy food options can be a struggle. The nearest supermarket might be a car ride away, a barrier for those without transportation.
Contrast this with the bustling commercial corridor of Market Street, where the echoes of industry still resonate. Here, the challenges are more pronounced. The lack of green spaces, the prevalence of fast-food restaurants, and the constant hum of traffic create an environment that can be detrimental to both physical and mental well-being.
**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Strength and Struggle**
The "neighborhood vibe" in Youngstown is a complex blend of resilience, community spirit, and the lingering effects of economic hardship. The people here are tough, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to their town. They've weathered storms, both literal and figurative, and they know how to look out for each other.
Picture the weekly bingo night at the local fire hall, a tradition that brings neighbors together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support. This social connection is a vital buffer against the isolation that can contribute to poor mental and physical health.
But the vibe also carries the weight of the past. The loss of the steel industry has left deep scars, including joblessness, substance abuse, and a sense of hopelessness that can contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms. The constant struggle to make ends meet can create chronic stress, a significant contributor to hypertension.
**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Room in a Changing Landscape**
Despite the challenges, 15696 offers pockets of outdoor recreation that can positively impact the hypertension score. The nearby Mahoning Creek offers opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying nature. The local parks, though often underfunded, provide green spaces for families to gather and children to play.
Imagine a sunny afternoon at the local park. Children are laughing, chasing each other across the grass, while their parents chat on the benches, enjoying the fresh air. This simple act of outdoor recreation is a powerful antidote to the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies the pressures of modern life.
The challenge lies in expanding access to these opportunities and ensuring they are safe and accessible to all residents. Investing in walking trails, bike paths, and well-maintained parks is crucial for promoting physical activity and reducing the risk of hypertension.
**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**
The good news is that Youngstown is not standing still. Local organizations and community leaders are actively working to improve the health of its residents. They are planting seeds of change, one initiative at a time.
The local YMCA offers fitness classes and health screenings, providing access to resources that might otherwise be unavailable. The local hospital hosts health fairs and educational programs, raising awareness about hypertension and other health issues. Community gardens are sprouting up, providing access to fresh produce and fostering a sense of community pride.
Picture the community garden, a vibrant oasis where residents cultivate their own vegetables, learning about healthy eating and connecting with their neighbors. This is more than just a garden; it's a symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to the community's commitment to improving its health.
**The Road Ahead: A Collective Effort**
Improving the hypertension score in 15696 requires a multi-faceted approach, a collective effort that involves individuals, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local government.
Here's what needs to happen:
* **Increase Access to Healthcare:** Expand access to affordable healthcare, including regular checkups, screenings, and medication management.
* **Promote Healthy Eating:** Support local farmers' markets, community gardens, and initiatives that provide access to fresh, affordable produce. Educate residents about healthy eating habits.
* **Encourage Physical Activity:** Invest in parks, walking trails, and bike paths. Promote physical activity through community events and fitness programs.
* **Address Socioeconomic Disparities:** Support job creation, affordable housing, and programs that address poverty and food insecurity.
* **Foster Community Engagement:** Encourage community involvement in health initiatives. Promote social connections and reduce social isolation.
* **Raise Awareness:** Educate residents about hypertension, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection and management.
**The Youngstown Promise:**
The story of 15696 is a story of resilience, a story of a community that refuses to be defined by its challenges. The hypertension score is a challenge, but it's also an opportunity. By understanding the factors that contribute to this score, and by working together to address them, Youngstown can create a healthier future for its residents.
Imagine a future where Mrs. Petrocelli can easily access fresh produce, where children have safe places to play, where neighbors support each other, and where the echoes of steel are replaced by the sounds of laughter and the vibrant pulse of a healthy community. This is the Youngstown promise, a promise that is within reach, one step, one initiative, one healthy choice at a time. The journey will be challenging, but the spirit of Youngstown is strong, and its determination to thrive is unwavering. The fight against hypertension in 15696 is a fight for the soul of the community, and it's a fight worth winning.
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