16054, Saint Petersburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 16054, Saint Petersburg, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.90 percent of residents in 16054 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 13.59 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 16054

ZIP Code 16054, encompassing the borough of Prospect, Pennsylvania, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing asthma. This analysis, designed to inform potential residents and current community members, assesses the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare accessibility, ultimately contributing to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. This is especially relevant for anyone considering moving to Saint Petersburg, as understanding the nuances of healthcare access is crucial for a successful transition.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Prospect is the ability to reach medical facilities. This necessitates a deep dive into the transportation options available, encompassing both private and public avenues. The primary mode of transport for most residents will be personal vehicles. The major arteries serving the area are **Interstate 79 (I-79)**, **Route 422**, and various local roads. Driving times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by traffic, time of day, and weather conditions.

For residents needing specialist care or emergency services, the drive to UPMC Passavant in Cranberry Township, a major healthcare provider, typically takes around 20-30 minutes via I-79, depending on traffic. This drive, while relatively manageable, can be significantly impacted during peak commuting hours. Similarly, reaching Butler Memorial Hospital, another vital healthcare hub, involves a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes via Route 422.

The importance of reliable and efficient transportation is paramount for asthma sufferers. Regular doctor's appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency visits require consistent access to healthcare providers. The ability to quickly and easily reach these services can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals with asthma.

Public transportation options in Prospect are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for those without personal vehicles. The **Butler Transit Authority (BTA)** provides bus service within Butler County, but its routes and schedules are not specifically designed to optimize healthcare access for Prospect residents. The routes are infrequent, often operating on a limited schedule, and do not directly connect to major medical facilities in a timely manner.

Furthermore, the BTA's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and audio-visual announcements, are in place, but the overall system's limitations hinder its suitability for regular healthcare visits, particularly for those with mobility challenges or severe asthma symptoms. This lack of robust public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer a more flexible option for healthcare transportation. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. While ride-sharing provides a convenient alternative to driving, the cost can be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. The expense associated with ride-sharing adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized approach. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** or **CareRide** often provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be crucial for those who cannot drive or utilize public transportation due to their medical condition. However, availability and eligibility for these services depend on insurance coverage and specific medical needs.

The "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 16054 is influenced by the interplay of these transportation factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, while offering flexibility, is subject to traffic and weather-related delays. The limited public transportation options, coupled with the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical transport, create a complex landscape for healthcare access.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, though generally reasonable, can be a concern during peak hours or in inclement weather. The lack of convenient public transit options further exacerbates the challenges, particularly for those who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides some relief, but their cost and potential limitations must be considered. The overall "Asthma Score" reflects the degree of ease with which individuals with asthma can reach medical care. This score would consider the drive times, the availability of public transit, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing, and the accessibility of medical transportation services.

For individuals considering moving to Saint Petersburg, or more specifically, to Prospect, this analysis provides valuable insight into the healthcare access landscape. Understanding the transportation options and their limitations is crucial for making informed decisions about where to live, especially for those managing chronic conditions like asthma.

The availability of healthcare services is a critical factor in choosing a place to live. The ability to quickly and easily reach a doctor's office, pharmacy, or hospital can significantly impact a person's health and well-being. The assessment of transportation options is paramount in determining the overall healthcare access score.

The "Asthma Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment influenced by various factors. The ongoing development of transportation infrastructure, the expansion of public transit services, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation options can all impact the score over time.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. This detailed analysis of the transportation options within ZIP Code 16054 provides a foundation for assessing the overall "Asthma Score" and highlights the importance of considering healthcare access when making relocation decisions.