37714, Caryville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37714, Caryville, Tennessee is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.45 percent of the residents in 37714 has some form of health insurance. 58.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.58 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 37714 would have to travel an average of 8.71 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Lafollette Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 619 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 37714, Caryville, Tennessee.

## Lung Cancer Score: Breathing Easy (or Not) in Caryville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37714)

The air hangs heavy in Caryville, Tennessee (ZIP code 37714), a place where the Cumberland Mountains cradle a town steeped in history, grit, and the quiet hum of everyday life. The Clinch River snakes through the valley, a silver ribbon reflecting the ever-changing sky. But beneath the picturesque surface, a more complex reality exists. This is a place where community health, and specifically the risk of lung cancer, is a tapestry woven with threads of economic hardship, access to care, and the lingering echoes of a past deeply intertwined with coal.

Our "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical grade, but a narrative exploration. It's a deep dive into the factors that shape the health of the people who call Caryville home, a community where the past often casts a long shadow. We'll look at the demographics, the neighborhood vibe, the availability of resources, and the opportunities for a healthy lifestyle, all through the lens of lung cancer risk.

**The Lay of the Land: Demographics and the Weight of History**

Caryville, nestled in Campbell County, is a tight-knit community. The population hovers around 2,500, a number that fluctuates with the ebb and flow of economic opportunity. The median age leans towards the older side, reflecting a trend seen across rural America – younger generations often seeking opportunities elsewhere. This aging population is a crucial factor in our assessment. Older individuals are statistically more susceptible to lung cancer, having had more time to accumulate risk factors.

The economic landscape in 37714 is a key player in the health narrative. Historically, coal mining was the lifeblood of the region. The legacy of this industry is etched into the landscape, and into the lungs of many residents. Exposure to coal dust, a known carcinogen, has left its mark. While the mines are largely gone, their impact lingers. The economic downturn that followed the decline of coal has created its own challenges. Unemployment and underemployment can lead to stress, limited access to healthcare, and a reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms.

We meet Sarah, a woman in her late 60s, sitting on her porch swing. The rhythmic creak of the swing is the soundtrack to her life. Her husband, a retired miner, passed away from lung cancer five years ago. She talks about the dust, the constant coughs, the feeling of being trapped in a cycle. She speaks with a quiet resignation, a common sentiment in a community that has seen its share of hardship. "We knew the risks," she says, her voice barely a whisper, "but what choice did we have?" Her story is a stark reminder of the past, a past that continues to shape the present.

**Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Resilience and Connection**

The neighborhood vibe in Caryville is a complex mix of resilience, community spirit, and the quiet dignity of a people who have weathered many storms. The pace of life is slower, the bonds between neighbors are strong, and a sense of shared history permeates the air.

The town square, with its weathered brick buildings and the iconic courthouse, is the heart of Caryville. It’s where you’ll find folks gathering for the annual Bean Festival, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of fried food, and where the local high school football team is celebrated after a hard-fought victory.

But beneath the surface of this close-knit community, we find pockets of isolation. Transportation can be a challenge, limiting access to healthcare and social activities for those without reliable vehicles. The lack of readily available public transportation creates a barrier to accessing healthy food options and recreational facilities. This isolation can contribute to a sense of loneliness and despair, which, in turn, can impact mental and physical health, including an increased risk of unhealthy behaviors like smoking.

We see a group of teenagers huddled on a street corner, sharing cigarettes. Their faces are a mixture of boredom and defiance. They are the future of Caryville, and their choices will shape the health of the community for generations to come. Reaching these young people with information about the risks of smoking and providing them with alternative activities is crucial.

**Places to Live: Where Home is More Than Just a Roof**

The types of housing in Caryville vary, from modest single-family homes to mobile homes. The affordability of housing is a significant factor, particularly for those on fixed incomes. The cost of living is generally lower than in more urban areas, but this can be offset by limited job opportunities and the cost of healthcare.

The condition of housing is also a concern. Older homes may have issues with mold, radon, and other environmental hazards that can contribute to respiratory problems and increase the risk of lung cancer. The lack of resources to address these issues can create a cycle of poor health.

We visit the home of Mr. Johnson, a retired construction worker. He lives in a small, well-maintained house that he built himself. He is proud of his home, but he worries about the rising cost of healthcare and the challenges of staying healthy in his old age. He talks about the importance of clean air and the need for more resources to help people quit smoking. His story highlights the need for community-based initiatives that focus on home safety and access to healthcare.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Caryville: Opportunities and Obstacles**

Promoting a healthy lifestyle in Caryville is a multifaceted challenge. The community offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, but access to these resources is not always equitable.

The Clinch River provides a beautiful backdrop for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. The surrounding mountains offer hiking trails and opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of the area. But the lack of well-maintained parks and recreational facilities can limit access for some residents.

The availability of healthy food options is another concern. The local grocery store may not offer a wide selection of fresh produce, and access to farmers' markets can be limited. The prevalence of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores can contribute to unhealthy eating habits.

We see families picnicking by the river, children laughing as they play in the water. This is a glimpse of the potential for a healthy lifestyle in Caryville. But we also see the challenges: the lack of sidewalks, the limited access to fresh produce, and the pervasive influence of unhealthy habits.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Hope**

Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Local wellness programs, though often underfunded and reliant on volunteer efforts, are working to address the health needs of the community.

The local health department offers free smoking cessation programs and educational materials about lung cancer prevention. The community center provides exercise classes and other wellness activities. The local hospital offers free health screenings and educational workshops.

We meet Mrs. Davis, a volunteer who runs a support group for people affected by lung cancer. She shares stories of resilience, of people fighting for their lives, and of the importance of community support. Her dedication is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Call to Action**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Caryville, Tennessee (37714) isn't a simple assessment. It's a complex portrait of a community grappling with the legacy of its past, the challenges of its present, and the hopes for its future.

The risk of lung cancer in Caryville is elevated due to a combination of factors: the history of coal mining, the aging population, the prevalence of smoking, the limited access to healthcare, and the economic hardships faced by many residents.

However, the community is not defined by its challenges. It is defined by its resilience, its strong sense of community, and the dedication of its residents to building a healthier future.

**To improve the "Lung Cancer Score" in Caryville, a multi-pronged approach is needed:**

* **Increase access to healthcare:** Expand access to affordable healthcare, including early detection and treatment for lung cancer.
* **Promote smoking cessation:** Implement comprehensive smoking cessation programs, targeting both adults and young people.
* **Improve environmental health:** Address environmental hazards in homes and communities, such as radon and mold.
* **Promote healthy lifestyles:** Increase access to healthy food options, promote physical activity, and create opportunities for outdoor recreation.
* **Strengthen community support:** Foster a sense of community and provide support for people affected by lung cancer.
* **Invest in economic development:** Create job opportunities and improve the economic well-being of the community.

The journey to improve the health of Caryville will be long and challenging. But with the collective efforts of the community, the local government, and healthcare providers, it is a journey that can be undertaken with hope and determination. The air may still hang heavy in Caryville, but the potential for breathing easier, for a healthier future, is within reach. The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a final judgment, but a call to action, a reminder that the health of a community is a shared responsibility, and that every breath counts.