37213, Nashville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37213, Nashville, Tennessee is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 53.33 percent of the residents in 37213 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.33 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 37213 would have to travel an average of 2.22 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Metro Nashville General Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 63,665 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 37213, Nashville, Tennessee.

## Breathing Easy in 37213: A Lung Cancer Score and the Pulse of Community Health

The air hangs thick and humid over 37213, a tapestry woven with the threads of Nashville's history and its relentless forward march. It's a zip code that breathes in the blues of the past and exhales the vibrant energy of a city perpetually reinventing itself. But beneath the surface of honky-tonk dreams and booming real estate, a crucial question lingers: how healthy is 37213? And, more specifically, what's the lung cancer landscape like in this diverse and dynamic community? This article delves into the heart of 37213, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" based on community health indicators, exploring the nuances of its demographics, the pulse of its neighborhoods, and the opportunities for a healthier future.

**The 37213: A Microcosm of Nashville**

Before we can assess the lung cancer risk, we need to understand the very fabric of 37213. Stretching from the historic heart of North Nashville to the burgeoning neighborhoods of Bordeaux, this zip code is a mosaic of cultures, incomes, and experiences. It's a place where Victorian-era homes stand shoulder-to-shoulder with modern apartment complexes, a testament to the city's relentless evolution.

**Demographics: A Snapshot of the Community**

The demographic makeup of 37213 is a key factor in understanding its health profile. This area boasts a significant African American population, a community that, historically, has faced disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The presence of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical College, both located within or near the zip code, offers a beacon of hope, providing crucial medical resources. However, access to these resources doesn't automatically translate to equitable health outcomes.

Income levels vary widely, creating pockets of affluence and areas struggling with poverty. This economic disparity can influence everything from access to healthy food options to the quality of housing, impacting overall health and, consequently, lung cancer risk. The presence of a younger population, particularly in areas closer to universities and colleges, adds a dynamic layer to the demographic landscape. This younger cohort often brings with it a focus on wellness and a desire for a vibrant, active lifestyle.

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

Creating a precise "Lung Cancer Score" is complex. It requires analyzing data on smoking rates, air quality, access to healthcare, socioeconomic factors, and rates of lung cancer diagnosis and mortality. While a comprehensive score requires extensive data analysis, we can formulate a preliminary assessment based on available information and community insights.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

* **Smoking Rates:** Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Data on smoking prevalence within 37213 is crucial. Higher smoking rates, particularly among specific demographic groups, would negatively impact the score.
* **Air Quality:** Nashville's air quality can fluctuate. Proximity to industrial areas, traffic congestion, and seasonal variations in air pollutants can all impact lung health. Poor air quality would negatively affect the score.
* **Access to Healthcare:** The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and screening programs (like low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals) is critical. Limited access would negatively impact the score.
* **Socioeconomic Factors:** Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthy food options are linked to poorer health outcomes. These factors would negatively impact the score.
* **Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Mortality Rates:** Data on the number of lung cancer cases and deaths within 37213 is the most direct measure of lung cancer burden. High rates would significantly lower the score.

**Based on preliminary observations, the Lung Cancer Score for 37213 would likely fall in the moderate range.** This assessment acknowledges the challenges faced by the community while recognizing the presence of valuable resources and the potential for improvement.

**Neighborhood Vibes and the Pursuit of Wellness**

The character of 37213 is best understood by exploring its neighborhoods.

* **North Nashville:** The historic heart of the community, North Nashville, pulsates with a deep sense of heritage. The aroma of soul food restaurants mingles with the sounds of gospel music. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Tennessee State University campus brings a youthful energy. However, the neighborhood has also faced challenges with economic hardship and limited access to healthcare.
* **Bordeaux:** Bordeaux is experiencing a period of growth and revitalization. New businesses are opening, and housing options are expanding. The neighborhood's proximity to the Cumberland River offers opportunities for outdoor recreation.
* **The Nations:** The Nations, while technically outside of 37213, borders the zip code. This area has experienced rapid gentrification. This influx of new residents brings a focus on healthy living and access to amenities like farmers markets and yoga studios.

**Vignette Scene: A Saturday Morning in Bordeaux**

The sun casts long shadows across the Cumberland River as a group of friends gathers near the Bordeaux boat ramp. They're not here to fish, but to kayak. The gentle glide of paddles through the water, the shared laughter, the feeling of the sun on their faces – it's a scene of pure, unadulterated wellness. This is the kind of scene that can be repeated across 37213, but it requires investment in parks, green spaces, and access to outdoor recreation.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

The success of community health initiatives depends on the active participation of local organizations.

* **Community Centers:** Community centers are vital hubs, offering a range of programs, from exercise classes to health screenings. Expanding the reach and accessibility of these centers is crucial.
* **Faith-Based Organizations:** Churches and other religious institutions often play a significant role in community health. They can provide support networks, health education, and access to resources.
* **Non-Profit Organizations:** Non-profit organizations focused on health and wellness are critical. These organizations can provide free or low-cost services, such as smoking cessation programs, healthy cooking classes, and cancer awareness campaigns.

**Vignette Scene: A Community Garden in North Nashville**

In a small plot of land, nestled between rows of houses, a community garden thrives. Volunteers of all ages tend to the crops, sharing knowledge and building connections. The scent of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes fills the air. This garden is more than just a source of fresh produce; it's a symbol of community resilience and a commitment to healthy living.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Good Life**

Access to outdoor recreation is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle.

* **Parks and Green Spaces:** Parks provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature. Expanding and improving parks within 37213 is essential.
* **Walking and Biking Trails:** Creating safe and accessible walking and biking trails encourages physical activity and reduces reliance on cars.
* **River Access:** The Cumberland River offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities. Improving access to the river and promoting responsible recreation is important.

**Vignette Scene: A Walk on the Greenway**

A young mother pushes a stroller along a paved greenway, the sounds of birdsong filling the air. Her partner cycles alongside, his face flushed with exertion. This is a scene of everyday wellness, a testament to the power of accessible outdoor recreation.

**Addressing the Challenges and Building a Healthier Future**

Improving the Lung Cancer Score and overall community health in 37213 requires a multi-pronged approach:

* **Reduce Smoking Rates:** Implement and expand smoking cessation programs, particularly targeting high-risk populations.
* **Improve Air Quality:** Advocate for policies that reduce air pollution, such as supporting public transportation and promoting electric vehicles.
* **Increase Access to Healthcare:** Expand access to primary care physicians, specialists, and cancer screening programs.
* **Address Socioeconomic Disparities:** Invest in affordable housing, job training programs, and access to healthy food options.
* **Promote Outdoor Recreation:** Expand parks, green spaces, and walking/biking trails.
* **Foster Community Engagement:** Encourage community participation in health initiatives and empower residents to take ownership of their health.

**The Road Ahead: A Breath of Fresh Air**

The journey towards a healthier 37213 is ongoing. It requires the collective efforts of residents, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local government. It means investing in the well-being of the community, fostering a culture of prevention, and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to breathe easy. The potential is there, woven into the very fabric of this vibrant zip code. By embracing the challenges and celebrating the successes, 37213 can become a beacon of community health in Nashville, a place where the air is filled not just with the sounds of music and the scent of barbecue, but with the promise of a healthier, brighter future.