15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.10 percent of residents in 15428 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Connellsville with a distance of 4.73 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Dawson, PA (ZIP Code 15428)

The journey to healthcare, especially for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, is fraught with complexities. Beyond the emotional toll, navigating the *transportation* landscape can significantly impact *healthcare access* and treatment outcomes. This write-up, a Lung Cancer Score assessment, focuses on the challenges and opportunities for residents of Dawson, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15428), a small community nestled along the Youghiogheny River, considering the available *transportation* options. We aim to provide a clear picture of the realities of seeking specialized lung cancer care in this area, crucial information for anyone *moving to Dawson* or currently residing there.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is not a formal medical metric. Instead, it represents a qualitative assessment of the ease with which individuals can access timely and appropriate lung cancer care, factoring in geographical constraints, available *transportation* resources, and the proximity of specialized medical facilities. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

Dawson's location presents a significant hurdle. The town is relatively isolated, with limited direct access to major medical centers. This geographical reality dictates the primary mode of *transportation*: personal vehicles. The most direct route to larger hospitals involves navigating the winding roads that characterize the region.

The primary artery connecting Dawson to the broader healthcare network is Route 711, a two-lane highway that meanders through the Youghiogheny River valley. Heading north on Route 711, the drive to UPMC McKeesport Hospital, a facility with some cancer care services, is approximately 45 minutes, assuming favorable traffic conditions. This drive, however, is subject to the vagaries of rural roads: potential for delays due to weather, accidents, or road maintenance.

Alternatively, traveling south on Route 711 and connecting to Route 31 offers a route to Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, a shorter drive of around 30 minutes. Frick Hospital provides cancer services, but the scope of those services may not be as comprehensive as those available at larger, specialized cancer centers.

For more specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, patients often need to travel to Pittsburgh, a city approximately 50 miles northwest of Dawson. This journey necessitates utilizing Route 711, connecting to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) or Route 30, and then navigating the city's traffic. The drive time to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a leading facility, can easily exceed 1 hour and 30 minutes, especially during peak commuting hours. The same holds true for Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute.

Public *transportation* options in Dawson are severely limited, presenting a significant barrier to *healthcare access*. Westmoreland County Transit Authority (WCTA) provides some bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting smaller towns to larger population centers. The specific routes serving Dawson are limited and often involve multiple transfers, significantly increasing travel time. Furthermore, the WCTA's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, while present on some buses, might not fully accommodate individuals with mobility limitations, a common concern for lung cancer patients undergoing treatment. The lack of consistent and reliable public *transportation* underscores the reliance on private vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Dawson area, but their reliability and affordability are questionable. Availability is often dependent on driver availability, which can be scarce in rural areas. The cost of a ride-share to Pittsburgh for a medical appointment could be substantial, posing a financial burden for patients and their families. This further complicates *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles or the financial resources to afford frequent ride-share trips.

Medical *transportation* services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical *transportation* (NEMT) providers, offer an alternative for patients unable to drive themselves. These services are often tailored to the specific needs of individuals requiring medical assistance, including those with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that affects their ability to drive. However, these services can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies. Understanding insurance coverage for medical *transportation* is critical.

The Lung Cancer Score for Dawson, PA, reflects a challenging situation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public *transportation* options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant hurdles to *healthcare access*. The drive times to specialized cancer centers in Pittsburgh are substantial, increasing the burden on patients and their caregivers. The financial implications of *transportation* costs further exacerbate these challenges.

For individuals *moving to Dawson*, or those already residing there, a thorough assessment of *transportation* needs and resources is essential. This includes evaluating the feasibility of driving to appointments, exploring the availability of family or friends to provide *transportation*, and investigating the potential for financial assistance to cover *transportation* costs.

The local community can play a crucial role in improving the Lung Cancer Score. This could involve advocating for expanded public *transportation* services, partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for medical appointments, or establishing a volunteer-based *transportation* network to assist patients. Increased awareness of the challenges faced by lung cancer patients and the need for improved *healthcare access* is a critical first step.

The Lung Cancer Score for Dawson, PA, is a call to action. Addressing the *transportation* barriers to *healthcare access* is vital for ensuring that residents have the opportunity to receive timely and appropriate lung cancer care. This requires a collaborative effort involving patients, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. By working together, the community can improve the lives of those affected by lung cancer and make Dawson a more supportive place for all its residents.