15357, Rices Landing, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15357, Rices Landing, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.60 percent of residents in 15357 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Health System Greene with a distance of 9.69 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Rices Landing (ZIP Code 15357)

Rices Landing, Pennsylvania, a charming river town nestled in Greene County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access. For individuals managing hypertension, the ability to consistently and reliably reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and support services is paramount. This analysis, the “Hypertension Score,” delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 15357, examining drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview for residents, potential newcomers **moving to Rices Landing**, and healthcare providers seeking to understand the community's needs.

The primary consideration for healthcare access in Rices Landing is the reliance on personal vehicles. The borough itself is compact, with limited public transportation options. The surrounding area, characterized by rural roads and rolling hills, necessitates a car for most errands, including medical appointments. Evaluating the ease of travel is vital, especially for those with hypertension, where stress and physical exertion should be minimized.

Driving to healthcare facilities involves navigating a network of local roads and highways. The closest major hospital, Monongahela Valley Hospital, is approximately 20 miles away, a journey that typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route. The most direct route involves taking PA-88 North, a scenic but often winding road that follows the Monongahela River. This route can be susceptible to delays, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather.

Alternatively, one could utilize PA-21 East, which offers a slightly longer but potentially less congested route. This road connects to I-79, providing access to hospitals and medical centers in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, roughly an hour's drive away. However, this option adds significant mileage and travel time, making it less ideal for routine appointments or urgent care needs. Secondary roads like Jefferson Road and Crucible Road offer alternative routes, but they are generally slower and may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations or those seeking the quickest path.

Public transportation options in Rices Landing are limited. The Greene County Transit provides some services, but its routes and schedules are primarily designed to serve the needs of the county as a whole, rather than providing frequent or direct access to healthcare facilities. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial, and prospective users should confirm availability when scheduling.

The lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, lack access to a vehicle, or prefer not to drive due to medical conditions. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which tends to be lower in rural areas. The cost of a ride-share can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent appointments or longer distances. Therefore, ride-sharing may be a viable option for occasional trips but might not be sustainable for ongoing healthcare needs.

Medical transportation services offer specialized solutions for patients who require assistance with transportation. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility, and can accommodate medical equipment. Several companies operate in the region, including MedRide and First Transit, and their services should be researched for cost and availability.

The accessibility of pharmacies is another critical factor in managing hypertension. Rices Landing has a local pharmacy, but access to a wider range of medications and specialized services might require travel to larger towns or cities. The ability to quickly and easily pick up prescriptions is essential for medication adherence, and any delays in this process can have serious health consequences.

For individuals **moving to Rices Landing** with hypertension, careful consideration of transportation options is paramount. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services require proactive planning.

The ideal scenario for a resident with hypertension would include reliable access to a personal vehicle, a support network of family or friends who can provide transportation assistance, and the financial resources to utilize ride-sharing or medical transportation services when needed.

Healthcare providers should also be aware of the transportation challenges faced by their patients in Rices Landing. Offering telehealth appointments, providing information about local transportation resources, and coordinating medication delivery can help to mitigate these challenges and improve patient outcomes.

The “Hypertension Score” for Rices Landing is not simply a numerical value. It's a reflection of the community's ability to support individuals in managing their health. This assessment highlights the complex interplay between **transportation** infrastructure, healthcare resources, and the individual needs of patients.

The successful management of hypertension requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes access to quality medical care, adherence to prescribed medications, a healthy lifestyle, and the ability to easily and reliably access these resources. For residents of Rices Landing, this means carefully evaluating **healthcare access** and proactively planning for their **transportation** needs.

The future of healthcare access in Rices Landing may involve exploring innovative solutions such as community-based transportation programs, partnerships with ride-sharing services, and expanded telehealth options. These initiatives can help to create a more accessible and supportive environment for individuals managing hypertension and other chronic conditions. The goal is to ensure that all residents, regardless of their mobility or financial situation, have equal opportunities to receive the care they need. The health and well-being of the community depend on it.