27924, Colerain, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27924, Colerain, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.86 percent of the residents in 27924 has some form of health insurance. 30.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.53 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 27924 would have to travel an average of 11.69 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 695 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 27924, Colerain, North Carolina.

## Breathing Easy in Colerain: A Lung Cancer Score for 27924

The air hangs thick and humid over Colerain, North Carolina. It’s the kind of humidity that clings to your skin, a constant reminder of the Roanoke River’s embrace and the fertile earth that nourishes this small community. But beyond the physical sensation, another kind of air is important: the air we breathe, and its impact on our health. This article delves into the community health landscape of Colerain, ZIP code 27924, specifically examining factors that influence lung cancer risk, and offering a “Lung Cancer Score” to help understand the challenges and opportunities for a healthier future.

We’re not talking about a simple number here. This isn’t a checklist of risk factors. Instead, we'll explore the lived experience of Colerain, the nuances of its demographics, the vibrancy of its community, and the resources available (or lacking) to promote a healthy lifestyle. We'll look at the environment, the social fabric, and the opportunities for a life lived with breath, not burdened by it.

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

Colerain, nestled in Bertie County, is a place where generations have put down roots. The town's population is predominantly African American, a testament to the rich history and resilience of its people. The median household income is lower than the state average, a reality that often dictates access to healthcare, healthy food, and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle.

Imagine the morning sun glinting off the Roanoke River, a shimmering ribbon winding its way through the landscape. This river is the lifeblood of Colerain, offering beauty and recreational opportunities. However, it also shapes the environment. The surrounding agricultural lands, while providing sustenance, can also introduce environmental challenges, including potential exposure to pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.

The town itself is compact, with a strong sense of community. The pace of life is slower here, where neighbors know each other and front porches are still used for conversation. But this close-knit environment can also present challenges. Limited access to specialized healthcare, coupled with the potential for social isolation, can impact overall well-being.

**Vignette: The Farmer's Market**

The sun beats down on a Saturday morning. A few tables are set up in the town square. This isn't a sprawling, curated market. It’s a small gathering, a testament to the community's commitment to fresh, local produce. A woman with weathered hands and a warm smile offers tomatoes, still warm from the field. A young man, his brow furrowed in concentration, carefully selects a watermelon. This market, though small, is a vital link to healthier eating options, a small victory in a community where access to fresh produce can be limited.

**The Smoke-Filled Air: Tobacco's Shadow**

Tobacco has a long and complicated history in North Carolina. It’s woven into the economic fabric of the state, and its legacy is deeply ingrained in the culture. While the prevalence of smoking has declined in recent years, it remains a significant concern in many rural communities.

The impact of smoking on lung cancer risk is undeniable. The lingering scent of cigarette smoke, the casual sharing of a lighter, the social rituals surrounding tobacco use – these are all factors that can contribute to a higher risk.

**Vignette: The Corner Store**

The bell above the door of the corner store jingles. Inside, the air is thick with the aroma of fried food and the faint, lingering scent of cigarettes. A group of men stand outside, sharing stories and a pack of cigarettes. The convenience of buying cigarettes, the social acceptance, and the stress of daily life can make quitting a monumental challenge.

**Beyond Tobacco: Environmental and Occupational Hazards**

While smoking is a primary risk factor, lung cancer is a complex disease. Exposure to other environmental and occupational hazards can also contribute to the risk.

The agricultural landscape surrounding Colerain can present challenges. Exposure to pesticides and other chemicals used in farming, particularly over extended periods, can increase the risk.

**Vignette: The Fields**

The vast fields stretch as far as the eye can see, a patchwork of green and brown. The scent of freshly turned earth mingles with the faint smell of chemicals. A farmer, his face weathered by the sun and wind, works tirelessly, his livelihood tied to the land. The potential for exposure to these chemicals, while a necessary part of agricultural life, represents an unseen risk.

**The Healthcare Landscape: Access and Awareness**

Access to quality healthcare is crucial for early detection and treatment of lung cancer. This includes access to primary care physicians, screening programs, and specialized oncology services.

In rural communities like Colerain, access to healthcare can be a significant challenge. Limited transportation options, a shortage of healthcare providers, and the distance to specialized medical centers can create barriers to care.

**Vignette: The Clinic**

The small clinic on the edge of town is a lifeline for many residents. The waiting room is filled with a mix of ages, a testament to the community's reliance on this essential service. The staff, often stretched thin, works tirelessly to provide care, but the limitations of resources are evident.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Hope**

Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope in Colerain. Local wellness programs, even if small in scale, can make a significant difference. These programs may focus on promoting healthy eating, encouraging physical activity, and providing information about lung cancer prevention and early detection.

**Vignette: The Community Center**

The community center, a hub of activity, hosts a weekly walking group. Participants, ranging in age and ability, gather to walk the perimeter of the center, chatting and encouraging each other. This simple act of community, of shared exercise, is a small but significant step towards a healthier lifestyle.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in Fresh Air**

The natural beauty of Colerain offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, which can contribute to both physical and mental well-being. The Roanoke River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

**Vignette: The Riverbank**

The sun sets over the Roanoke River, casting a golden glow on the water. A family fishes from the bank, their laughter echoing in the evening air. The river, a source of both sustenance and recreation, offers a respite from the stresses of daily life.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

Considering all these factors, we can begin to formulate a “Lung Cancer Score” for Colerain, 27924. This isn't a simple numerical value, but a holistic assessment of the community's strengths and weaknesses.

**Strengths:**

* **Strong sense of community:** The close-knit nature of Colerain can provide social support and encouragement for healthy behaviors.
* **Access to outdoor recreation:** The Roanoke River and surrounding natural areas offer opportunities for physical activity and stress reduction.
* **Emerging local wellness programs:** The presence of community centers and other organizations that are starting to promote healthy lifestyles.
* **Resilience:** The community's history of overcoming challenges.

**Challenges:**

* **High smoking rates:** The prevalence of tobacco use remains a significant risk factor.
* **Limited access to healthcare:** Barriers to accessing primary care, screening, and specialized oncology services.
* **Socioeconomic factors:** Lower median household income can limit access to healthy food, healthcare, and other resources.
* **Potential environmental and occupational hazards:** Exposure to agricultural chemicals.
* **Limited public awareness:** The need for education about lung cancer prevention and early detection.

**Opportunities for Improvement:**

* **Smoking cessation programs:** Implementing and expanding access to smoking cessation programs, tailored to the specific needs of the community.
* **Increased access to healthcare:** Improving access to primary care physicians, screening programs, and specialized oncology services.
* **Community education:** Raising awareness about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
* **Promoting healthy eating:** Supporting local farmers markets and other initiatives that increase access to fresh, healthy food.
* **Supporting local wellness programs:** Providing resources and support for existing and emerging wellness programs.
* **Environmental awareness:** Educating the community about potential environmental hazards and promoting safe agricultural practices.

**The Verdict: A Call to Action**

The “Lung Cancer Score” for Colerain, 27924, is not a simple pass or fail. It's a call to action. It highlights the challenges faced by this community, but it also underscores the resilience and potential for positive change.

The people of Colerain deserve to breathe easy. They deserve access to the resources and support they need to live long, healthy lives. This requires a multi-faceted approach, involving healthcare providers, community leaders, local organizations, and the residents themselves.

The journey towards a healthier future is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires patience, perseverance, and a shared commitment to creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The air in Colerain may be thick with humidity, but with concerted effort, it can also be filled with the promise of a healthier, brighter tomorrow.