15322, Clarksville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15322, Clarksville, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.74 percent of residents in 15322 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Health System Greene with a distance of 9.18 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15322 (Clarksville, PA)**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Clarksville, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 15322, this access is primarily shaped by the availability and efficiency of its transportation infrastructure. This write-up assesses the "Overall Health Score" for residents of Clarksville, focusing on the journey to medical services, considering factors like drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Clarksville, offering a glimpse into the practical realities of maintaining good health within the community.

Clarksville, a small community nestled in Greene County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting means residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary roadways serving the area include the historic Route 21, which snakes through the heart of Clarksville, and the strategically important Interstate 79, offering a more direct route to larger medical centers. The efficiency of these routes, and the availability of alternative transportation, directly impacts the community's overall health score.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of this score. The nearest urgent care facilities are located in Waynesburg, approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Route 21 or I-79. For more specialized care, residents often travel to Washington, PA, a 30-45 minute drive, or even Pittsburgh, a journey of about an hour and a half, particularly when seeking specialized treatment. Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours on I-79, can significantly extend these drive times, potentially impacting the timeliness of care. The condition of Route 21, with its curves and occasional congestion, also influences the accessibility of local healthcare.

Public transportation options in Clarksville are limited. Greene County operates a public transit system, the Greene County Transit (GCT), which provides demand-response services. These services require advance booking and may not always be ideal for urgent medical needs. The GCT does offer some ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the system. However, the routes and schedules are designed to cover the entire county, potentially resulting in longer travel times for Clarksville residents seeking healthcare. The availability of fixed-route services, with scheduled stops and frequent departures, would significantly improve the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver presence, which can be limited in rural areas like Clarksville. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. While these services offer a convenient alternative to driving, they are not a guaranteed solution for healthcare transportation in Clarksville.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available, but their accessibility and cost must be considered. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring stretcher transport. The availability of these services can be a lifeline for those who cannot drive or use public transit. However, the cost of such services can be a significant financial burden, and the availability of providers may be limited in the area.

The overall health score for Clarksville, PA, ZIP code 15322, reflects a community with both strengths and weaknesses in healthcare access. The proximity to Waynesburg offers convenient access to urgent care, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges. The longer drive times to Washington and Pittsburgh for specialized care, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, can be a significant concern. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation provides additional options, but their reliability and cost must be considered.

For those moving to Clarksville, understanding these transportation realities is crucial. Careful consideration should be given to the location of healthcare providers, the potential for traffic delays, and the availability of alternative transportation options. Individuals with chronic health conditions or mobility limitations should proactively explore medical transportation services and familiarize themselves with the Greene County Transit options.

The community's health score could be significantly improved by investments in public transportation, such as expanding the GCT’s fixed-route services, increasing the frequency of service, and improving the coordination of services with healthcare providers. The promotion of ride-sharing services and the provision of financial assistance for medical transportation would also enhance healthcare access. Furthermore, the development of telemedicine services, allowing for remote consultations and monitoring, could reduce the need for in-person visits and improve the overall health of the community.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Clarksville, PA, ZIP code 15322, is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges. A proactive approach to healthcare planning, combined with community-level improvements in transportation options, is essential to ensure that all residents have timely and affordable access to the medical care they need. This assessment serves as a starting point for individuals considering moving to Clarksville, providing valuable insights into the realities of healthcare access and the importance of transportation in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.