15334, Garards Fort, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15334, Garards Fort, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.29 percent of residents in 15334 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Health System Greene with a distance of 11.56 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in Garards Fort, PA (ZIP Code 15334)

The quest for optimal health often hinges on something seemingly mundane: transportation. In the tranquil embrace of Garards Fort, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15334), the ability to readily access healthcare, particularly for managing conditions like hypertension, is a critical determinant of well-being. This write-up delves into the "Hypertension Score" for this specific area, analyzing the available transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. It's a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Garards Fort, as timely and convenient medical care is paramount.

Garards Fort, nestled in Greene County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The area is characterized by its rural setting, which directly influences the available transportation infrastructure. This, in turn, shapes the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, impacting their ability to manage chronic conditions like hypertension. A high "Hypertension Score" reflects excellent access, while a low score indicates significant challenges.

**Driving Directions and Drive Times:**

The primary mode of transportation in Garards Fort is the personal vehicle. Navigating the region necessitates understanding the local road network. The primary arteries are Pennsylvania Route 21 (PA-21) and Pennsylvania Route 218 (PA-218). These roads, while offering scenic drives, can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours.

To access the nearest hospitals, individuals typically drive to Waynesburg, the county seat. The drive to the nearest hospital, **Waynesburg Hospital**, is approximately 10-15 minutes via PA-21. The drive is generally straightforward, but weather conditions can significantly impact travel times, especially during winter months. For specialized care, residents might need to travel to larger cities like Morgantown, West Virginia, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The drive to **WVU Medicine – Uniontown Hospital** in Uniontown, PA, is approximately 45 minutes to an hour via PA-21 West and US-119 North. This route involves navigating more significant roadways and potential traffic congestion.

The drive to **UPMC Presbyterian Hospital** in Pittsburgh, PA, is a longer journey, typically taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This involves utilizing PA-21 West, connecting to I-79 North. This route involves tolls and navigating the busy Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Garards Fort are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles. The Greene County Transit Authority (GCTA) provides some services, but the routes and schedules are often infrequent and primarily cater to essential trips.

The GCTA operates a demand-response system, meaning riders must schedule their rides in advance. While the GCTA offers ADA-accessible vehicles, the limited service area and scheduling requirements can create significant barriers for those with hypertension, especially if they require frequent medical appointments. Detailed route numbers and schedules are available on the Greene County Transit Authority website.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Garards Fort. The presence of ride-sharing services can vary depending on driver availability and demand. Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

Several medical transportation services operate in the region. **MedTrans**, **American Medical Response (AMR)**, and **STAT MedEvac** are prominent providers. These services offer scheduled transportation, but their availability and cost can vary. They are particularly useful for individuals who cannot drive or who require specialized medical assistance during transport. The cost of these services can be a significant factor, especially for those with limited financial resources.

**Impact on the "Hypertension Score":**

The limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles significantly impact the "Hypertension Score" for Garards Fort. Individuals with hypertension require regular medical check-ups, medication refills, and, potentially, urgent care. The drive times to healthcare facilities, especially for specialized care, can be considerable. The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent, and medical transportation services can be expensive.

The "Hypertension Score" would be lower than in areas with more robust public transportation and readily available ride-sharing options. This means that residents of Garards Fort face greater challenges in accessing timely and convenient healthcare, potentially impacting their ability to manage their hypertension effectively.

**Considerations for Moving to Garards Fort:**

For individuals considering moving to Garards Fort, the "Hypertension Score" should be a crucial factor in their decision-making process. Prospective residents with hypertension should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly. This might involve owning a reliable vehicle, exploring medical transportation options, and proactively scheduling appointments to minimize travel time.

The availability of telehealth services can also mitigate some of the challenges associated with healthcare access in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for frequent travel.

**Conclusion:**

The "Hypertension Score" in Garards Fort, PA (ZIP Code 15334), reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment. While the area offers a peaceful and scenic setting, the limited transportation options can create significant hurdles for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Individuals considering moving to Garards Fort must carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly to ensure they can readily access the healthcare they require. This underscores the critical link between transportation and healthcare access, a vital consideration for anyone seeking to maintain their health and well-being.