16416, Garland, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 16416, Garland, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

9.09 percent of residents in 16416 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lecom Health Corry Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.87 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Garland, PA (ZIP Code 16416)

The crisp air of Garland, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Allegheny National Forest, offers a bucolic charm. However, for individuals managing asthma, the idyllic landscape presents a unique challenge: healthcare access. This write-up, an “Asthma Score” assessment, explores the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 16416, crucial for timely medical intervention. We’ll analyze drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive view for residents and those considering moving to Garland, PA. Understanding these factors is paramount for ensuring effective asthma management and maintaining a good quality of life.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is the ability to reach medical facilities promptly. In Garland, the primary healthcare destinations are located outside the immediate ZIP code. The nearest hospital, Warren General Hospital, sits approximately 15 miles south in Warren, PA. Driving this distance, primarily via **US Route 6** and **Pennsylvania Route 948**, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. During winter months, the drive can be considerably longer due to snow and ice, necessitating careful planning and potentially impacting the timely arrival of an individual experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

Specialist care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, may require travel to larger cities like Erie, approximately 60 miles northwest. This journey involves navigating **US Route 6**, transitioning onto **Interstate 86** (eastbound), and then **Interstate 90** (westbound). The drive can take upwards of an hour and a half, presenting a significant time commitment, especially during peak traffic hours. This longer travel time underscores the importance of preventative care and readily accessible rescue medications for individuals living with asthma in Garland.

Public transportation options in Garland are limited. The primary provider, the Warren County Transit Authority (WCTA), offers fixed-route and demand-response services. However, the frequency of service is often limited, particularly on weekends and evenings. While the WCTA aims to provide ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations, the routes and schedules may not always align with urgent medical needs. Riders should check the WCTA website for current route numbers, schedules, and ADA-related features. Reliance on public transit necessitates careful planning, factoring in potential delays and the need for extended travel times, which can be stressful during an asthma flare-up.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Warren area, but their presence in Garland is less consistent. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand, potentially leading to longer wait times, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Securing a ride-share for an urgent medical appointment may not always be guaranteed. Therefore, individuals with asthma should not solely rely on ride-sharing as their primary mode of transportation to healthcare.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, such as those offered by private companies, can provide scheduled rides to doctor appointments and other medical treatments. These services often cater to individuals with limited mobility or those who cannot drive themselves. Researching and establishing a relationship with a reliable NEMT provider in advance is advisable for residents with asthma.

The Asthma Score in Garland, PA, is influenced by several factors. The relatively long drive times to healthcare facilities, especially during adverse weather conditions, pose a challenge. Limited public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access. While medical transport services offer a viable solution, their availability and cost must be considered.

The overall Asthma Score is moderate. While the drive to Warren General Hospital is manageable, the longer travel times to specialist care in Erie and the limitations in transportation options impact the score. Residents with asthma should prioritize proactive asthma management, including regular check-ups, medication adherence, and readily available rescue inhalers.

For individuals considering moving to Garland, PA, careful consideration of these transportation factors is crucial. Evaluating the proximity of healthcare facilities, understanding the limitations of public transit, and exploring the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are essential steps. Building a strong relationship with a local healthcare provider and developing a personalized asthma action plan are also paramount.

In conclusion, while Garland offers a serene environment, healthcare access requires careful planning. The Asthma Score reflects the need for residents to proactively manage their condition, explore all available transportation options, and establish a robust support system to ensure timely and effective medical care. This comprehensive understanding of transportation infrastructure is critical for those seeking to thrive while managing asthma in this beautiful corner of Pennsylvania.