16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.59 percent of residents in 16733 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 14.70 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 16733 (Hazel Hurst)

The air hangs crisp and clean in the Allegheny National Forest surrounding Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16733). But for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the very act of breathing can be a challenge, and accessing consistent healthcare becomes paramount. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in and around Hazel Hurst, assigning a COPD Score based on the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. This score aims to provide a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities for residents with COPD seeking optimal healthcare access.

The COPD Score is not a formal medical assessment but a qualitative evaluation of transportation factors that directly impact healthcare access. It considers the distances to medical facilities, the availability and reliability of transportation options, and the potential barriers faced by individuals with COPD. The score will be presented as a composite, reflecting the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare in the area.

The primary healthcare hub for Hazel Hurst residents is the UPMC Kane Hospital, located approximately 14 miles away in Kane. The drive to Kane, a journey that can be completed in under 20 minutes under ideal conditions, is primarily via Pennsylvania Route 6 (PA-6). This two-lane highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to traffic, especially during peak hours or inclement weather. The secondary route, which adds to the drive time, is via Route 321 and PA-6, which can take approximately 30 minutes.

Further afield, the nearest major hospitals are located in Bradford, Pennsylvania (UPMC McKean), approximately 25 miles away, and in Olean, New York (Olean General Hospital), about 40 miles distant. These longer distances necessitate careful planning and consideration of weather conditions, particularly during winter months. The route to Bradford involves traveling on PA-6 and US-219. The journey to Olean involves PA-6 and Interstate 86 (I-86), a major east-west thoroughfare.

Public transportation options in the Hazel Hurst area are limited. The McKean County Transit Authority (MCTA) provides some services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, with limited coverage in rural areas like Hazel Hurst. MCTA does not have a dedicated route specifically serving Hazel Hurst, and the nearest bus stop might be several miles away. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical factor for individuals with COPD, and the MCTA does offer some vehicles with accessibility features. However, the limited route options and infrequent schedules make public transit a challenging option for regular healthcare appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a limited presence in rural areas like Hazel Hurst. While availability might exist, it is often unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for individuals on fixed incomes, a common situation for those managing chronic illnesses like COPD.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport providers. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services can be costly, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

The COPD Score for Hazel Hurst (16733) is a **moderate-to-challenging** assessment. The primary factor is the distance to healthcare facilities. While UPMC Kane Hospital is relatively close, the reliance on PA-6 introduces potential delays. The limited public transportation options and the unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access. The cost and potential limitations of medical transportation services add to the challenges.

**Factors Contributing to the Score:**

* **Proximity to UPMC Kane Hospital:** This is a positive factor, providing relatively quick access to essential medical care.
* **Reliance on PA-6:** This two-lane highway is the primary route, which can be subject to traffic and weather-related delays.
* **Limited Public Transit:** Infrequent schedules and limited route coverage make public transit a difficult option for many residents.
* **Unreliable Ride-Sharing:** The limited availability of ride-sharing services in rural areas poses a significant challenge.
* **Cost of Medical Transportation:** While available, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocacy for Expanded Public Transit:** Increased frequency of routes and expanded coverage, particularly to serve Hazel Hurst, would significantly improve healthcare access.
* **Partnerships with Ride-Sharing Services:** Negotiating subsidized ride-sharing programs for residents with COPD could alleviate transportation costs.
* **Increased Awareness of Medical Transportation Options:** Raising awareness of medical transportation services and providing financial assistance could help.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Promoting telehealth services, such as virtual doctor's appointments and remote monitoring, could reduce the need for frequent travel.
* **Community Support Networks:** Establishing a local network of volunteers to assist with transportation, particularly for appointments, would be a valuable resource.

**Considerations for Individuals with COPD Considering Moving to Hazel Hurst:**

Individuals with COPD considering relocating to Hazel Hurst should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. The limited transportation options and the potential for travel delays necessitate careful planning. They should:

* **Assess their ability to drive:** The ability to drive safely and reliably is crucial.
* **Explore the availability of family or friends:** Having a support network that can provide transportation is a significant advantage.
* **Investigate the cost and availability of medical transportation services:** Understanding these costs and ensuring the availability of services is essential.
* **Consider the feasibility of telehealth services:** Exploring the availability of telehealth options can reduce the need for travel.
* **Factor in the potential for weather-related delays:** Winter weather can significantly impact travel times and accessibility.

The COPD Score for Hazel Hurst reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural environment. While the proximity to UPMC Kane Hospital is a positive factor, the limited transportation options require careful consideration and proactive planning for individuals managing COPD. By implementing the recommendations and considering the factors outlined above, the community can improve healthcare access and quality of life for its residents.