15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.92 percent of residents in 15928 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chan Soon- Shiong Medical Center At Windber with a distance of 4.70 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Davidsville (ZIP Code 15928)

Moving to a new community, especially when managing a chronic condition like asthma, demands careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up provides a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment for residents of Davidsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15928), focusing on transportation options and their impact on accessing vital medical care. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for individuals with asthma.

Davidsville, nestled in the heart of Cambria County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. While the rural landscape offers a tranquil setting, healthcare access can be a significant hurdle. The 'Asthma Score' aims to quantify these challenges, providing a framework for informed decision-making.

**Drive Time Dynamics and Roadway Realities**

The primary artery serving Davidsville is **US Route 219**, a crucial north-south thoroughfare. Accessing major healthcare facilities, like UPMC Altoona or Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, necessitates navigating this highway. Drive times fluctuate considerably depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific destination. A typical drive to Conemaugh, the closest major hospital, can range from 20 to 40 minutes, contingent on traffic and the time of day.

Secondary roads, including **State Route 56** and various local routes, offer alternative paths. However, these roads are often narrower, winding, and susceptible to weather-related closures, particularly during winter months. Travel on these roads can add considerable time to your journey, especially when factoring in the need for emergency care.

For individuals with asthma, unpredictable drive times can be a significant concern. Unexpected delays, especially during an asthma exacerbation, can exacerbate the condition and delay crucial medical intervention. The 'Asthma Score' will reflect the variability in drive times and the potential impact on healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Davidsville are limited. The **Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA)** provides bus services, but routes and schedules are often restricted, particularly in rural areas. The CCTA operates primarily within the Johnstown metropolitan area, making direct access to Davidsville challenging.

Bus routes serving Davidsville are infrequent, with limited service on weekends and evenings. This lack of accessibility can be a major impediment for individuals with asthma, especially those who do not drive or have limited mobility. The CCTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, featuring ramps and designated seating, which is a positive aspect for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequency of service and the limited geographical coverage remain significant drawbacks.

The 'Asthma Score' will incorporate the challenges posed by the limited public transportation options. It will assess the frequency of service, the accessibility of bus stops, and the overall feasibility of relying on public transit for routine and emergency healthcare needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnstown area, offering a potentially viable transportation alternative. However, their availability in Davidsville can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for emergency situations can be risky, as response times may be unpredictable.

Medical transport services, including ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are essential for individuals with asthma who require specialized assistance. Ambulance services are available in Davidsville, but response times can vary depending on the location and the severity of the emergency. NEMT services, provided by companies like **MedTrans** and **First Transit**, offer transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive or use public transportation. These services require advance booking and may have limited availability.

The 'Asthma Score' will evaluate the reliability and accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transport services. It will consider the cost, the availability of services, and the potential impact on healthcare access for individuals with asthma.

**Assessing the 'Asthma Score'**

The 'Asthma Score' will be a composite metric, considering the following factors:

* **Drive Time Variability:** Assessing the range of drive times to key healthcare facilities, considering traffic, weather, and time of day.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Evaluating the frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of CCTA services.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** Assessing the availability and response times of Uber and Lyft services in Davidsville.
* **Medical Transport Availability:** Evaluating the availability, cost, and booking requirements of ambulance and NEMT services.
* **Proximity to Pharmacies:** Assessing the distance and accessibility of pharmacies offering asthma medications and supplies.
* **Healthcare Provider Density:** Evaluating the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and emergency care facilities in the area.

Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance to healthcare access for individuals with asthma. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the transportation challenges and opportunities in Davidsville.

**Implications for Moving to Davidsville**

For individuals considering moving to Davidsville, the 'Asthma Score' provides crucial insights into the realities of healthcare access. It highlights the importance of:

* **Owning a Reliable Vehicle:** The reliance on personal transportation underscores the need for a dependable vehicle, especially for emergency situations.
* **Planning for Transportation:** Individuals should proactively plan for transportation to medical appointments, considering the limitations of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services.
* **Establishing Relationships with Healthcare Providers:** Building strong relationships with primary care physicians and pulmonologists can facilitate access to timely care and support.
* **Understanding Emergency Protocols:** Familiarizing oneself with emergency protocols, including the location of the nearest emergency room and the availability of ambulance services, is crucial.
* **Considering Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** When choosing a residence, proximity to healthcare facilities and pharmacies should be a significant factor.

The 'Asthma Score' serves as a valuable tool for informed decision-making, empowering individuals with asthma to navigate the transportation landscape and ensure access to the healthcare they need. It underscores the importance of careful planning, proactive healthcare management, and a thorough understanding of the local resources available. The score is not meant to dissuade anyone from moving to Davidsville, but rather to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities that await.