18235, Lehighton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18235, Lehighton, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.82 percent of residents in 18235 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital - Carbon Campus with a distance of 1.71 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lehighton (ZIP Code 18235)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is more than a medical appointment. It's a complex equation of emotional resilience, financial resources, and, crucially, reliable **transportation**. In Lehighton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18235), this equation demands careful consideration. This write-up aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" – a practical assessment of **healthcare access** within the context of **transportation** options available to residents, particularly those **moving to Lehighton** or seeking a better understanding of their local resources.

The score considers various factors, including drive times to key medical facilities, public transit availability, ride-share options, and specialized medical transport services. It's designed to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Lehighton, nestled in the Lehigh Valley, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While the town itself is relatively compact, the surrounding region is characterized by a mix of rural and suburban environments. This geographical reality significantly impacts **transportation** choices and, consequently, the ease with which residents can reach crucial medical services.

The primary medical facility serving Lehighton is St. Luke's Hospital – Lehighton Campus, located directly within the town. However, specialized oncology services, including comprehensive breast cancer care, may necessitate travel to larger hospitals in the region. This is where the **transportation** landscape becomes critical.

Driving remains the dominant mode of **transportation** for most Lehighton residents. Access to major highways is generally good. The primary routes for accessing healthcare facilities outside of Lehighton are the **PA-248** (which becomes **Mahoning Street** within Lehighton), **PA-443**, and **US-209**. These roads provide connections to larger cities like Allentown and Bethlehem, where advanced cancer centers are located.

Drive times to these centers vary depending on traffic and the specific destination. For example, a drive to the Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest in Allentown, a major cancer treatment center, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour via **PA-248** and **I-78**. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend these travel times, adding to the stress and fatigue of patients undergoing treatment.

Furthermore, the availability of parking at these larger facilities can be another challenge. This is a factor that must be considered when planning appointments, especially for patients who may be experiencing physical limitations due to treatment.

Public **transportation** options in Lehighton are limited. The Carbon County Area Agency on Aging (CCAAA) offers a demand-response service, providing door-to-door **transportation** for seniors and individuals with disabilities. While this service can be invaluable for those who qualify, it requires advance booking and may not always be readily available for urgent appointments or last-minute changes in treatment schedules.

The LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) provides limited bus service to Lehighton. However, these routes are infrequent and may not directly connect to all the necessary medical facilities. This is a significant barrier for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial factor. Bus routes must adhere to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, which include features like ramps, lifts, and designated seating. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for long travel times can still pose challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lehighton area. However, their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also add up, particularly for frequent appointments or long-distance travel to specialized cancer centers.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by companies like MedTrans or First Transit, provide specialized **transportation** for patients with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers who can assist patients with mobility issues. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive, often not fully covered by insurance.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Lehighton, therefore, reflects a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages. While the presence of a local hospital provides immediate care, the need to travel for specialized services presents challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation**, and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability create barriers to **healthcare access** for some residents.

The score also highlights the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness. Patients and their families need to consider all available options, including carpooling, enlisting the help of friends and family, and exploring financial assistance programs to offset the costs of **transportation**.

For those **moving to Lehighton**, understanding these **transportation** dynamics is crucial. Prospective residents should factor in drive times to major cancer centers, the availability of public **transportation**, and the potential need for ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't just about numbers; it's about the human experience. It's about ensuring that individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis have the support and resources they need to navigate their journey with dignity and ease. It's about creating a community where **healthcare access** is not just a privilege, but a right.

The final score will be determined by a formula considering drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and the cost of medical **transportation** services. This score is designed to provide a practical assessment of the **transportation** challenges and opportunities facing breast cancer patients in Lehighton (ZIP Code 18235). It's a call to action for the community to support patients and advocate for improved **healthcare access** for all.