16133, Jackson Center, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16133, Jackson Center, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.06 percent of residents in 16133 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grove City Medical Center with a distance of 8.49 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Jackson Center, PA (ZIP Code 16133)

This write-up analyzes healthcare access for residents of Jackson Center, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16133), focusing on transportation options and their impact on individuals managing hypertension. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” based on the ease of commute to necessary medical appointments, considering various transportation modes and their associated challenges. This score will inform residents about their healthcare access and provide insights for those considering moving to Jackson Center.

The primary challenge for residents of Jackson Center is its relative isolation. Located in Mercer County, the borough is surrounded by rural landscapes, which impacts healthcare access. This isolation directly affects individuals managing hypertension, a condition requiring regular monitoring and medication management. The ability to reliably and efficiently reach healthcare providers is critical for maintaining optimal health outcomes.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The dominant mode of transportation in Jackson Center is the personal vehicle. The primary roadways influencing healthcare access are Interstate 79 (I-79), US Route 19, and Pennsylvania Route 18. I-79 provides the most direct route north and south, connecting to larger urban centers where specialized medical services are often located. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.

For example, a drive to UPMC Horizon Hospital in Greenville, approximately 10 miles away, typically takes 15-20 minutes via PA-18. However, this time can increase during inclement weather or rush hour. Traveling to Sharon Regional Medical Center, about 20 miles away, usually requires a 30-40 minute drive, primarily utilizing US-19 and PA-18. Accessing Pittsburgh, a major medical hub, necessitates a drive of approximately 70 miles via I-79, which can easily take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier for individuals with hypertension, particularly during emergencies or for frequent appointments.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Jackson Center are limited. The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) operates a demand-response transit system. This service, while available, requires advance booking and may not always be readily available for immediate medical needs. The system’s reach extends throughout Mercer County, including Greenville and Sharon, but service frequency and availability are crucial factors.

The availability of accessible vehicles for individuals with disabilities (ADA features) is a critical consideration. The MCRPC system strives to provide ADA-compliant vehicles, but the availability of these vehicles must be verified during booking. The reliability of the public transit system is a significant factor in the Hypertension Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their availability in Jackson Center can be inconsistent. The presence of ride-sharing services often depends on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. This unreliability poses a significant challenge for residents needing transportation to appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a specialized solution. These services, often provided by companies like Logisticare or ModivCare, can transport individuals to and from medical appointments. However, eligibility criteria, insurance coverage, and advance booking requirements can complicate the process. Understanding the specific requirements and availability of these services is crucial for assessing healthcare access.

**Assessing the Hypertension Score:**

The Hypertension Score will be determined by weighing the factors outlined above. A higher score indicates better healthcare access, while a lower score reflects significant transportation barriers. Several factors will influence the score:

* **Drive Times:** Shorter drive times to primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services will positively impact the score.
* **Public Transportation Availability and Reliability:** Frequent, reliable, and ADA-accessible public transportation will improve the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Consistent availability of ride-sharing services will enhance the score.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability, affordability, and ease of use of medical transportation services will positively affect the score.
* **Geographic Location of Healthcare Providers:** Proximity to essential healthcare services, such as pharmacies and hospitals, will improve the score.

**Specific Considerations for Hypertension Management:**

Individuals managing hypertension require regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential specialist consultations. The ability to easily access these services is paramount. The Hypertension Score will consider the following specific needs:

* **Frequency of Appointments:** The need for frequent appointments, such as monthly or bi-monthly visits, will highlight the importance of reliable transportation.
* **Medication Refills:** Easy access to pharmacies for medication refills is crucial.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** The ability to quickly access emergency medical services is vital for managing potential hypertensive crises.

**Implications for Moving to Jackson Center:**

For individuals considering moving to Jackson Center, the Hypertension Score provides valuable insights into healthcare access. Prospective residents with hypertension must carefully evaluate the transportation options and their ability to meet their healthcare needs. This assessment should include:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** Assessing the distance to primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies.
* **Transportation Costs:** Evaluating the cost of personal vehicle ownership, public transportation, ride-sharing, and medical transportation.
* **Dependence on Others:** Considering the reliance on family, friends, or neighbors for transportation assistance.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Developing a plan for accessing emergency medical services.

**Conclusion:**

The Hypertension Score for Jackson Center (ZIP Code 16133) reflects the complexities of healthcare access in a rural environment. While the borough offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited transportation options present significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The score, informed by drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation availability, will provide a valuable tool for residents and prospective movers, enabling informed decisions about their healthcare needs and the suitability of Jackson Center as a place to live. Careful consideration of these factors is critical for ensuring optimal health outcomes for individuals with hypertension in this community. The ability to reliably access healthcare is paramount, and understanding the transportation landscape is the first step towards achieving this goal.