28458, Rose Hill, North Carolina Overall Health Score People Score

The People Score for the Overall Health Score in 28458, Rose Hill, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.55 percent of the residents in 28458 has some form of health insurance. 45.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.62 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 28458 would have to travel an average of 10.93 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Vidant Duplin Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 292 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 28458, Rose Hill, North Carolina.

## Pulse of the Pine: Taking the Overall Health Score of Rose Hill, NC (ZIP Code 28458)

The humid air hangs heavy, thick with the scent of pine and the promise of a North Carolina summer. The sun, a molten coin in the cerulean sky, beats down on the quiet streets of Rose Hill, a town nestled in the heart of Duplin County. This is 28458, a ZIP code encompassing a community that, like the resilient longleaf pines that dot its landscape, is striving to build a foundation of health and well-being. But how healthy *is* Rose Hill? Let's take its pulse, dissect its vital signs, and get a real-time "Overall Health Score."

**The Lay of the Land: A Snapshot of 28458**

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s paint a picture. Rose Hill isn't a sprawling metropolis. It's a close-knit community where neighbors wave from their porches and the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasons. The demographics of 28458 are a crucial piece of the puzzle. The population is predominantly White, with a significant Black or African American population, reflecting the historical roots of this agricultural region. The median age skews a little older than the national average, suggesting a community with deep roots and a strong sense of tradition. Income levels are generally lower than the national average, which can present unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare and resources.

**The Foundation: Housing and the Neighborhood Vibe**

The homes in Rose Hill are a mix of architectural styles, reflecting the town's history. You'll find well-maintained, older homes with spacious yards, perfect for families who value outdoor space. Newer construction is also present, offering modern amenities. The "neighborhood vibe" is a critical factor in overall health. Think of it as the soil in which the seeds of well-being are planted.

Imagine this: The aroma of slow-cooked barbeque drifts from a backyard cookout on a Saturday afternoon. Kids, their laughter echoing through the trees, chase fireflies as dusk settles. Neighbors gather on their porches, sharing stories and catching up on the week's events. This sense of community, this feeling of belonging, is a powerful buffer against stress and isolation, both of which can negatively impact health.

However, the age of some housing stock can be a factor. Older homes might present challenges like lead paint or outdated plumbing, which can impact the health of residents. The availability of affordable, quality housing is a key indicator of community health.

**The Pillars of Health: Access and Resources**

Now, let's examine the essential pillars that support a healthy lifestyle in Rose Hill.

* **Healthcare Access:** This is a critical component. Rose Hill is fortunate to have access to local medical facilities, including family practices and specialists in nearby towns. However, the availability of specialized care and the potential for long travel times to larger hospitals can be a challenge for some residents. Transportation, especially for those without personal vehicles, becomes a significant hurdle. The presence of community health centers and clinics that offer sliding-scale fees is vital for ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of income.

* **Healthy Food Options:** Access to fresh, nutritious food is a cornerstone of well-being. Rose Hill has local grocery stores, and farmers' markets are a great way to get fresh produce. However, the availability of healthy options in local convenience stores and the prevalence of fast-food restaurants are factors to consider. Food deserts, areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, can be a challenge, and initiatives like community gardens can play a vital role in addressing this.

* **Education and Employment:** Education levels and employment opportunities are intertwined with overall health. Higher education levels are often associated with better health outcomes. Rose Hill has good schools, and the availability of vocational training programs can equip residents with the skills they need to secure stable employment. Employment opportunities, particularly those that offer fair wages and benefits, contribute to financial stability, which in turn impacts health.

**The Active Life: Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Programs**

Rose Hill, with its rural setting, offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. This is a significant advantage for promoting physical activity and mental well-being.

Picture this: A crisp autumn morning. The leaves are ablaze with color. Families gather at the local park, enjoying the playground, and walking the trails. The nearby Duplin County Park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The presence of walking trails and bike paths within the town itself encourages residents to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

The availability of local wellness programs is another crucial factor. These programs can range from fitness classes and support groups to educational workshops on nutrition and chronic disease management. They offer residents the tools and support they need to adopt and maintain healthy habits.

**Vignette: A Day in the Life**

Let's follow a hypothetical resident of 28458 through a typical day to illustrate how these factors play out.

* **Morning:** Sarah, a 45-year-old mother of two, wakes up. She starts her day with a brisk walk on the trail near her home. The fresh air and sunshine invigorate her.
* **Mid-Morning:** Sarah stops by the local farmer's market to pick up fresh produce for the week. She chats with the vendors, enjoying the sense of community.
* **Afternoon:** Sarah's daughter, who has asthma, has a check-up at the local clinic. The clinic staff is friendly and helpful, making the experience less stressful.
* **Evening:** Sarah attends a free Zumba class offered at the community center. She meets up with her friends, enjoying the exercise and the social interaction. She prepares a healthy dinner for her family, using ingredients she purchased at the market.

This vignette highlights the positive aspects of Rose Hill's health ecosystem, showcasing the interconnectedness of access to healthcare, healthy food options, outdoor recreation, and community support.

**Challenges and Opportunities**

While Rose Hill has many strengths, it also faces challenges.

* **Chronic Disease Management:** The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, is a concern in many rural communities. Access to specialized care, education, and support services for managing these conditions is crucial.
* **Mental Health:** Mental health services are often under-resourced in rural areas. Increasing access to mental health professionals and promoting mental health awareness are essential.
* **Economic Disparities:** Income inequality can impact health outcomes. Addressing poverty and promoting economic opportunities are critical for improving the overall health of the community.

However, these challenges also present opportunities.

* **Community Collaboration:** Rose Hill has a strong sense of community. This can be leveraged to create partnerships between local organizations, healthcare providers, and residents to address health disparities.
* **Leveraging Technology:** Telehealth and other technology-based solutions can improve access to healthcare and mental health services, particularly for those in remote areas.
* **Promoting Healthy Lifestyles:** Investing in programs that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and mental well-being can have a significant impact on overall health outcomes.

**Calculating the Overall Health Score**

Based on the factors we've discussed, we can begin to formulate an "Overall Health Score" for Rose Hill (28458). This score would be a composite measure, incorporating data from various sources, including:

* **Healthcare Access:** Number of healthcare providers per capita, availability of specialized care, access to affordable insurance, and rates of preventative care.
* **Health Outcomes:** Rates of chronic diseases, mortality rates, and life expectancy.
* **Social Determinants of Health:** Poverty rates, education levels, employment rates, housing quality, and access to healthy food options.
* **Community Resources:** Availability of parks, recreational facilities, wellness programs, and community support services.

While a precise score would require detailed data analysis, we can estimate that Rose Hill likely falls in the "Moderate" range. It possesses a strong sense of community, access to some healthcare resources, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, challenges related to income, chronic disease management, and access to specialized care need to be addressed to improve the overall health score.

**The Future of Health in Rose Hill**

The future of health in Rose Hill is not predetermined. It is being written every day by the residents, the healthcare providers, the community leaders, and the organizations that work to support them. By focusing on the pillars of health – access to care, healthy food, outdoor recreation, and community support – Rose Hill can continue to build a healthier future for its residents.

Imagine this: Years from now, the sun still shines on Rose Hill. The air still smells of pine. But the community is even stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. The "Overall Health Score" has improved. The people of 28458 are thriving, living longer, healthier lives, and enjoying the simple pleasures of a close-knit community. This is the pulse of the pine, the rhythm of Rose Hill, a community striving for a healthier tomorrow.