15823, Brockport, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15823, Brockport, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.33 percent of residents in 15823 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 15.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15823

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 15823, a rural area, necessitates a thorough examination of their access to healthcare. This involves a multifaceted analysis, primarily focused on transportation options available for medical appointments and treatments. The ability to reach medical facilities efficiently and reliably directly impacts individual well-being, influencing preventative care, chronic disease management, and emergency response times. This score reflects the combined impact of various transportation modalities, considering both their availability and accessibility.

The dominant mode of transportation in this area is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare in the surrounding region are Pennsylvania Route 120 and U.S. Route 219. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, potentially delaying critical medical appointments. The drive times to the nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are crucial factors in the health score.

For residents of 15823, the closest hospital, Penn Highlands Elk, is located in St. Marys. The drive, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes via PA-120. This journey, while manageable, requires a reliable vehicle and the ability to drive. Further specialized care may necessitate travel to larger medical centers in cities like DuBois, which can extend travel times to an hour or more, again via PA-120 and connecting routes.

Public transportation options are limited in this rural environment. The local transportation authority, the Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA), provides some public transportation services, but these are primarily demand-response and require advance booking. The availability of fixed-route bus services to healthcare facilities is minimal, significantly impacting healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, especially the elderly or those with disabilities. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles and routes is essential to ensure inclusivity in transportation options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited presence in this area. Their availability is often contingent on driver density and demand, potentially leading to longer wait times or unavailability, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. This reliance on ride-sharing can be costly and unreliable, further exacerbating healthcare access challenges.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a vital role in ensuring healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. The response times of emergency medical services (EMS) are critical, particularly in rural areas where distances to hospitals can be significant. The availability and efficiency of NEMT services, which transport patients to and from medical appointments, are equally important.

The overall health score for 15823 is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, especially for specialized care, add further complexity.

**The specific challenges and their impact:**

The absence of robust public transportation services creates a barrier for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This includes the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. The lack of readily available transportation can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatments, and poorer health outcomes.

The limited availability of ride-sharing services further compounds the problem. While ride-sharing can provide a transportation option, its unreliability and potential cost can be prohibitive. The absence of a consistent and affordable transportation solution can create significant stress and anxiety for individuals seeking healthcare.

The long drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, also impact the overall health score. This can be especially challenging for individuals with chronic conditions who require frequent medical appointments. The time spent traveling can be a significant burden, both in terms of time and cost.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score for 15823, several interventions are necessary. Expanding public transportation options, including fixed-route bus services and demand-response services, is essential. These services should be ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility for all residents.

Encouraging ride-sharing services to expand their presence in the area can also improve healthcare access. This could involve offering incentives to drivers or partnering with local healthcare providers to subsidize rides for patients.

Investing in medical transportation services, including ambulances and NEMT, is also crucial. This includes ensuring adequate staffing levels, providing training for medical personnel, and investing in updated equipment.

Promoting telehealth services can also help to improve healthcare access. Telehealth allows patients to receive medical care remotely, reducing the need for travel. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas who have difficulty accessing healthcare facilities.

**The impact of moving to Brockport:**

For individuals considering moving to Brockport, the accessibility of healthcare should be a significant factor in their decision. The proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the overall healthcare infrastructure should be carefully evaluated.

The healthcare landscape in Brockport, as with any location, is constantly evolving. New healthcare providers may establish practices in the area, and existing providers may expand their services. The transportation infrastructure may also change, with new roads or public transportation options being developed.

For individuals considering moving to Brockport, it is essential to research the local healthcare options and transportation resources. This includes identifying the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as evaluating the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of 15823 is affected by the challenges associated with accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including expanding public transportation options, encouraging ride-sharing services, investing in medical transportation services, and promoting telehealth services. By implementing these interventions, the overall health score for 15823 can be improved, ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare they need.