16744, Rew, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16744, Rew, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.59 percent of residents in 16744 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 18.84 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Rew, PA (ZIP Code 16744)

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Rew, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16744), a rural community nestled within the Allegheny National Forest, the challenges of **transportation** significantly impact residents' ability to manage chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up explores the "Hypertension Score" for Rew, considering the availability of healthcare services, the modes of **transportation** available, and the time it takes to reach them. Our goal is to paint a clear picture of **healthcare access** and its implications for residents, especially those considering **moving to Rew**.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal medical metric but a framework for evaluating the ease with which individuals can access the care necessary to manage high blood pressure. This includes routine check-ups, medication refills, specialist appointments, and emergency services. We assess this by considering several factors, with **transportation** being paramount.

Rew itself is a small community. The nearest significant healthcare providers are located in neighboring towns and cities. The primary access points for medical care are in Bradford (approximately 20 miles), Kane (approximately 25 miles), and Olean, NY (approximately 30 miles). The distances, while seemingly manageable, become significant when considering the limited **transportation** options available.

For those with personal vehicles, the primary routes to Bradford involve navigating Pennsylvania Route 321 and Pennsylvania Route 446. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during the harsh winters common in the region. Drive times to Bradford typically range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. Kane is accessible via Pennsylvania Route 6 and Pennsylvania Route 219. The drive time to Kane is similar to Bradford, again contingent on traffic and weather. Olean, NY, is reached via Pennsylvania Route 346 and New York State Route 16. The drive time to Olean is usually around 40 to 50 minutes.

Public **transportation** options are extremely limited in Rew. The local bus service, operated by the Bradford Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA), provides some service within Bradford. However, it does not extend to Rew, making it a non-viable option for residents needing direct access to healthcare. This lack of public **transportation** presents a significant barrier for those who cannot drive, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a vehicle. This is a critical factor to consider when assessing **healthcare access** for those **moving to Rew**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is often inconsistent and availability can be limited, especially in rural areas. The cost of these services can also be prohibitive for regular medical appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing for timely access to healthcare is therefore questionable.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available, but primarily for emergencies or individuals with specific medical needs. These services are typically reserved for those who cannot drive themselves and require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. The availability of these services, particularly for non-emergency appointments, can be limited, and scheduling often requires advance notice.

The implications of these **transportation** limitations are significant for individuals managing hypertension. Regular check-ups with a primary care physician are essential for monitoring blood pressure and adjusting medication as needed. Delays or difficulties in accessing these appointments can lead to uncontrolled hypertension, increasing the risk of serious health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Access to pharmacies for medication refills is another critical factor. While some pharmacies may offer mail-order prescriptions, this is not always a viable option, particularly for individuals who require immediate access to their medications. The nearest pharmacies are located in Bradford, Kane, and Olean, further compounding the **transportation** challenges.

Specialist care, such as cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology, is often located in larger medical centers. The need to travel longer distances for these appointments adds to the **transportation** burden. Individuals with hypertension may require regular visits to specialists, making the accessibility of these services a critical factor in their overall health management.

Emergency medical services are available in the area, but response times can be affected by the rural nature of the community and the distance to the nearest hospitals. The availability of rapid and efficient emergency medical **transportation** is essential for managing acute hypertensive crises.

The "Hypertension Score" for Rew, PA, is therefore significantly impacted by the limited **transportation** options. The absence of public **transportation**, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the distance to healthcare providers create significant barriers to **healthcare access**. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Rew**, especially those with pre-existing health conditions like hypertension.

To improve the "Hypertension Score" for Rew, several interventions could be considered. Expanding public **transportation** services to include routes connecting Rew to Bradford, Kane, and Olean would significantly improve **healthcare access**. This could involve partnering with BARTA or other regional **transportation** providers.

Promoting the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services could also help. This could involve offering subsidies or incentives for ride-sharing companies to operate in the area.

Increasing the availability of telemedicine services, where patients can consult with healthcare providers remotely, could also help to mitigate the **transportation** challenges. This would require ensuring that residents have access to reliable internet service.

Supporting the development of mobile health clinics that can provide basic medical services in Rew would also be beneficial. This would bring healthcare services closer to the community.

Finally, educating residents about the available **transportation** options and providing assistance with scheduling appointments and coordinating **transportation** could help to improve **healthcare access**.

In conclusion, while Rew offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the limitations in **transportation** pose a significant challenge to **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" for Rew is negatively impacted by these factors. Addressing these **transportation** barriers through strategic interventions is crucial to ensuring that residents have access to the healthcare they need to live healthy lives. This is a vital aspect to consider when assessing the community for those considering **moving to Rew**.