15089, West Newton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15089, West Newton, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.29 percent of residents in 15089 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Mon Valley with a distance of 9.01 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in West Newton, PA (ZIP Code 15089)

This report provides an overall health score assessment for residents of West Newton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15089), focusing on the critical element of **healthcare access** through various **transportation** options. The score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation services, painting a picture of how easily residents can reach necessary medical care. Understanding these transportation limitations is crucial for anyone **moving to West Newton**, as it directly impacts their well-being.

The overall health score for healthcare accessibility in West Newton is **moderate**. While the community offers some options, significant challenges exist, particularly for those without personal vehicles or facing mobility limitations. This score is derived from a careful examination of available transportation infrastructure and services.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

West Newton's location in Westmoreland County presents both advantages and disadvantages regarding healthcare access. The primary advantage is the proximity to several healthcare facilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for most medical appointments introduces potential drawbacks related to traffic, particularly during peak hours.

Residents can reach UPMC East in Monroeville, a major regional hospital, via **Interstate 70 East** and the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76)**, with a drive time of approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. This route, while generally efficient, can be subject to congestion during rush hour. Alternatively, residents can utilize **Route 31** and **Route 22** to access UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, but this route can take up to 1.5 hours.

Local healthcare options include the Excela Health facilities in nearby communities. Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg is accessible via **Route 31** and **Route 30**, with a drive time of around 30-45 minutes. Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant is reachable via **Route 31** and **Route 119**, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. These shorter drive times make these facilities more accessible for routine appointments and emergencies.

The condition of the roads, especially during inclement weather, can significantly impact drive times. Snow and ice can cause delays, making it imperative for residents to plan accordingly and consider alternative transportation options when necessary.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in West Newton are limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The Westmoreland County Transit Authority (WCTA) provides some bus service in the area, but the routes and schedules are infrequent and may not directly serve all healthcare facilities.

The WCTA Route 10 provides service to the Greensburg area, potentially connecting residents to some healthcare providers, but the schedule may not be convenient for medical appointments. This route does not offer direct access to Pittsburgh hospitals. Furthermore, the frequency of service, particularly on evenings and weekends, is limited.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on WCTA buses is available, with ramps and designated seating for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules make this a less-than-ideal option for many residents. The lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts the healthcare access score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in West Newton, providing an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. Availability may also be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans and CareRide, are specifically designed to transport individuals to medical appointments. These services offer door-to-door transportation and may accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for short-notice appointments. The cost of medical transportation services can be substantial, adding to the overall healthcare burden for residents.

**Impact on Overall Health:**

The healthcare access challenges in West Newton can significantly impact residents' overall health. Limited transportation options can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially exacerbating existing health conditions. This is particularly true for individuals with chronic illnesses, those requiring frequent check-ups, or those with mobility limitations.

The reliance on personal vehicles can also pose challenges for elderly residents or those who are unable to drive. The lack of readily available public transit and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can create financial barriers to healthcare access, leading to health disparities within the community.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the healthcare access score in West Newton, several improvements are needed. Expanding public transit routes and increasing service frequency, particularly to healthcare facilities, would greatly benefit residents. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also improve access.

Promoting the availability of medical transportation services and educating residents about their options is crucial. Community initiatives to provide volunteer transportation services for medical appointments could also address the transportation gap.

For individuals considering **moving to West Newton**, it is essential to carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services. Understanding the limitations of existing transportation options and planning accordingly is crucial for maintaining good health. The overall health score for healthcare accessibility in West Newton can be improved through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure and services, ultimately contributing to a healthier community.