15861, Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15861, Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.27 percent of residents in 15861 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 26.87 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sinnamahoning, PA (ZIP Code 15861)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a critical diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex undertaking. This write-up explores the realities of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** for residents of Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15861), considering the potential impact on a "Breast Cancer Score." We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities facing those seeking care. For anyone **moving to Sinnamahoning**, this analysis offers a crucial perspective.

Sinnamahoning, a small community nestled in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, presents unique challenges for accessing specialized medical care. The remoteness of the area directly impacts the ease and speed with which residents can reach essential services, including those related to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. The "Breast Cancer Score" for this ZIP code, therefore, hinges significantly on the availability and efficiency of **transportation** options.

The primary mode of **transportation** for most residents is personal vehicle. The drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers involves navigating winding rural roads and potentially long stretches of highway. The closest major medical facilities with specialized breast cancer services are located in DuBois, approximately 45 miles east, or State College, around 80 miles south.

Traveling to DuBois typically involves taking Pennsylvania Route 120 East, a scenic but often slow-moving route, to Pennsylvania Route 255 South. The drive, under ideal conditions, could take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. However, factors like weather, road conditions, and traffic can significantly extend this travel time, potentially impacting the timeliness of appointments and treatments.

Alternatively, a journey to State College would involve traveling south on Pennsylvania Route 120, then connecting to Interstate 80 West. This route, while primarily on a major interstate, still requires navigating rural roads and could take upwards of two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. This longer travel time significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," potentially increasing patient stress and delaying access to crucial care.

Public **transportation** options in Sinnamahoning are extremely limited. The region lacks a robust public transit system, leaving residents heavily reliant on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** methods. This scarcity of public **transportation** is a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for those who cannot drive, lack access to a vehicle, or are unable to navigate long drives due to their medical condition.

The Elk County Council on the Arts, in collaboration with local organizations, may offer limited **transportation** services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services are often demand-responsive, requiring advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical appointments. Information on ADA accessibility for these services is critical but often difficult to obtain.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in Sinnamahoning and the surrounding rural areas. This lack of ride-sharing options further exacerbates the **transportation** challenges, particularly for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The absence of these services significantly diminishes the "Breast Cancer Score" by limiting access to timely and convenient **transportation** to medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to cater to patients with medical needs, are available but often come with significant costs and logistical considerations. These services, such as ambulance services or specialized medical **transportation** companies, are essential for patients who are unable to travel independently. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and the need for advance booking can pose a challenge for urgent medical situations.

Several medical **transportation** companies serve the region, including LifeFleet Ambulance and other private ambulance services. These companies provide stretcher and wheelchair **transportation** to medical facilities. The cost of these services can be substantial, and insurance coverage varies. The availability of these services, particularly for non-emergency **transportation**, can be limited, potentially impacting the "Breast Cancer Score."

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Sinnamahoning reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing **healthcare access**, particularly those diagnosed with breast cancer. The remoteness of the area, the limited public **transportation** options, and the lack of readily available ride-sharing services create significant barriers to care. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with potentially long drive times to specialized medical facilities, can impact the timeliness of appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is further affected by the potential financial burden associated with medical **transportation** services. The cost of these services, coupled with the potential for limited insurance coverage, can create financial strain on patients and their families. This financial burden can further impact **healthcare access**, potentially delaying or preventing patients from receiving the care they need.

For anyone **moving to Sinnamahoning**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully consider the distance to medical facilities, the availability of **transportation** options, and the potential financial implications of accessing care. Planning for medical appointments, including arranging for **transportation** well in advance, is essential.

Improving the "Breast Cancer Score" in Sinnamahoning requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes advocating for increased public **transportation** options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to extend their services to rural areas, and expanding the availability of affordable medical **transportation** services. Telemedicine and telehealth initiatives can also play a vital role in improving **healthcare access** by enabling patients to receive consultations and follow-up care remotely.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Sinnamahoning is a reflection of the community's commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need, regardless of their location. Addressing the **transportation** challenges and improving **healthcare access** requires a collaborative effort involving local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents. This collaborative approach is essential to create a healthier and more equitable community for all.