18231, Kelayres, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18231, Kelayres, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.28 percent of residents in 18231 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton with a distance of 4.07 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kelayres, PA (ZIP Code 18231)

For those considering a move to the charming, close-knit community of Kelayres, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18231), a crucial factor in their decision-making process should be the accessibility of quality healthcare, particularly in the realm of breast cancer screening and treatment. This assessment, the "Breast Cancer Score," aims to illuminate the realities of transportation and healthcare access within and around this specific locale. Understanding the logistical challenges is paramount for anyone prioritizing their health and well-being.

The score is not a numerical value but rather a descriptive analysis, a comprehensive picture of the landscape. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services, all crucial components of healthcare access. The goal is to equip potential residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Kelayres itself is a small, rural community, nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County. The primary arteries for transportation are the local roads and highways, the most significant being **Interstate 81 (I-81)**, which runs north-south, and **Pennsylvania Route 924 (PA-924)**, a vital east-west connector. These routes, however, do not directly service Kelayres. Residents rely on local roads like **Kelayres Road** and **West Pine Street** to connect to these main thoroughfares.

Drive times to major healthcare facilities are a critical consideration. The closest hospital with comprehensive breast cancer services, including mammography, diagnosis, and treatment, is likely **St. Luke's Miners Campus** in Coaldale. Driving there from Kelayres, depending on traffic and specific location, can take approximately 15-25 minutes. This is a relatively manageable commute.

However, for more specialized care, such as advanced oncology services or clinical trials, residents might need to travel further. **Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill** in Pottsville, a larger facility with a broader range of specialists, is roughly a 30-45 minute drive via PA-924 and I-81. The **Geisinger Medical Center** in Danville, a regional powerhouse for cancer care, is a significantly longer journey, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes via I-81.

Public transportation options in Kelayres and the surrounding areas are limited. The **Schuylkill Transportation System (STS)** provides bus services throughout the county, but routes directly serving Kelayres are infrequent and may not align with the needs of patients requiring regular appointments. The STS does offer routes that connect to larger towns like Tamaqua and Pottsville, which, in turn, may have connections to healthcare facilities.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on STS buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. The STS website provides detailed information on accessible routes and services. However, the reliance on public transportation for cancer care, given the frequency of appointments and potential need for post-treatment support, presents a considerable challenge.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the region, but their reliability and availability in Kelayres itself can be inconsistent. The rural nature of the area might mean longer wait times and potentially higher fares. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments, especially for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, could prove difficult.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to assist patients with healthcare appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **CareRide** and **Medical Transportation Services** are examples of providers that operate in the region. These services often offer door-to-door assistance, including help with mobility and medical equipment. While these services can be invaluable, they typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.

The Breast Cancer Score also needs to consider the social determinants of health. This includes the availability of support groups, patient navigators, and community resources. While specific resources within Kelayres may be limited, the proximity to larger towns and cities offers access to these crucial support systems. The American Cancer Society and the local hospitals often host support groups and offer patient navigation services.

The overall picture for healthcare access in Kelayres, specifically concerning breast cancer care, presents a mixed bag. While the proximity to St. Luke's Miners Campus offers a reasonable commute for basic screening and initial treatment, the need for more specialized care may necessitate longer travel times. The limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges.

For those considering moving to Kelayres, a thorough assessment of their individual healthcare needs is essential. Prioritizing a location near family or friends who can provide transportation assistance is also a significant factor. Exploring medical transportation services and understanding the availability of support resources in nearby towns is crucial.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Kelayres, PA (ZIP Code 18231) highlights the importance of careful planning and proactive research. While the community itself offers a peaceful and close-knit environment, healthcare access, particularly for specialized cancer care, requires a strategic approach to transportation and resource utilization. The decision to move to Kelayres must include a realistic assessment of healthcare access, ensuring that residents can receive the timely and comprehensive care they need.