15868, Weedville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15868, Weedville, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.91 percent of residents in 15868 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 9.89 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Weedville, PA (ZIP Code 15868)

The quaint borough of Weedville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Elk County, offers a serene lifestyle. However, for residents managing hypertension, the tranquility of the area can be challenged by the complexities of healthcare access. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on accessing essential medical care within and around ZIP Code 15868. We will explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a detailed picture for those considering moving to Weedville or currently residing there.

The "Hypertension Score" aims to quantify the ease and efficiency of reaching medical appointments and pharmacies, crucial elements in managing this chronic condition. Factors considered include travel time, mode of transportation, availability, and accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score highlights potential challenges.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary artery serving Weedville is Pennsylvania Route 153, a two-lane highway that snakes through the borough and connects to neighboring towns. For residents needing specialized care, the drive to larger medical facilities becomes a significant factor. The closest hospitals offering comprehensive services are located in DuBois, approximately 25 miles south, and St. Marys, roughly 20 miles north.

Driving to Penn Highlands DuBois, a major regional hospital, typically takes around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route primarily involves traveling south on PA-153, merging onto Interstate 80 West for a short distance, and then exiting onto PA-255 South. The drive is generally straightforward, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times, potentially doubling the commute.

Alternatively, reaching Penn Highlands Elk, located in St. Marys, requires a drive of approximately 30-40 minutes. This journey involves heading north on PA-153 and connecting with PA-255 North. While shorter in distance, this route can also be affected by weather, particularly snow and ice.

For routine appointments or pharmacy visits, residents can utilize local services within Weedville or nearby towns like Benezette. However, specialized care often necessitates travel to DuBois or St. Marys, making reliable transportation a necessity for managing hypertension.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Elk County are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) provides a demand-response transit service, primarily offering door-to-door transportation. This service, while available, requires advance booking and may not always be readily available for immediate needs.

The ECCOTA service operates on a limited schedule, and the availability of transportation to DuBois or St. Marys can be restricted. Furthermore, the service may not be equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations without prior arrangements. The lack of fixed-route bus service and the reliance on demand-response transit significantly impacts healthcare access for residents relying on public transportation. ADA accessibility, while a priority, is dependent on the specific vehicle and requires pre-planning.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not readily available in Weedville or the surrounding rural areas. This leaves residents with limited options when personal transportation is unavailable. The absence of ride-sharing services exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access, particularly for those unable to drive.

Medical transportation services, specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer an alternative. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves. However, the availability of NEMT services in Weedville is limited, and pre-booking is essential. The cost of NEMT services can also be a barrier, potentially impacting the affordability of healthcare access.

Several medical transport companies may serve the region, including those operating out of DuBois or St. Marys. However, the specific brands and their service areas should be verified. The availability and reliability of medical transport services directly impact the "Hypertension Score" for residents of Weedville.

**Pharmacy Access:**

Access to pharmacies is another critical element of managing hypertension. While Weedville may have limited pharmacy options, residents can access pharmacies in neighboring towns. The drive to DuBois or St. Marys offers access to larger pharmacies with a wider range of medications and services. The convenience of pharmacy access, coupled with timely medication refills, is essential for effective hypertension management.

**The "Hypertension Score" in Weedville:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for residents of Weedville, PA (ZIP Code 15868) is moderately low. The primary challenge lies in the limited transportation options. While driving is the most common mode, the reliance on personal vehicles creates a barrier for those without access to a car. The absence of ride-sharing services and the limited availability of public transit further complicate healthcare access.

The need for specialized care in DuBois or St. Marys necessitates longer travel times, potentially impacting appointment adherence and medication adherence. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline, but their limited availability and cost can pose challenges.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Weedville, or for current residents, it is crucial to carefully assess transportation needs. Evaluate the availability of personal transportation, explore the options for medical transport services, and plan for potential delays due to weather.

When moving to Weedville, consider the proximity to healthcare facilities and pharmacies. Evaluate the accessibility of local services and the availability of prescription refills.

For those managing hypertension, establishing a reliable transportation plan is paramount. This may involve relying on family or friends, utilizing medical transport services, or exploring the limited public transit options. Proactive planning is essential to ensure timely access to medical care and maintain effective hypertension management.

The community could benefit from advocating for improved public transportation options, including expanded ECCOTA services or the potential for ride-sharing services. Increased awareness of medical transport options and their availability would also be beneficial.

In conclusion, while Weedville offers a tranquil lifestyle, the limitations in transportation options pose challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding these challenges and proactively planning for healthcare access is essential for residents of Weedville. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the complexities of healthcare access and ensuring that residents can effectively manage their health.