15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.21 percent of residents in 15958 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center with a distance of 11.11 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Summerhill, PA (ZIP Code 15958)

The picturesque borough of Summerhill, Pennsylvania, nestled within the embrace of Cambria County, offers a tranquil escape. But for individuals grappling with arthritis, the serenity of this locale hinges significantly on the ease of accessing healthcare. This "Arthritis Score" aims to illuminate the transportation landscape for residents, particularly those considering a move to Summerhill, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by its location. The score is a composite assessment, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, all crucial elements in determining healthcare access.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Summerhill is the ability to reach medical facilities. For residents, this often translates to navigating the roads. The primary artery is Route 219, a north-south thoroughfare that offers direct access to Johnstown, approximately 15 miles south. Driving time to major hospitals like Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center typically hovers around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey involves a combination of Route 219 and city streets, which can pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

West of Summerhill, the winding Route 56 offers another route, albeit a longer one, towards Johnstown. This route is scenic but can be slower, with drive times exceeding 30 minutes. For those seeking specialized care, the drive to Pittsburgh, a major medical hub, is a considerable undertaking, requiring approximately a two-hour journey via the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and various connecting highways. This long-distance travel can exacerbate arthritis symptoms and place a significant strain on patients.

Public transportation options in Summerhill are limited. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, particularly for areas outside of Johnstown. There are no direct bus routes to Summerhill, making it necessary to transfer at the Johnstown Transportation Center. This adds considerable time and complexity to the journey.

The CCTA, however, is committed to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and offer priority seating for individuals with disabilities. Riders can request door-to-door service through the "Shared Ride" program, which requires advance booking. This program is crucial for individuals with arthritis who may find it difficult to navigate standard bus routes. However, the limited service area and scheduling requirements can still present challenges.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Johnstown area, but their presence in Summerhill is less consistent. Availability is often dependent on driver availability and demand, especially during off-peak hours. For individuals with arthritis, the reliance on ride-sharing can be problematic due to potential wait times and the need to navigate vehicles.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations. Several providers operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. While providing a crucial service, these options often come at a higher cost than public transit or ride-sharing.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Summerhill itself is limited. Residents typically rely on facilities in Johnstown for primary care, specialist appointments, and hospitalizations. This underscores the importance of reliable transportation. The nearest pharmacy is located in Johnstown, and therefore, it is necessary to make the journey to obtain medication.

For individuals considering moving to Summerhill with arthritis, the "Arthritis Score" highlights several critical factors. The primary concern is the reliance on personal vehicles or the need for specialized transportation to access healthcare. While Johnstown is relatively close, the limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges.

The long distances to major medical centers, such as Pittsburgh, further complicate healthcare access. The need for pre-planning and coordination is paramount. This can require booking medical transportation services in advance or relying on family and friends for assistance.

The lack of local healthcare facilities necessitates careful consideration of the transportation burden. Residents should assess their ability to drive, the availability of support networks, and the financial implications of relying on specialized transportation.

The "Arthritis Score" is not a static measurement. It can fluctuate based on factors such as weather conditions, traffic patterns, and the availability of transportation services. It is essential for prospective residents to conduct thorough research, including contacting local transportation providers and healthcare facilities, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape.

For individuals with arthritis, the choice of where to live is often intertwined with the ease of accessing healthcare. The "Arthritis Score" for Summerhill highlights the need for careful planning and a proactive approach to ensure that healthcare needs are met. While the borough offers a peaceful environment, the transportation challenges must be carefully considered.

The ideal scenario for individuals with arthritis would involve a combination of accessible public transit, reliable ride-sharing services, and readily available medical transportation options. Until these conditions are fully met, residents must prioritize planning and preparation.

In conclusion, Summerhill offers a unique blend of tranquility and accessibility. However, for individuals with arthritis, the "Arthritis Score" reveals that healthcare access hinges on navigating a transportation landscape that requires careful planning and consideration. The decision to move to Summerhill should be made with a full understanding of these factors.