15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15696, Youngstown, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.00 percent of residents in 15696 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Excela Health Latrobe Hospital with a distance of 2.74 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Youngstown, PA (ZIP Code 15696)

Youngstown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Laurel Highlands, offers a blend of rural charm and proximity to urban amenities. For residents managing hypertension, understanding healthcare access is paramount. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on accessing medical care within and around ZIP code 15696. We will explore drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view for those seeking to improve their healthcare access.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a numerical value, but rather a qualitative assessment. It reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare providers, considering the available transportation options. Factors influencing this score include travel time, frequency of service, cost, and accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Youngstown, PA, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare journey.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation in Youngstown is the personal vehicle. The area is served by a network of highways and local roads, influencing healthcare access. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a crucial factor in our Hypertension Score.

For residents in 15696, accessing healthcare often involves navigating the local road network. Route 981 is a key artery, connecting Youngstown to surrounding towns and healthcare providers. Driving to Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, a major regional healthcare facility, typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The drive utilizes Route 981 and then transitions to Route 30.

Traveling to UPMC facilities, such as UPMC East in Monroeville, involves a longer drive. This journey requires navigating Route 981 to Route 30 East, then connecting to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). The total drive time can range from 45 minutes to an hour, contingent on traffic conditions and toll plaza delays. This longer travel time can negatively impact the Hypertension Score, especially for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments.

Accessing smaller clinics and specialist offices within the immediate vicinity of Youngstown, such as those located in Latrobe or Greensburg, generally involves shorter drive times. These trips typically utilize Route 981, Route 30, or local roads. These shorter distances contribute positively to the Hypertension Score, offering more convenient access to healthcare.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in the Youngstown area are limited. The Westmoreland County Transit Authority (WCTA) provides bus service throughout the county, including routes that serve Latrobe and Greensburg, the closest urban centers. However, direct routes to Youngstown are infrequent, and the schedule is often limited, especially on weekends and evenings.

The WCTA does provide routes that run along Route 30, which can be accessed from Youngstown via Route 981. This option, however, requires a transfer, adding to the travel time and complexity. The frequency of these routes may not be suitable for individuals requiring regular medical appointments.

The WCTA does offer ADA-compliant buses, equipped with features like wheelchair lifts and priority seating. This is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the limited service frequency and potential for long travel times can still negatively impact the Hypertension Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Youngstown area, providing another transportation option. The availability and cost of these services can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day. Ride-sharing can be a convenient option for those without personal vehicles or for situations where public transit is unavailable.

However, ride-sharing services can be costly, especially for longer trips to healthcare facilities further afield. The reliability of ride-sharing services, particularly during inclement weather, can also be a concern. The availability of ride-sharing services can positively influence the Hypertension Score, offering more flexibility, but the cost and reliability factors must be considered.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like MedRide or CareRide, are specifically designed to transport individuals to medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations.

Medical transport services can be a valuable resource for individuals who cannot drive or utilize public transit. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking. The availability and cost of medical transport services can significantly impact the Hypertension Score, offering a crucial lifeline for some, but potentially adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

**Hypertension Score Summary:**

The Hypertension Score for residents of 15696 is moderate. While drive times to nearby healthcare facilities are relatively short, the limited public transportation options and the potential for longer drives to specialized care centers create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers alternative solutions, but their cost and reliability need careful consideration.

For individuals managing hypertension, the ability to access healthcare promptly and reliably is critical. Considering the transportation options available in Youngstown, residents should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each mode. Planning ahead, exploring all available resources, and establishing a reliable transportation strategy are essential for optimizing healthcare access and improving the Hypertension Score.

For those considering moving to Youngstown, PA, the availability of transportation options should be a significant factor in their decision-making process. Understanding the drive times, public transit limitations, and the role of ride-sharing and medical transport services is crucial for ensuring access to necessary healthcare. The ability to navigate these transportation complexities directly impacts the quality of life and the effective management of hypertension.