15714, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15714, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.70 percent of residents in 15714 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Miners Medical Center with a distance of 5.19 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 15714

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In the context of ZIP Code 15714, encompassing the borough of Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania, this connection takes on a particular significance. The prevalence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant public health concern. Effectively managing this condition requires consistent medical attention, including regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, evaluating the ease with which residents can *transport* themselves to these vital services is crucial. This write-up aims to establish a "Hypertension Score" for 15714, assessing the challenges and opportunities surrounding *healthcare access* for individuals managing hypertension.

The score will consider several key factors: drive times to medical facilities, availability and accessibility of public *transportation*, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. This analysis is particularly relevant for those *moving to Northern Cambria*, as understanding the local healthcare landscape is paramount for ensuring continuity of care.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

For many residents, the automobile is the primary mode of *transportation*. Assessing drive times to healthcare providers is thus a fundamental component of our Hypertension Score. Within Northern Cambria itself, the primary care physician offices and local pharmacies are generally accessible within a few minutes. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers located outside the borough.

The most direct route to larger facilities typically involves utilizing the major roadways. Heading south, Route 219 offers a fairly direct route to Johnstown, a city with a more extensive range of medical services. The drive to UPMC Altoona, a more comprehensive healthcare provider, requires traveling on Route 219, then connecting to Interstate 99. These journeys can take approximately one hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Going north on Route 219 can take you to DuBois, Pennsylvania, which has a smaller hospital, Penn Highlands DuBois. This drive is approximately one hour.

The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times. Winter weather, in particular, can make travel treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to critical medical appointments. This underscores the importance of considering seasonal variations when assessing healthcare accessibility.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Network**

Public *transportation* options in 15714 are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus services within the county, but routes and schedules are limited, particularly in rural areas like Northern Cambria.

The CCTA may offer routes that connect Northern Cambria to Johnstown, but the frequency of these routes is typically low, and the travel time can be considerably longer than driving due to multiple stops. Furthermore, the availability of weekend or evening services is often restricted, potentially hindering access to urgent care or after-hours medical appointments.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the CCTA buses is a critical factor. All CCTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules can still pose challenges for those with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnstown area. However, their presence in Northern Cambria is less consistent, and availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with *transportation* to medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical *transportation* providers. These services typically provide door-to-door *transportation*, often with trained personnel to assist with mobility and medical needs.

The cost of medical *transportation* can vary depending on the service provider, distance traveled, and level of care required. Insurance coverage for these services can also vary, so individuals should verify their coverage before scheduling a ride.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

To create a Hypertension Score for 15714, we must integrate the factors discussed above. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the lowest level of healthcare accessibility and 10 representing the highest.

* **Drive Times:** The longer the drive times to essential medical services, the lower the score. Drive times exceeding one hour to specialized care will negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transportation:** The availability, frequency, and ADA accessibility of public *transportation* will be considered. Limited routes and infrequent schedules will lower the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability and affordability of ride-sharing services will be factored in. Limited availability and high costs will reduce the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability, affordability, and insurance coverage of medical *transportation* services will be assessed. Limited options and high costs will negatively impact the score.

The final score will be a weighted average of these factors, with each factor's weight reflecting its relative importance in determining healthcare accessibility.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Movers**

The Hypertension Score for 15714 will provide valuable insights for both current residents and those considering *moving to Northern Cambria*. For individuals managing hypertension, the score will highlight the potential challenges and opportunities related to accessing healthcare services. This information can be used to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and to plan for potential *transportation* challenges.

For those *moving to Northern Cambria*, the score will offer a realistic assessment of the local healthcare landscape. This information can be integrated into the decision-making process, allowing prospective residents to evaluate whether the available healthcare resources meet their individual needs.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

Improving healthcare accessibility in 15714 requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing public *transportation* options, promoting ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical *transportation* are all crucial steps. Furthermore, ongoing efforts to improve road conditions and address seasonal weather challenges are essential for ensuring reliable access to healthcare.

By understanding the challenges and opportunities surrounding *healthcare access* in 15714, we can work towards creating a healthier community for all residents. The Hypertension Score serves as a starting point for this critical conversation, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to improve the well-being of those living in the borough of Northern Cambria.