15742, Glen Campbell, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 15742, Glen Campbell, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.80 percent of residents in 15742 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 12.74 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Glen Campbell, PA (ZIP Code 15742)

The crisp mountain air of Glen Campbell, Pennsylvania, often beckons those seeking respite from urban clamor. However, for individuals managing asthma, the allure of rural tranquility must be tempered by the realities of healthcare access. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape of ZIP code 15742, offering an "Asthma Score" – a gauge of how easily residents can reach essential medical services, particularly those vital for asthma management. This is crucial for anyone considering moving to Glen Campbell, ensuring they can seamlessly integrate their healthcare needs with the community's lifestyle.

The Asthma Score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. Each facet contributes to the overall accessibility of care, impacting the quality of life for asthma sufferers. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation challenges and opportunities that exist within this rural Pennsylvania community.

**The Drive Time Dilemma:**

Glen Campbell's geographical location dictates that automobiles are the primary mode of transportation. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Indiana, PA, approximately 20 miles away. The journey typically involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 286, a winding two-lane highway that can be prone to congestion during peak hours. Travel time under ideal conditions is around 30 minutes, but this can easily extend to 45 minutes or more, especially during inclement weather.

Further afield, the larger hospitals and specialized clinics in Johnstown, PA, present a longer drive. This 45-mile trip primarily utilizes US Route 422 East, a more direct, four-lane highway. However, traffic, particularly around Johnstown, can significantly increase travel time, potentially exceeding an hour. This extended travel time is a critical consideration for asthma sufferers, especially during acute episodes requiring immediate medical attention. The ability to quickly reach a hospital or urgent care facility can be a matter of life and death.

The condition of the roads themselves also plays a role. While Route 286 and US 422 are generally well-maintained, winter weather, with its snow and ice, can make driving treacherous. This necessitates careful planning and potentially the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles. For those with asthma, exposure to cold air and the stress of navigating hazardous roads can exacerbate symptoms.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options within ZIP code 15742 are extremely limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides some bus services, but these are primarily focused on serving the town of Indiana and do not offer frequent or direct routes to Glen Campbell. Furthermore, the availability of these routes is often restricted, particularly on weekends and evenings.

The ICTA buses that do serve the area may not be equipped with the necessary features for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or walkers. This lack of accessibility further compounds the transportation challenges faced by some asthma sufferers. While the ICTA is legally mandated to provide ADA-compliant services, the practical application of these services in rural areas can be hampered by limited resources and route coverage.

The infrequent service and limited reach of public transit make it a less viable option for routine healthcare appointments or urgent medical needs. The reliance on personal vehicles is further reinforced, placing an additional burden on individuals who may not have reliable transportation or the financial means to maintain a vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Patchwork Solution:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Indiana, PA, area, but their presence in Glen Campbell is less certain. Availability is often dependent on driver density and demand, which can be low in rural areas. Securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies, is not guaranteed.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer a more specialized solution. Ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations. However, NEMT services, which transport patients to and from medical appointments, may have limited availability in Glen Campbell.

The cost of NEMT services can be a significant barrier for some individuals. Insurance coverage varies, and out-of-pocket expenses can quickly accumulate. Furthermore, the coordination of NEMT services requires advance planning, which may not be feasible in the event of an unexpected asthma exacerbation.

**The Asthma Score: A Synthesis**

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 15742 reflects the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access for asthma sufferers. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most difficult access and 10 representing the easiest.

* **Drive Time:** The reliance on personal vehicles and the drive times to medical facilities in Indiana and Johnstown contribute to a lower score. The potential for delays due to traffic and weather further complicates the situation.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and accessibility of public transit significantly reduce the score. The lack of frequent routes and ADA-compliant services pose a significant barrier.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The uncertain availability of ride-sharing services in Glen Campbell further diminishes the score.
* **Medical Transport:** While ambulance services are readily available, the limited availability and cost of NEMT services impact the overall score.

Considering these factors, the Asthma Score for ZIP code 15742 is estimated to be a **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the significant challenges faced by asthma sufferers in accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create a complex transportation landscape.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Asthma Score, several initiatives could be considered:

* **Advocacy for Improved Public Transit:** Increased funding and expanded routes for the ICTA, with a focus on serving Glen Campbell and providing ADA-compliant services, would significantly improve healthcare access.
* **Partnerships with Ride-Sharing Services:** Collaboration with ride-sharing companies to ensure service availability in Glen Campbell, potentially through subsidized fares for medical appointments, could provide a valuable alternative transportation option.
* **Expansion of NEMT Services:** Increased availability and affordability of NEMT services, potentially through partnerships with local healthcare providers and insurance companies, would address a critical need.
* **Community Education:** Promoting awareness of available resources, including transportation options and asthma management strategies, can empower residents to navigate the healthcare system more effectively.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Glen Campbell, PA, offers the promise of a peaceful lifestyle. However, for individuals with asthma, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. The Asthma Score of 4 out of 10 highlights the challenges associated with healthcare access in ZIP code 15742. By acknowledging these challenges and advocating for improvements in transportation infrastructure and services, the community can create a more supportive environment for asthma sufferers, ensuring they can live comfortably and safely in their new home.