16258, Strattanville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 16258, Strattanville, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.87 percent of residents in 16258 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 6.40 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Strattanville (ZIP Code 16258)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of rural tranquility in Strattanville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16258). But for individuals managing asthma, the reality of this bucolic setting is often tempered by the practicalities of healthcare access. This "Asthma Score" write-up delves into the transportation landscape, meticulously examining the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking medical attention, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities. This is especially crucial for anyone considering moving to Strattanville, as their health needs must be a primary consideration.

Transportation forms the bedrock of healthcare access. In Strattanville, the primary mode of personal transportation is undoubtedly the automobile. The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for navigating the region. This dependence impacts the Asthma Score in several ways, particularly concerning drive times to medical facilities, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of specialized medical transport.

The nearest major healthcare hub is Clarion Hospital, located in Clarion, Pennsylvania, approximately 10 miles from Strattanville. The most direct route is via Pennsylvania Route 68 (PA-68), a two-lane highway that offers a reasonably smooth journey. However, during peak traffic hours, particularly weekday mornings and afternoons, congestion can occur, potentially increasing drive times. Under normal conditions, the drive to Clarion Hospital via PA-68 takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Another option involves utilizing Interstate 80 (I-80), a major east-west artery that intersects near Strattanville. While I-80 offers a faster travel time to Clarion, it also adds distance and complexity. The journey involves navigating local roads to access the interstate, then exiting and navigating local roads again to reach the hospital. This route can be slightly longer, potentially taking 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific entry and exit points.

Beyond Clarion Hospital, residents may need to travel further afield for specialized care. Pittsburgh, with its comprehensive medical facilities, is a significant healthcare destination. The journey to Pittsburgh requires a longer commute, approximately 90-120 minutes, primarily utilizing I-80 and then the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). This extended travel time presents a significant challenge for asthma sufferers, especially during exacerbations.

Public transportation options in Strattanville are limited. The Clarion County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides some bus service within the county, but its routes are infrequent and primarily serve the more populated areas. There are no direct bus routes connecting Strattanville to Clarion Hospital or other major medical facilities. The CCTA does offer demand-response services, which require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. These services are advertised as ADA-accessible, but availability is not guaranteed.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the Clarion area, but their availability is not consistent, particularly in rural areas like Strattanville. Demand is low, and wait times can be unpredictable, making them unreliable for urgent medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for frequent healthcare visits, adding to the financial burden of managing asthma.

Medical transport services are available in the region, catering to individuals with specific medical needs. These services, such as ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to transport patients to medical appointments. However, these services typically require prior arrangements and can be expensive. The availability of NEMT providers may vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the specific medical needs.

The Asthma Score for Strattanville reflects the challenges of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for asthma sufferers. The extended travel times to specialized medical facilities further exacerbate the problem.

For individuals considering moving to Strattanville, a careful assessment of their healthcare needs is crucial. The accessibility of medical care should be a primary factor in their decision-making process. Potential residents should investigate the availability of medical transport services, assess the feasibility of relying on family or friends for transportation, and consider the potential financial implications of frequent healthcare visits.

Improving healthcare access in Strattanville requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding public transportation options, particularly routes connecting to medical facilities, would significantly improve the Asthma Score. Promoting ride-sharing services and ensuring their consistent availability would also be beneficial. Furthermore, increasing the number of medical transport providers and ensuring their affordability would provide critical support for asthma sufferers.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score in Strattanville highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the rural setting offers a peaceful environment, the limitations in transportation options pose a significant challenge for individuals managing asthma. A comprehensive understanding of these challenges is essential for residents and prospective residents alike, ensuring that healthcare needs are adequately addressed. The journey to healthcare is a critical one, and in Strattanville, it requires careful planning and consideration.