15828, Clarington, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 15828, Clarington, Pennsylvania is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.31 percent of residents in 15828 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 31.00 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clarington, PA (ZIP Code 15828)

The crisp air of Clarington, Pennsylvania, nestled within the embrace of the Allegheny National Forest, offers a certain allure. For individuals considering a move to this tranquil locale, especially those managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), understanding the intricacies of healthcare access is paramount. This write-up provides a COPD Score assessment, focusing on the critical element of transportation within and around ZIP Code 15828, aiming to illuminate the realities of reaching vital healthcare services.

The COPD Score, in this context, considers the ease and efficiency with which a resident can access pulmonary specialists, hospitals, and other essential medical facilities. Transportation, the lifeblood of healthcare access, is the primary focus. The score will be determined by the availability and practicality of various transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport.

Clarington, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. Personal vehicles are the dominant mode of transport. The primary roadways serving the area are Pennsylvania Route 36 and Pennsylvania Route 949. Route 36 provides the most direct access to Brookville, approximately 15 miles south, where the Penn Highlands Brookville Hospital stands as a critical healthcare hub. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Route 949, while offering a scenic route, adds travel time to reach healthcare facilities.

The drive to DuBois, roughly 30 miles away, and home to Penn Highlands DuBois, extends the commute to approximately 45 minutes to an hour via Route 949 or a combination of Route 36 and Interstate 80. Interstate 80, a major east-west artery, offers faster access to larger medical centers in cities like Pittsburgh, but this journey is a significant undertaking, potentially taking several hours.

Public transportation options are limited in Clarington. The Jefferson County Transportation Authority (JCTA) provides a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service offers door-to-door transportation within Jefferson County, including Clarington. However, the JCTA’s operational hours and potential for extended wait times necessitate careful planning. The availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations, a common challenge for those with COPD. Detailed information on scheduling, routes, and ADA accessibility should be obtained directly from the JCTA.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in Clarington. Their presence is sporadic, depending on driver availability and demand. Relying on these services for regular healthcare appointments is therefore unreliable. Residents must consider this limitation when planning their healthcare access strategy.

Specialized medical transport services, designed to cater to the needs of individuals with medical conditions, offer another avenue. These services, often provided by private companies, provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and can be a valuable resource for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) or LogistiCare might operate in the area, though their specific service area and coverage should be verified. These services typically require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility criteria.

The COPD Score for transportation in Clarington, PA (15828) is moderate. While personal vehicles offer the most reliable access to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, ride-sharing, and the potential for long travel times to reach specialized care centers pose significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance and the ability to drive.

The distance to hospitals, particularly those offering specialized pulmonary care, is a critical factor. The need for frequent appointments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and potential emergency visits requires a robust and dependable transportation plan. The COPD Score is lowered by the absence of readily available, on-demand transportation options.

For individuals considering moving to Clarington with COPD, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. The following steps are recommended:

* **Assess personal vehicle reliability:** Ensure the vehicle is in good working order and regularly maintained.
* **Investigate the JCTA:** Contact the JCTA to understand their service area, scheduling procedures, ADA accessibility, and associated costs.
* **Research medical transport options:** Identify and contact any NEMT providers serving the area to learn about their services, coverage, and pricing.
* **Plan for emergencies:** Develop a contingency plan for situations when personal transportation is unavailable, including identifying potential assistance from family, friends, or neighbors.
* **Consider proximity to healthcare facilities:** Evaluate the distance to hospitals and specialists when choosing a residence.
* **Factor in weather conditions:** Pennsylvania winters can present significant challenges to transportation.

The COPD Score for Clarington, PA, should be understood within the context of individual needs and circumstances. While the area offers the tranquility and natural beauty that many seek, careful consideration of healthcare access, particularly the transportation component, is crucial for those managing COPD. The ability to navigate the roadways, utilize available public transit, and secure reliable medical transport is essential to maintaining quality of life and receiving timely healthcare. The decision to move to Clarington should be made with a clear understanding of these transportation realities.