15083, Sutersville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15083, Sutersville, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.06 percent of residents in 15083 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Mon Valley with a distance of 7.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Sutersville (ZIP Code 15083)

The quaint borough of Sutersville, nestled in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, offers a charming, close-knit community. However, when considering a move to this locale, prospective residents must meticulously assess its healthcare accessibility. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for ZIP Code 15083, meticulously examining the ease with which residents can access essential medical services, considering various transportation options. The score will encompass drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. This information is crucial for anyone contemplating a move, ensuring informed decisions about their well-being and healthcare access.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Sutersville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The borough's geographic isolation necessitates driving to reach most medical facilities. The closest hospital, Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. This journey typically involves navigating the winding roads of PA-136, a vital artery connecting Sutersville to the larger towns and cities. Residents may also utilize I-70, a major interstate, providing a faster, albeit potentially congested, route.

Accessing specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often requires traveling to Pittsburgh, roughly a 45- to 60-minute drive. This extended commute necessitates traversing the PA Turnpike (I-76) or utilizing I-376, the Parkway East, which can be particularly challenging during peak hours. The time commitment for these trips significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, as longer travel times can delay critical care and increase stress levels.

The condition of the roads also plays a role. PA-136, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to seasonal weather conditions, particularly snow and ice. I-70 and the PA Turnpike are subject to construction and traffic incidents, which can further extend travel times. Therefore, the reliability and predictability of drive times are essential considerations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Sutersville are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Westmoreland Transit Authority (WTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily serving the larger communities surrounding Sutersville. The availability of public transit is a crucial component of the Overall Health Score.

The WTA Route 20, for instance, provides service to Greensburg, but its frequency is limited, with buses running on a specific schedule. This can necessitate careful planning and potentially long wait times. Furthermore, the accessibility of bus stops within Sutersville varies, with some areas lacking convenient access. The WTA strives to ensure ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance on its buses, offering ramps and other accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service significantly restrict the usability of public transit for healthcare access.

The lack of robust public transit options disproportionately affects those who cannot drive, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This lack of transportation options significantly lowers the Overall Health Score for this demographic.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Supplemental Solution**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Sutersville, offering a supplementary transportation option. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. The reliability and affordability of these services are crucial factors in the Overall Health Score.

Medical transport services, such as those provided by medical transportation companies, offer specialized transportation for individuals requiring assistance. These services often cater to patients needing wheelchair-accessible vehicles or stretcher transportation. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive, further impacting the Overall Health Score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Considering the factors above, the Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in Sutersville (ZIP Code 15083) is **moderate**. While the borough offers a peaceful lifestyle, its healthcare accessibility presents challenges. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, necessitates careful planning and potentially long travel times.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers supplemental solutions, but their reliability, affordability, and limited coverage impact the Overall Health Score. Prospective residents, especially those with mobility limitations or without access to personal transportation, should carefully weigh these considerations when deciding to move to Sutersville.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Enhancing the Overall Health Score for Sutersville requires strategic interventions. Expanding WTA bus routes and increasing service frequency, particularly to medical facilities, would significantly improve healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also alleviate transportation burdens. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as widening roads and improving traffic flow, would reduce drive times. Finally, promoting awareness of available medical transport services and their affordability would empower residents to make informed healthcare decisions.

Moving to Sutersville offers a unique lifestyle, but a clear understanding of healthcare accessibility is paramount. The Overall Health Score provides a valuable framework for assessing this critical aspect of community well-being, empowering prospective residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.