16501, Erie, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16501, Erie, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

94.75 percent of residents in 16501 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Hamot with a distance of 0.76 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Erie, PA (ZIP Code 16501)

The journey to managing hypertension, a silent threat to cardiovascular health, becomes a complex equation when factoring in the ease of **transportation** to vital **healthcare access** points. For individuals residing in Erie, Pennsylvania's 16501 ZIP code, understanding this equation is crucial. This write-up unveils a "Hypertension Score," an assessment of the accessibility of medical resources, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. The goal is to empower residents, especially those considering **moving to Erie**, with the knowledge needed to proactively manage their health.

The 16501 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of the city of Erie, presents a diverse landscape of neighborhoods and varying levels of access. The core of this analysis hinges on the proximity to essential healthcare facilities, primarily hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, all critical for hypertension management. Factors like traffic patterns, public transit availability, and the prevalence of ride-sharing services will significantly influence the "Hypertension Score."

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for many in Erie. The main arteries for navigating the city are Interstate 90 (I-90), a crucial east-west route, and Interstate 79 (I-79), connecting Erie to the south. Within the city, major thoroughfares like Peach Street, State Street, and 12th Street provide access to various healthcare providers.

The drive time to UPMC Hamot, a major hospital located at 201 State Street, is a key benchmark. From many 16501 neighborhoods, particularly those closer to the city center, the drive is typically under 10 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours, especially along Peach Street and State Street, congestion can significantly extend travel times. The journey to Saint Vincent Hospital, located at 2320 Myrtle Street, is also a critical factor, with similar time considerations.

Further, access to clinics and pharmacies scattered throughout the ZIP code is essential. Drive times to these facilities will vary depending on the specific location within 16501. Residents in the western portion of the ZIP code may face slightly longer drive times to reach the core medical facilities.

**Public Transit: The Erie MetroErie Metropolitan Transit AuthorityMetropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA):**

For those without personal vehicles, the EMTA provides public transportation services. The EMTA offers a network of bus routes that crisscross the city, providing access to healthcare facilities. Several routes are particularly relevant to 16501 residents.

The "B" route, running along Peach Street, provides convenient access to UPMC Hamot and numerous clinics and pharmacies. The "A" route, traversing State Street, offers access to Saint Vincent Hospital and additional medical offices. The "C" route, serving the east side of Erie, connects to various healthcare providers.

However, the EMTA system, while offering a valuable service, has limitations. Service frequency, especially during evenings and weekends, can be less frequent, potentially impacting access to urgent care. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of the EMTA fleet is critical for individuals with mobility challenges. All EMTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. The EMTA website provides detailed route maps and schedules, crucial for planning trips.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Erie, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. These services can be particularly useful for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, ride-sharing availability and pricing can fluctuate, especially during peak hours or inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with healthcare needs, are another option. Companies like MedTrans and Erie Ambulance Service provide non-emergency medical transport, including transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations.

**Pharmacies and Medication Access:**

Access to pharmacies for medication refills and consultations is a critical component of hypertension management. Several major pharmacy chains, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, have locations within the 16501 ZIP code, offering convenient access to medications. Local pharmacies, such as those located within medical facilities, also provide essential services.

**The "Hypertension Score" Components:**

The "Hypertension Score" for 16501 incorporates several key factors:

* **Drive Time:** Average drive time to UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital, considering peak and off-peak traffic.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Frequency and route coverage of EMTA routes to healthcare facilities.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** Availability and cost of specialized medical transport services.
* **Pharmacy Proximity:** The accessibility of pharmacies for medication refills and consultations.

**Calculating the Score:**

Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance to healthcare access. For example, drive time and public transit accessibility might receive higher weights than ride-sharing availability. The weighted scores are then combined to produce an overall "Hypertension Score" for 16501.

**Interpreting the Score:**

A higher score indicates better access to healthcare resources, suggesting that residents can more easily manage their hypertension. A lower score indicates potential challenges, highlighting the need for careful planning and reliance on alternative transportation options.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

Residents of 16501 should:

* Familiarize themselves with EMTA routes and schedules.
* Utilize ride-sharing services when needed.
* Explore medical transportation options if mobility is a concern.
* Identify nearby pharmacies for convenient medication access.
* Plan travel to medical appointments in advance, accounting for traffic and potential delays.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the "Hypertension Score" for 16501 empowers residents to proactively manage their health. By carefully evaluating transportation options and healthcare access points, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. This assessment provides a crucial framework for those considering **moving to Erie**, offering insights into the practical aspects of healthcare access within the city. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of 16501, especially those managing hypertension, have the resources and information they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.