16645, Glen Hope, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 16645, Glen Hope, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.33 percent of residents in 16645 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Miners Medical Center with a distance of 14.33 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Glen Hope, PA (ZIP Code 16645)

Considering a move to Glen Hope, Pennsylvania, and managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Understanding the ease of access to healthcare is paramount. This analysis, the "COPD Score," evaluates the transportation landscape within ZIP code 16645, focusing on its impact on healthcare access for individuals with COPD. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, enabling informed decisions regarding your health and relocation.

Glen Hope, nestled in Clearfield County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, while offering tranquility, often translates to limited transportation choices. The availability of reliable and accessible transportation is crucial for COPD patients who frequently require medical appointments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and medication refills. This assessment aims to illuminate the realities of "transportation" within the context of "healthcare access" for residents and prospective residents.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary artery serving Glen Hope is Pennsylvania Route 53. Traveling to healthcare facilities often begins on this route. The nearest hospital, Penn Highlands Clearfield, is approximately 20 miles south. The drive, primarily on Route 53 and then onto Interstate 80, typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey, while manageable, can become challenging during winter months when snow and ice significantly impact road conditions.

Further specialized care might necessitate a trip to larger medical centers in State College or Altoona. State College, home to Mount Nittany Medical Center, is roughly 60 miles east, requiring a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily via Route 322. Altoona, with UPMC Altoona, is about 50 miles south, accessible via Route 22 and then Route 36, with a drive time of around an hour. These longer distances demand careful planning and consideration for potential exacerbations of COPD symptoms during travel.

The condition of the roads is a factor. While Route 53 is generally well-maintained, secondary roads within the ZIP code can be less so, potentially impacting ride comfort and safety. This is especially relevant for individuals with breathing difficulties.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape:**

Public transportation options within ZIP code 16645 are severely limited. The Clearfield County Area Transportation Authority (CCATA) provides some services, but their routes and schedules are infrequent, particularly in the more rural areas surrounding Glen Hope. Service is often demand-response, requiring advance booking, which can be problematic for urgent medical needs.

The CCATA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility limitations related to COPD, can utilize the service. However, the limited frequency and geographic coverage of the CCATA significantly restrict its utility for regular healthcare appointments. Therefore, relying solely on public transit for consistent healthcare access in Glen Hope is not advisable.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are present in the area, but their availability is inconsistent, especially in remote areas like Glen Hope. Securing a ride, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed. This unreliability poses a significant challenge for COPD patients who require timely transportation to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized approach. Several providers cater to patients with medical needs, including those with COPD. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, assistance with mobility, and trained personnel. However, these services come at a cost and may require pre-booking, making them less suitable for spontaneous medical needs. Researching and establishing relationships with these services before a move is crucial.

**Healthcare Access and the COPD Score:**

The "COPD Score" for transportation and healthcare access in Glen Hope, PA (16645) is moderate. While the primary healthcare facility is within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles is high. The limited public transit options, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the expense of medical transportation services create barriers to consistent healthcare access.

For individuals with COPD considering "moving to Glen Hope," a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Factors to consider include the severity of their condition, their ability to drive, and their financial resources for transportation. Establishing a reliable transportation plan, whether through family, friends, or professional services, is critical for maintaining healthcare continuity.

**Recommendations for COPD Patients:**

* **Assess Driving Capabilities:** Evaluate your ability to drive safely, considering the potential for fatigue and breathing difficulties.
* **Explore Medical Transportation:** Research and establish relationships with medical transportation providers.
* **Coordinate with Healthcare Providers:** Discuss transportation needs with your pulmonologist and primary care physician.
* **Plan for Inclement Weather:** Develop contingency plans for transportation during winter months or severe weather events.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** If possible, consider the proximity of your residence to healthcare facilities.
* **Explore Support Networks:** Identify potential support from family, friends, or community organizations for transportation assistance.

**Conclusion:**

While Glen Hope offers a peaceful lifestyle, the "transportation" infrastructure presents challenges to "healthcare access" for individuals with COPD. Careful planning and proactive measures are essential to ensure that residents can receive the necessary medical care. This "COPD Score" write-up highlights the realities of navigating the transportation landscape in 16645, enabling informed decisions for those considering a move or already residing in the area. The key to thriving with COPD in Glen Hope is preparedness and establishing a reliable transportation strategy.