15710, Alverda, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15710, Alverda, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.96 percent of residents in 15710 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Excela Health - Frick Hospital with a distance of 49.28 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Alverda (ZIP Code 15710)

The journey to managing hypertension, a silent threat to cardiovascular health, is often intertwined with the accessibility of healthcare. For residents of Alverda, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15710), this journey necessitates a keen understanding of transportation options. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score," evaluating the ease with which individuals can access medical care, specifically focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape. This analysis is crucial for those already residing in Alverda, and equally important for individuals considering moving to this community.

The primary consideration for healthcare access revolves around drive times. Alverda, nestled in Indiana County, is a rural community. The primary artery for transportation is the **U.S. Route 119**, which snakes through the region. Accessing specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, often requires travel to Indiana, the county seat, or even further afield to Johnstown or Pittsburgh.

Driving to Indiana, approximately 10 miles away, typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey is primarily along **U.S. Route 119** and **Philadelphia Street** within Indiana. This is generally a manageable commute for routine checkups and basic medical needs. However, the lack of alternative routes can become problematic during inclement weather, potentially delaying access to crucial appointments.

For more specialized care, the drive times increase significantly. Johnstown, approximately 30 miles east, presents a 45-60 minute drive, predominantly along **U.S. Route 22 East** and **PA-56 East**. Pittsburgh, a major medical hub, lies approximately 70 miles west, translating into a 1.5-2 hour drive, primarily via **U.S. Route 22 West** and the **PA Turnpike 76**. These longer commutes can be particularly challenging for individuals with hypertension, who may experience fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms that make driving difficult.

Public transportation options in Alverda are limited. The **Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA)** provides bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, and do not operate on weekends or holidays. The ICTA operates fixed routes, but the coverage within Alverda is limited, and routes may not directly serve medical facilities. The ICTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the service. However, the infrequent schedules and limited route coverage pose significant barriers to healthcare access for many residents. The lack of evening or weekend service further exacerbates these challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. Availability is often dependent on driver presence, which can be sparse in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive, especially for frequent medical appointments. This makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. Companies like **First Transit** and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. While they offer a valuable service, their availability and cost can vary. Careful consideration of these factors is essential when evaluating healthcare access.

The "Hypertension Score" for Alverda, therefore, is impacted by the limitations in transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access creates challenges, especially for those with mobility issues or limited financial resources. The lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further compound these difficulties. The long drive times to specialized medical facilities add another layer of complexity, potentially delaying access to critical care.

Moving to Alverda presents a unique set of considerations for individuals managing hypertension. While the community offers a peaceful, rural environment, the accessibility of healthcare must be carefully assessed. Prospective residents should factor in the drive times to medical facilities, the limitations of public transportation, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

Individuals with hypertension should actively explore options for managing their condition within the context of the local transportation landscape. This may include proactively scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation with family or friends, and exploring telehealth options to reduce the need for frequent travel.

The absence of robust transportation infrastructure necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare management. Planning ahead, leveraging available resources, and understanding the limitations of the local transportation system are crucial for ensuring timely access to care and effectively managing hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" for Alverda highlights the need for careful planning and resourcefulness in navigating the healthcare system.