15937, Jerome, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15937, Jerome, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.67 percent of residents in 15937 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center with a distance of 7.77 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Jerome, PA (ZIP Code 15937) – A Transportation Perspective

The air hangs heavy in the Appalachian foothills surrounding Jerome, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15937), a community grappling with the realities of rural living. One of the most pressing concerns, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, is **healthcare access**. This write-up explores the **transportation** landscape within and around Jerome, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" based on the ease and efficiency of getting to vital medical appointments. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative **transportation** services, providing a nuanced view for residents and those considering **moving to Jerome**.

The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, weighing the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the healthcare system from this specific location. It acknowledges that timely access to treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up appointments, is paramount for positive outcomes. The score considers factors like distance, road conditions, service availability, and the physical limitations that a lung cancer diagnosis often imposes.

Jerome, nestled in Somerset County, presents a unique set of **transportation** challenges. The primary mode of travel is by personal vehicle. The town itself is relatively compact, but the nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in Johnstown, approximately 15 miles away. The primary route to Johnstown is via the winding, two-lane Route 56, a road known for its hilly terrain and potential for delays due to weather or accidents. The drive typically takes between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Another option involves utilizing Route 219, a major north-south highway. However, this route adds distance, potentially increasing the travel time to Johnstown. This is especially problematic for those requiring frequent medical visits. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and create additional stress for patients.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Jerome. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting towns within the county. While the CCTA does serve Johnstown, the routes that might reach Jerome are not direct and involve multiple transfers, making them an impractical option for most patients, especially those undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility issues. ADA-compliant features on CCTA buses are available, but the extended travel times and the necessity of transfers significantly diminish their usefulness for lung cancer patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Johnstown area, but their availability in Jerome is less reliable. Wait times can be significantly longer, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can add financial burdens. This lack of dependable access to ride-sharing services is a significant disadvantage for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

Medical **transportation** services, like those offered by private companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the region. However, these services often come with a considerable cost. The financial burden of these services can be a major obstacle for patients, particularly those on fixed incomes or facing significant medical expenses.

The challenges are compounded by the physical limitations that often accompany a lung cancer diagnosis. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and the side effects of treatment can make driving a personal vehicle unsafe or impossible. The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options can create a significant barrier to accessing timely and necessary medical care. This is especially true for individuals who are older, have limited mobility, or lack family support.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Jerome, Pennsylvania, is therefore, a moderate to low. While Johnstown offers comprehensive medical facilities, the **transportation** infrastructure presents significant hurdles. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, the inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the cost of medical **transportation** services create a challenging environment for lung cancer patients. The absence of direct, reliable, and affordable **transportation** options can lead to delays in treatment, missed appointments, and increased stress, ultimately impacting patient outcomes.

For individuals considering **moving to Jerome**, or for current residents navigating a lung cancer diagnosis, careful consideration of these **transportation** factors is essential. Proximity to family or friends who can provide **transportation** assistance, the ability to afford medical **transportation** services, and the potential need to relocate closer to medical facilities should be weighed carefully.

The community's efforts to improve **healthcare access** in this area is crucial. This could involve advocating for expanded public transit routes, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to improve service availability, and supporting initiatives that provide financial assistance for medical **transportation**. Such efforts would improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and improve the overall well-being of the community.

The landscape of **healthcare access** is complex, particularly in rural areas. The situation in Jerome underscores the crucial link between **transportation** and health outcomes. Addressing the **transportation** challenges faced by lung cancer patients is not merely a logistical issue; it is a matter of life and death.