18220, Delano, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18220, Delano, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.02 percent of residents in 18220 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.25 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Delano, PA (ZIP Code 18220)

The air in Delano, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County, carries the whispers of coal mining history. This legacy, while fading, has left its mark, including a higher prevalence of lung cancer. Understanding the challenges of healthcare access, particularly for those battling this disease, is paramount. This Lung Cancer Score aims to illuminate the landscape of transportation options available to residents of ZIP Code 18220, facilitating access to vital medical care and informing decisions about moving to Delano.

The score considers various factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. This multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive picture of the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access for individuals facing the complexities of lung cancer treatment.

Delano’s location, while offering a sense of rural tranquility, presents transportation hurdles. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are not within walking distance. The primary mode of transportation for most residents is the personal vehicle. Navigating the region's roads is crucial for timely appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation treatments.

Drive times are a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. The closest major medical facilities are in Pottsville, approximately 15 miles away, a drive that typically takes 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. The route primarily involves Pennsylvania Route 54, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. Further specialized care, including advanced oncology services, may necessitate travel to Allentown, approximately 60 miles away. This journey, predominantly via Interstate 81 and the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Route 476), can take upwards of an hour and a half, demanding significant time and planning.

Furthermore, the drive to larger metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, offering a wider range of specialized treatments, is a considerable undertaking. This 100-mile journey, involving a combination of interstates and highways, can easily consume two to three hours, depending on traffic conditions. Such extended travel times can be particularly burdensome for patients undergoing treatment and experiencing fatigue or other side effects.

Public transportation options in Delano are limited. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides some bus routes within the county. However, service frequency and route coverage in Delano are restricted. The STS Route 30, for example, offers limited service, primarily focusing on connecting larger towns. This route might provide access to Pottsville but may not operate at times convenient for medical appointments.

ADA accessibility on STS buses is a significant consideration. All STS buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited frequency of service and the potential for long wait times can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area, but availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in the evenings. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent trips to medical appointments. The fluctuating nature of ride-share pricing and the potential for surge pricing during periods of high demand can strain a patient's financial resources.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring assistance. Companies like MedRide and Liberty Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services are typically pre-booked and can be more reliable than ride-sharing, especially for individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often come at a higher cost and require advance planning.

The Lung Cancer Score for Delano, PA, reflects the challenges and opportunities of healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful setting, the transportation infrastructure presents significant hurdles for individuals battling lung cancer. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create a complex landscape.

For those considering moving to Delano, careful consideration of these transportation factors is crucial. Assessing the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the potential costs associated with travel is essential. The ability to navigate these complexities can significantly impact the quality of life and the effectiveness of treatment for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer.

The Lung Cancer Score also highlights the need for community initiatives to improve healthcare access. Advocating for increased public transportation service, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies, and supporting the expansion of medical transportation options can make a significant difference. Furthermore, promoting awareness of available resources and providing assistance with transportation planning can empower patients and their families.

The health journey of a lung cancer patient is already fraught with challenges. Alleviating the burden of transportation is a crucial step in providing comprehensive care. By understanding the nuances of transportation infrastructure in Delano, PA, residents can better navigate the healthcare system, ensuring timely access to life-saving treatments and support services. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a call to action, urging the community to prioritize healthcare access and create a supportive environment for those facing this formidable disease.