28358, Lumberton, North Carolina Overall Health Score People Score

The People Score for the Overall Health Score in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina is 3 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.84 percent of the residents in 28358 has some form of health insurance. 49.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.84 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 28358 would have to travel an average of 3.07 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Southeastern Regional Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,359 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina.

## The Lumberton Pulse: Decoding the Overall Health Score in 28358

The humid air hangs heavy over Lumberton, North Carolina, a familiar embrace for those who call ZIP code 28358 home. It's a place where the scent of pine needles mingles with the distant rumble of passing trains, a sound that has echoed through generations. But beyond the sensory landscape lies a more complex story, one woven with threads of community, resilience, and the persistent pursuit of well-being. This is the story of the overall health score in 28358, a score that reflects not just the absence of disease, but the vibrant pulse of a community striving to thrive.

**Understanding the Score: A Deeper Dive**

Before we delve into the specifics of 28358, it's crucial to understand what an "Overall Health Score" truly represents. It's not a single number, but a composite picture, a mosaic pieced together from various health indicators. These include:

* **Physical Health:** This encompasses factors like chronic disease prevalence (diabetes, heart disease, obesity), access to healthcare, and mortality rates.
* **Mental Health:** This considers rates of depression, anxiety, access to mental health services, and suicide rates.
* **Social Determinants of Health:** This acknowledges the profound impact of factors like socioeconomic status, education levels, housing quality, and access to healthy food on overall well-being.
* **Health Behaviors:** This examines lifestyle choices such as smoking rates, physical activity levels, and dietary habits.

By analyzing these interconnected elements, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the health landscape in 28358.

**The Demographic Tapestry: Who Calls 28358 Home?**

The demographic makeup of a community is the bedrock upon which its health is built. In 28358, the population is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of diversity. The area is a mix of rural and suburban settings, with a significant presence of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, adding a rich cultural heritage to the community.

Imagine a Friday evening at the Robeson County Farmers Market, a lively hub where the air is thick with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the chatter of neighbors catching up. Here, you'll see families of all backgrounds, from the young couple pushing a stroller to the seasoned farmer sharing stories of the harvest. The market is more than just a place to buy groceries; it's a social gathering point, a testament to the community's resilience and the importance of local connections.

**The Places We Call Home: Housing and Neighborhood Vibe**

The quality of housing and the overall neighborhood vibe play a significant role in community health. In 28358, housing options range from historic homes with sprawling porches to more modern developments. The neighborhood vibe can vary greatly, from the quiet, tree-lined streets of the older sections to the more bustling areas near the main thoroughfares.

Picture a crisp autumn morning in a quiet residential street. Sunlight streams through the leaves, painting dappled patterns on the sidewalks. Children's laughter echoes from a nearby park as they chase after a football. Neighbors chat over fences, exchanging stories and offering a helping hand. This sense of community, of belonging, is a vital ingredient in the recipe for good health.

However, the reality isn't always idyllic. Some areas in 28358 face challenges related to housing quality, affordability, and environmental factors. Addressing these issues is crucial to improving the overall health score.

**The Pursuit of a Healthy Lifestyle in Lumberton: Challenges and Opportunities**

Promoting a healthy lifestyle in 28358 requires a multi-pronged approach. It involves addressing the challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities that exist within the community.

**Challenges:**

* **Food Deserts:** Access to fresh, affordable, and healthy food can be limited in certain areas, contributing to poor dietary habits and increased risk of chronic diseases.
* **Healthcare Access:** Ensuring access to quality healthcare, including primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health services, is a persistent hurdle.
* **Economic Disparities:** Poverty and limited economic opportunities can create significant barriers to accessing resources that support good health.
* **Limited Transportation:** Transportation challenges can make it difficult for residents to reach healthcare appointments, grocery stores, and recreational facilities.

**Opportunities:**

* **Local Wellness Programs:** Several organizations are working to improve the health of 28358. The Robeson County Health Department, for example, offers various programs, including health screenings, nutrition education, and chronic disease management. Churches and community centers often host health workshops and support groups.
* **Outdoor Recreation:** The natural beauty of Robeson County provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Lumber River State Park offers trails for hiking, biking, and kayaking, providing residents with opportunities to stay active and connect with nature.
* **Community Gardens:** Community gardens are sprouting up, providing residents with access to fresh produce and fostering a sense of community.
* **Collaboration:** Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to address the complex health challenges facing 28358.

**Vignette: A Day in the Life of 28358**

Let's paint a picture of a typical day in 28358, highlighting the interplay of factors that influence the overall health score.

The sun rises over the Lumber River, casting a golden glow on the dew-kissed fields. Maria, a mother of two, begins her day by preparing a healthy breakfast for her children, using fresh produce she picked up at the farmers market. She then walks her children to school, enjoying the fresh air and the camaraderie of her neighbors.

Later in the day, she attends a free health screening offered at the local community center. The screening identifies a potential health issue, and she is connected with a local healthcare provider for follow-up care.

In the afternoon, her husband, David, takes a break from his construction job to join a community walking group at the park. The group provides a social outlet and encourages physical activity.

As evening approaches, the family gathers for a healthy dinner, prepared with ingredients from their own small garden. They spend the evening together, enjoying each other's company and strengthening their bonds.

This vignette illustrates the interconnectedness of various factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle in 28358. It highlights the importance of access to healthy food, healthcare, social support, and opportunities for physical activity.

**The Road Ahead: Building a Healthier 28358**

Improving the overall health score in 28358 is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and collaboration. Here are some key strategies:

* **Strengthening Healthcare Access:** Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including primary care, mental health services, and specialized care, is paramount. This could involve increasing the number of healthcare providers in the area, expanding telehealth services, and improving insurance coverage.
* **Promoting Healthy Eating:** Addressing food deserts and increasing access to fresh, affordable produce is crucial. This could involve supporting farmers markets, establishing community gardens, and partnering with grocery stores to offer healthy food options.
* **Encouraging Physical Activity:** Promoting physical activity through the development of parks and recreational facilities, creating walking and biking trails, and supporting community-based exercise programs is essential.
* **Addressing Social Determinants of Health:** Tackling issues like poverty, housing instability, and educational disparities is critical. This could involve investing in affordable housing, providing job training opportunities, and supporting educational programs.
* **Fostering Community Engagement:** Encouraging community involvement in health initiatives is essential. This could involve forming community health advisory boards, organizing health fairs, and promoting volunteerism.

**Conclusion: A Community in Motion**

The overall health score in 28358 is a reflection of the community's strengths, challenges, and aspirations. It's a story of resilience, of a community that has faced adversity and continues to strive for a healthier future. While challenges remain, the spirit of Lumberton is one of hope and determination. By working together, by embracing the opportunities that exist, and by investing in the well-being of its residents, 28358 can continue to write a story of progress, a story where the pulse of the community beats strong and healthy for generations to come. The journey is ongoing, but the destination – a thriving, healthy community – is worth every step. The humid air, the distant trains, the familiar embrace of home – all are part of the symphony of life in 28358, a symphony that is constantly being refined, enriched, and made more vibrant by the people who call it home.