15346, Mather, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15346, Mather, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.53 percent of residents in 15346 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Health System Greene with a distance of 5.87 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 15346

ZIP Code 15346, encompassing the charming community of Mather, Pennsylvania, presents a unique landscape for residents seeking healthcare, particularly those managing hypertension. This write-up, focusing on the critical element of transportation, explores the accessibility of medical services and calculates a "Hypertension Score" to gauge the ease with which individuals can reach necessary care. This score will consider drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access for those living in or *moving to Mather*.

The foundation of healthcare access lies in the ability to reach medical providers efficiently. For residents of 15346, the primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The road network, while relatively straightforward, dictates the time and effort required to access essential healthcare facilities. The most direct route to the nearest comprehensive hospital, located in Washington, PA, involves navigating a combination of local roads and major highways.

From Mather, residents typically utilize PA Route 21 to connect with Interstate 79 (I-79). This stretch of road, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially near the I-79 interchange. The drive to Washington Hospital, a crucial resource for managing hypertension and other health concerns, typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, individuals may choose to utilize PA Route 21 and then PA Route 18. This route, while potentially offering a slightly shorter distance, involves more turns and is often subject to slower speeds. The overall drive time remains comparable, generally falling within the 20-30 minute range.

The efficiency of these routes is paramount for individuals with hypertension, who often require regular check-ups, medication refills, and prompt attention in case of complications. Delays due to traffic or road closures can significantly impact their ability to manage their condition effectively.

Public transportation options in 15346 are limited. The primary provider, the Washington County Transportation Authority (WCTA), offers bus services, but routes serving Mather and the surrounding areas are infrequent and may not directly connect to major healthcare facilities.

The WCTA Route 21, for example, provides service along PA Route 21, potentially offering a connection to Washington. However, the frequency of these buses, especially during evenings and weekends, may pose a significant challenge for individuals with hypertension who require timely access to medical care. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features, such as ramps and accessible seating, is crucial for ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize public transit.

The lack of readily available and frequent public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot or choose not to drive. This is particularly relevant for elderly residents or those with limited financial resources.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution. However, the availability and cost of these services in 15346 can vary. While ride-sharing can provide a convenient option for reaching healthcare appointments, the expense can be prohibitive for some individuals, especially those with fixed incomes.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another consideration. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized assistance. The availability and cost of medical transportation in 15346 should be researched.

To calculate the "Hypertension Score," we will consider several factors:

* **Drive Time:** Average time to reach Washington Hospital (20 minutes = 2 points, 30 minutes = 1 point, >30 minutes = 0 points).
* **Public Transit:** Frequency and directness of WCTA routes to medical facilities (Limited service = 0 points, Some service = 1 point, Regular service = 2 points).
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Presence of ride-sharing services (Present = 1 point, Absent = 0 points).
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability of medical transportation services (Available = 1 point, Unavailable = 0 points).

Based on the information presented, the "Hypertension Score" for 15346 is estimated as follows:

* **Drive Time:** 2 points (20-minute average drive time).
* **Public Transit:** 0 point (Limited service, infrequent routes).
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** 1 point (Uber and Lyft potentially available, but variable).
* **Medical Transportation:** 1 point (Availability should be researched).

**Total Hypertension Score: 4 out of 6 points.**

This score suggests that while residents of 15346 have relatively easy access to healthcare via personal vehicles, the limited public transit options and the potential variability of ride-sharing services present significant challenges. The score highlights the importance of personal vehicles for healthcare access in this area.

For individuals *moving to Mather* with hypertension, careful consideration should be given to the transportation landscape. The ability to drive or the availability of a reliable alternative transportation solution is crucial for managing their condition effectively. Exploring the availability of medical transportation services and researching the WCTA routes are essential steps.

The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare access challenges in 15346. By focusing on transportation as a key factor, we can gain a clearer picture of the barriers and opportunities that residents face in obtaining timely and appropriate medical care. Addressing the limitations in public transit and ride-sharing options could significantly improve healthcare access for all residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The focus remains on improving healthcare access by considering the transportation needs of the community.