17936, Gordon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17936, Gordon, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.44 percent of residents in 17936 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 9.15 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gordon, PA (ZIP Code 17936)

The quiet borough of Gordon, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County, offers a serene lifestyle. However, for those managing hypertension, the accessibility of healthcare is a critical consideration. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in ZIP code 17936, evaluating the ease of **healthcare access** and providing a "Hypertension Score" to help residents and potential newcomers understand the challenges and opportunities of navigating the local **transportation** network. This is especially relevant for anyone **moving to Gordon**, where proximity to medical facilities is a vital component of a healthy life.

The "Hypertension Score" considers several factors: the availability and efficiency of various transportation modes, the proximity of healthcare providers, and the presence of services specifically catering to individuals with health needs. A higher score indicates greater ease of access to medical care.

**Driving Dynamics: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

In Gordon, personal vehicles are the dominant mode of transportation. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are Pennsylvania Route 61 (PA-61) and Interstate 81 (I-81). PA-61, a north-south thoroughfare, connects Gordon to Pottsville, the county seat, where a significant concentration of medical services resides. I-81, running east-west, provides access to larger regional centers like Harrisburg and Allentown, offering specialized care options.

Drive times are a crucial element. To Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, a drive of approximately 20 minutes via PA-61 and PA-443 is typical. Pottsville's medical facilities, including Schuylkill Medical Center - East Norwegian Street Campus, are reachable in about 15-20 minutes, again primarily via PA-61. These times can fluctuate depending on traffic, weather conditions, and time of day. Rush hour, particularly on PA-61, can add significant delays.

For those requiring specialized care, the drive to larger hospitals in Harrisburg (approximately 1 hour, via I-81) or Allentown (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, via I-81 and PA-309) becomes a necessity. These longer journeys necessitate careful planning, especially for individuals with hypertension, who may need frequent check-ups or experience unexpected health events.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Mobility**

Public transportation options in Gordon are considerably limited. Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service within the county. However, the routes and frequency of service are not ideally suited for frequent medical appointments. The routes may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities, and the schedules may not align with appointment times.

The STS does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can utilize the service. However, the limited reach and frequency of the routes remain a significant barrier for those relying on public transit for their healthcare needs. The closest bus route to Gordon is Route 30, which runs between Pottsville and Ashland, but it does not directly serve the borough.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, like those offered by LifeFleet or MedStar, are available to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services are specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. While they offer a crucial lifeline, they can be expensive and require advance booking.

**Evaluating the Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" for Gordon, PA (ZIP code 17936) reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. While personal vehicles provide the most direct access to healthcare, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport impact the overall score.

The proximity to Pottsville's medical facilities, reachable within a reasonable drive time, contributes positively to the score. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for longer drives to specialized care centers in Harrisburg or Allentown create challenges.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Gordon**

For individuals with hypertension considering **moving to Gordon**, a thorough evaluation of their transportation needs is essential. Owning a reliable vehicle is highly recommended. Familiarizing oneself with the local road network, including PA-61 and I-81, is crucial.

Exploring the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services is also advisable. Understanding the STS bus routes and schedules, even if not a primary mode of transport, can provide backup options.

Planning for potential delays due to traffic or weather conditions is paramount, especially when scheduling medical appointments. Having a support system, such as family, friends, or neighbors, who can assist with transportation needs can significantly enhance healthcare access.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The "Hypertension Score" for Gordon, PA, reflects a landscape where personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation** for **healthcare access**. While the proximity to Pottsville offers convenient access to medical facilities, the limited public transit options and the potential for longer drives to specialized care centers present challenges.

For those **moving to Gordon** with hypertension, careful planning, a reliable vehicle, and awareness of available **transportation** alternatives are essential for ensuring seamless **healthcare access**. By proactively addressing these factors, residents can effectively manage their health and enjoy the tranquility of life in this Schuylkill County borough.