16213, Callensburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16213, Callensburg, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.27 percent of residents in 16213 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 9.28 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Callensburg (ZIP Code 16213)

The journey to managing hypertension, a silent threat to cardiovascular health, often hinges on reliable access to healthcare. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 16213 (Callensburg, Pennsylvania), offering a "Hypertension Score" based on the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. This score considers various transportation modalities, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a detailed picture for those considering moving to Callensburg, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare access.

Callensburg, nestled in Clarion County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, while offering scenic beauty, can complicate healthcare access. The availability and efficiency of transportation options directly influence the ability of individuals, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, to attend appointments, obtain medications, and receive necessary care. A high Hypertension Score indicates readily available and efficient transportation options, whereas a low score suggests significant barriers to healthcare access.

**Personal Vehicle: The Primary Route**

For most residents, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of transportation. Callensburg's location necessitates reliance on roadways. The primary artery is **Pennsylvania Route 68**, running directly through town, connecting Callensburg to Clarion to the north and Rimersburg to the south. Drive times to healthcare facilities are crucial.

The Clarion Hospital, approximately a 15-20 minute drive north on Route 68, serves as a primary healthcare provider. The drive is generally straightforward, but weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times.

Specialist appointments might require travel to larger medical centers in Pittsburgh, approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive via **Interstate 80** east to **Interstate 79** south. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, especially for those with hypertension, who may need to factor in rest stops and medication schedules. The condition of the vehicle, traffic, and weather conditions will affect the drive.

The Hypertension Score for personal vehicle access is moderate. While the primary routes are generally well-maintained, the distance to specialized care and the potential for weather-related delays create challenges.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Callensburg are limited. The Clarion County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are often infrequent, especially on weekends and evenings. The CCTA primarily serves Clarion and surrounding towns.

Specific routes serving Callensburg are limited and require careful investigation of schedules. Many routes are demand-response, meaning riders must call in advance to schedule a pickup. This can be particularly challenging for individuals with hypertension who may experience sudden health needs.

ADA accessibility is a key consideration. CCTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited frequency and route coverage significantly reduce the Hypertension Score for public transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in the Callensburg area. Their presence is contingent on driver availability, which can be unpredictable in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances to specialist appointments, can also be a barrier.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer specialized assistance. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive or require assistance getting to appointments.

Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies. NEMT services, often provided by private companies or healthcare facilities, transport individuals to and from medical appointments. The availability and cost of NEMT services can vary.

The Hypertension Score for ride-sharing and medical transport is also moderate. While these services provide crucial options, their availability, cost, and potential for delays require careful consideration.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score**

The Hypertension Score is a subjective assessment based on the following factors:

* **Distance to Healthcare Facilities:** Proximity to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
* **Transportation Availability:** Frequency and reliability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport.
* **Travel Time:** Time required to reach healthcare facilities via various transportation modes.
* **Accessibility:** ADA compliance of public transit and the availability of accessible transportation options.
* **Cost:** The financial burden of transportation, including gas, fares, and ride-sharing fees.
* **Weather and Road Conditions:** Impact of weather on travel times and safety.

Based on these factors, the Hypertension Score for Callensburg (ZIP Code 16213) is considered **moderate**. While personal vehicle access is generally good, the limitations of public transit, the potential for weather-related delays, and the reliance on longer drives for specialized care pose challenges.

**Recommendations for Residents and Prospective Movers**

For individuals managing hypertension in Callensburg, proactive planning is essential.

* **Establish a Primary Care Physician:** Secure a primary care physician (PCP) in Clarion or a nearby town to ensure regular check-ups and medication management.
* **Explore Public Transit Options:** Investigate CCTA routes and schedules, especially for routine appointments.
* **Consider Ride-Sharing:** Check the availability of ride-sharing services and factor in potential costs and wait times.
* **Investigate Medical Transport:** Research local NEMT providers and understand their services and costs.
* **Plan for Emergencies:** Have a plan for accessing emergency medical services, including ambulance contacts.
* **Maintain a Well-Stocked Emergency Kit:** Keep essential medications and supplies readily available at home.
* **Prioritize Regular Exercise:** Physical activity can help manage hypertension.
* **Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly:** Self-monitoring can help identify potential problems.

For those considering moving to Callensburg, carefully weigh the transportation challenges and healthcare access limitations. Evaluate your individual healthcare needs and assess whether the available transportation options meet those needs. Consider the distance to healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation, and the potential costs.

**Conclusion**

Navigating healthcare access in Callensburg requires a strategic approach. The Hypertension Score reflects the realities of transportation challenges in this rural setting. While personal vehicles offer a primary means of travel, the limited public transit, the potential for longer drives to specialist care, and the impact of weather necessitate careful planning and proactive measures. By understanding the transportation landscape and taking steps to optimize healthcare access, residents of Callensburg can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their well-being. Moving to Callensburg requires a thoughtful consideration of its healthcare access and transportation options.