15777, Starford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15777, Starford, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.38 percent of residents in 15777 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 18.43 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15777 (Starford, PA)

Welcome to Starford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15777), a community nestled in the heart of Indiana County. This report assesses the overall health score of the area, specifically focusing on the critical aspect of healthcare access through various transportation methods. Understanding the ease and efficiency of getting to medical facilities is paramount for residents' well-being. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Starford or seeking to optimize their healthcare access.

The foundation of healthcare access in Starford is largely reliant on personal vehicles. The town's layout and the surrounding landscape necessitate car travel for most medical appointments. Primary roads such as US Route 119 and PA Route 286 serve as major arteries, connecting Starford to larger towns like Indiana, where a greater concentration of medical facilities exists. Driving times to these facilities are a crucial element in the health score calculation.

A typical drive to Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), the largest hospital in the county, from the center of Starford, will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This journey primarily involves traveling north on US Route 119. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the health score, offering residents reasonably quick access to emergency care and specialized medical services. However, during peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and afternoons, traffic congestion on US Route 119 can extend travel times, potentially impacting the health score negatively.

Accessing specialist care in Pittsburgh, a major medical hub, is a different story. The journey involves a longer drive, typically taking around an hour and 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the specific destination and traffic. This route often involves merging onto US Route 22 East, a major highway, then onto Interstate 376 West, and finally navigating the city streets. This longer travel time significantly impacts the health score, especially for individuals requiring frequent specialist appointments or facing urgent medical needs. The longer commute also increases the risk of accidents and adds to the overall stress associated with healthcare access.

Public transportation options in Starford and the surrounding areas are limited, presenting a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus services, but the routes and schedules are not designed to prioritize medical transportation. While ICTA operates routes within the county, the frequency of service is generally low, and the routes may not directly serve all medical facilities. Furthermore, ADA accessibility, though present on ICTA buses, needs to be considered.

For individuals with disabilities, the reliance on public transit can be even more challenging. While ICTA strives to provide accessible services, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating, the limited frequency of routes and the potential for long wait times can create significant barriers to healthcare access. This factor further lowers the health score for those reliant on public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Starford area, but their presence is not as robust as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability poses a challenge for those who depend on ride-sharing for medical appointments, potentially leading to missed appointments or delays in accessing care. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments, further impacting the overall health score.

Medical transport services are available in Starford, offering specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services, such as ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, cater to individuals who require assistance with mobility or have specific medical conditions. However, the availability of these services can vary, and the cost can be substantial, particularly for long-distance transport. The health score is affected by the need to rely on these services.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 15777 reflects a mixed picture. The relatively short drive time to IRMC is a positive factor, contributing to a good score for basic healthcare needs. However, the limited public transit options, the unpredictable availability of ride-sharing services, and the longer travel times to specialized medical facilities in Pittsburgh all negatively impact the score.

The availability of medical transport services provides an essential safety net for those with specific needs, but the cost and potential limitations of these services also affect the score. The health score for Starford is also impacted by the fact that the local population is aging, increasing the need for healthcare services and, consequently, the importance of reliable transportation.

For those considering moving to Starford, it is crucial to carefully evaluate their individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Individuals with mobility limitations or those who require frequent specialist appointments should consider the challenges of accessing healthcare in this area. While Starford offers a close-knit community and a relatively low cost of living, the limitations in transportation options, especially in comparison to urban centers, must be carefully considered.

The health score for Starford, therefore, reflects a need for improvement in transportation options to support healthcare access. This could involve advocating for increased public transit services, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, or exploring partnerships with medical transport providers to ensure that all residents have reliable and affordable access to the healthcare they need. This is an area that must be considered for the future well-being of the community.