17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.94 percent of residents in 17763 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Williamsport with a distance of 17.90 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Ralston, PA (ZIP Code 17763)

The crisp mountain air of Ralston, Pennsylvania, nestled within the embrace of the Endless Mountains, offers a scenic backdrop. However, for individuals managing asthma, the idyllic setting presents a unique set of challenges when considering healthcare access. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 17763, evaluating the ease of reaching medical facilities and providing a practical 'Asthma Score' to aid in informed decision-making, especially for those contemplating moving to Ralston.

Ralston itself is a small, unincorporated community. The core of the transportation network revolves around Pennsylvania Route 14, a vital artery connecting the village to surrounding towns and cities. Route 14 provides a direct conduit to Williamsport, the regional hub for healthcare services, approximately 20 miles south. Route 414, another critical thoroughfare, intersects Route 14, offering an alternative route and access to the eastern side of the county.

The primary mode of transportation for residents in Ralston is the personal vehicle. This is particularly relevant for asthma sufferers, as the ability to control the environment within a car, such as temperature and air filtration, is crucial during episodes. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical consideration.

The closest urgent care facility is in Muncy, approximately 15 miles south via Route 14, a drive that typically takes 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Muncy also boasts a small hospital, UPMC Muncy, which provides basic emergency services and outpatient care. For more specialized treatment, the drive to UPMC Williamsport, a larger hospital with comprehensive services, requires a 35-45 minute drive via Route 14. This journey can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, especially during the winter months, when snow and ice can cause delays and increase the risk of exacerbating asthma symptoms due to exposure to cold air.

Public transportation options are limited. The primary provider of public transportation in the region is the River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT), which primarily serves the Williamsport area. However, RVT does not directly serve Ralston. The closest RVT route, the 101 bus, operates in Williamsport. This lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without a personal vehicle or those who are unable to drive.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for individuals with asthma, particularly during acute episodes. While RVT buses are equipped with ADA features, the lack of service to Ralston renders this irrelevant for local residents. The absence of accessible public transit exacerbates the challenges of accessing healthcare, especially for those who may experience difficulty breathing or require immediate medical attention.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Williamsport area. However, their availability in Ralston is less reliable. The limited presence of ride-sharing services means that individuals with asthma may face significant delays in securing transportation to a medical facility, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This lack of dependable transportation adds to the stress and anxiety associated with managing asthma.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are available. These services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with asthma who require urgent medical attention or assistance with transportation to scheduled appointments. However, the response time of these services can vary depending on the location and availability of resources. Delays in medical transport can have serious consequences for individuals experiencing an asthma attack.

The availability of these services is crucial in the context of healthcare access. The reliance on private vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, and the uncertainty of ride-sharing services all contribute to the challenges faced by asthma sufferers in accessing timely and appropriate medical care.

**Asthma Score Calculation:**

This 'Asthma Score' aims to quantify the challenges of accessing healthcare in Ralston, PA, considering transportation factors. The score is based on a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing the easiest access and 10 representing the most difficult.

* **Drive Time to Nearest Urgent Care/Hospital (Weight: 30%):** 20-25 minutes to Muncy (Score: 7)
* **Availability of Public Transportation (Weight: 25%):** None (Score: 10)
* **Reliability of Ride-Sharing Services (Weight: 20%):** Limited availability (Score: 8)
* **Availability of Medical Transportation (Weight: 15%):** Available, but response times may vary (Score: 6)
* **ADA Accessibility of Transportation (Weight: 10%):** Not applicable due to lack of public transport (Score: 10)

**Weighted Score Calculation:**

* (7 x 0.30) + (10 x 0.25) + (8 x 0.20) + (6 x 0.15) + (10 x 0.10) = 2.1 + 2.5 + 1.6 + 0.9 + 1.0 = 8.1

**Final Asthma Score for Ralston, PA (ZIP Code 17763): 8.1**

**Interpretation of the Asthma Score:**

An Asthma Score of 8.1 indicates a significant challenge in accessing healthcare for individuals with asthma in Ralston. The score highlights the reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transportation, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services as key barriers to healthcare access. This score should be carefully considered by anyone contemplating moving to Ralston, especially those with asthma.

**Recommendations for Individuals with Asthma:**

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Ralston, a proactive approach to managing healthcare access is crucial. This includes:

* **Maintaining a reliable vehicle:** Ensuring the vehicle is properly maintained and equipped with air filtration systems.
* **Establishing a relationship with a local healthcare provider:** Having a primary care physician in Williamsport is essential.
* **Developing an emergency plan:** This should include readily available emergency contacts, a plan for transportation to the nearest medical facility, and a backup plan in case of inclement weather.
* **Exploring the availability of NEMT services:** Investigating the services offered by local NEMT providers and establishing a relationship with them.
* **Considering the impact of weather conditions:** Being prepared for potential delays due to snow, ice, and other weather-related issues.
* **Utilizing telehealth options:** Exploring the possibility of virtual consultations with healthcare providers to reduce the need for travel.

This 'Asthma Score' write-up provides a comprehensive overview of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for individuals with asthma in Ralston, PA. While the scenic beauty of the area is undeniable, the challenges presented by limited transportation options must be carefully considered. By understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, individuals with asthma can make informed decisions about their healthcare and their quality of life in Ralston.