15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.38 percent of residents in 15851 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 11.23 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Reynoldsville (ZIP Code 15851)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates a complex understanding of transportation options, accessibility, and the inherent challenges of navigating a rural landscape. For residents of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15851), the Breast Cancer Score becomes a vital tool, quantifying the ease with which individuals can access crucial diagnostic and treatment services. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this community.

Considering a move to Reynoldsville? Understanding this score is paramount. It directly impacts the quality of life and the ability to effectively manage a breast cancer diagnosis. The score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, can receive timely and appropriate care.

The primary challenge for residents of Reynoldsville is its relative isolation. The borough is situated in a region characterized by rolling hills and sprawling farmland, making transportation a significant factor in healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, places a heavy emphasis on evaluating the available transportation infrastructure.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Access**

For most residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The major arteries influencing healthcare access include Interstate 80 (I-80), a crucial east-west thoroughfare, and US Route 119, which provides north-south connectivity. Pennsylvania Route 950, a more local road, also serves as a critical link to neighboring towns and medical facilities.

The drive time to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer care centers forms the cornerstone of the Breast Cancer Score. The closest facilities offering diagnostic mammograms, biopsies, and potentially initial treatment options are in DuBois, approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within Reynoldsville. This drive typically involves traveling on US Route 119, offering a relatively direct route.

For more specialized care, including surgical interventions, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, patients often need to travel to larger medical centers. Penn Highlands Healthcare in DuBois, a leading provider in the region, is a primary destination. The drive to Penn Highlands, utilizing US Route 119, remains within the 30-minute range, representing a relatively favorable score component.

However, the score must also consider the potential for inclement weather, which is common in this region. Snow and ice can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks, particularly during the winter months. This factor is incorporated into the score, recognizing the potential for delays and the need for careful planning.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Reynoldsville are extremely limited. The Jefferson County Transportation Authority (JCTA) provides some bus services, but these are primarily designed for local travel and may not offer direct routes to medical facilities. The JCTA's routes are infrequent, and schedules may not align with the needs of patients requiring regular appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor. The Breast Cancer Score must assess the percentage of buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can access the available services.

The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score. The limited availability of buses, coupled with the potential for long wait times and indirect routes, makes public transportation a less viable option for many patients. The score reflects this limitation, acknowledging the need for alternative transportation solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the DuBois area, but their presence in Reynoldsville itself is less consistent. The Breast Cancer Score evaluates the reliability of these services, considering factors such as driver availability, response times, and pricing. The score also assesses the potential for surge pricing during peak hours, which could pose a financial burden for patients.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who are unable to drive themselves or lack access to other transportation options. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. The Breast Cancer Score evaluates the availability, cost, and reliability of these services, including factors such as the types of vehicles offered (e.g., wheelchair-accessible vans) and the experience of the drivers.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the specific brands operating in the area, such as MedRide and other local providers. It also evaluates the process for scheduling rides, the waiting times, and the overall level of customer service. The score recognizes the critical role that medical transport plays in ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The final Breast Cancer Score for Reynoldsville (ZIP code 15851) is a composite of all these factors. It assigns numerical values to each component, weighting them based on their relative importance. Drive times receive a significant weighting, reflecting the reliance on personal vehicles. Public transit receives a lower weighting, acknowledging its limitations. Ride-sharing and medical transport services are weighted based on their availability, reliability, and cost.

The score is not static; it is a dynamic measure that can change over time. Improvements in transportation infrastructure, the expansion of ride-sharing services, or the availability of new medical transport options can all positively impact the score. Conversely, changes in healthcare provider availability or increased traffic congestion could negatively affect the score.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable resource for residents of Reynoldsville, providing a clear and concise assessment of healthcare access. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare options and encourages community stakeholders to advocate for improvements in transportation and healthcare services. Considering a move to Reynoldsville? This score is your guide to understanding the practical realities of accessing breast cancer care. It is a testament to the community's commitment to healthcare access.