15853, Ridgway, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15853, Ridgway, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.33 percent of residents in 15853 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 8.09 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15853

This analysis evaluates the overall health score for residents of Ridgway, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15853), focusing on the crucial element of **healthcare access** through various **transportation** options. This assessment considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive picture for prospective residents, especially those **moving to Ridgway**, to understand the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to provide timely and accessible healthcare. This is particularly true in rural areas like Ridgway, where geographical challenges and limited resources can significantly impact residents' ability to receive prompt medical attention. This write-up aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the transportation landscape and its implications for health outcomes.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary artery connecting Ridgway to surrounding healthcare facilities is Pennsylvania Route 219. Traveling north on Route 219, residents can reach the Penn Highlands Elk hospital in St. Marys, a drive of approximately 25 minutes, covering about 18 miles. This hospital provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and inpatient facilities. The road conditions on Route 219 are generally good, but winter weather can pose a challenge, potentially extending travel times and necessitating caution.

Heading south on Route 219, residents can access the Penn Highlands DuBois hospital, a more comprehensive facility offering advanced medical care. This drive typically takes around 45 minutes, covering approximately 35 miles. This route also utilizes portions of Interstate 80, providing a faster connection to larger medical centers in the region. However, traffic on I-80 can fluctuate, especially during peak hours and holiday periods, potentially adding to the commute time.

Smaller medical practices and specialist offices are located within Ridgway itself, accessible via local roads like Main Street and Broad Street. These facilities offer primary care, dental services, and other outpatient treatments, reducing the need for longer journeys for routine appointments. However, specialized care often necessitates travel to St. Marys or DuBois.

The condition of local roads, particularly during winter, can be a factor. Residents should be prepared for potential delays due to snow and ice, especially when traveling to medical appointments. This highlights the importance of reliable vehicle maintenance and preparedness for inclement weather conditions.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options within and around Ridgway are limited. The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) provides a demand-response transportation service, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, however, requires advance booking and may not be ideal for emergency situations.

The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or unable to drive. Reliance on family, friends, or community resources becomes critical for accessing healthcare.

The ECCOTA service is designed to be ADA compliant, offering accessible vehicles for individuals with mobility limitations. This is a crucial aspect of ensuring healthcare access for all residents, regardless of their physical abilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not consistently available in Ridgway. This limits the options for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle. Residents must rely on other transportation methods.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services are particularly important for individuals who require assistance with mobility or are unable to drive themselves.

The availability and cost of medical transport services can vary. Residents should investigate their insurance coverage and explore options for financial assistance if needed. The reliability of these services is crucial for ensuring timely access to healthcare.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 15853 is moderate. While the presence of hospitals in St. Marys and DuBois provides access to comprehensive medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges.

The drive times to these facilities, while manageable, can be impacted by weather and traffic. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services further complicates matters for those without personal transportation. The availability of medical transport services mitigates some of these challenges, but their cost and availability can be a concern.

For individuals **moving to Ridgway**, careful consideration should be given to the **transportation** challenges associated with accessing healthcare. Those who rely on public transit or ride-sharing services may find it difficult to manage appointments.

The availability of local medical practices within Ridgway is a positive factor, reducing the need for longer journeys for routine care. However, residents should be prepared for potential travel to St. Marys or DuBois for specialized treatments.

The overall health score is also influenced by individual circumstances. Residents with reliable vehicles, good health, and access to family support may find healthcare access relatively easy. Those with mobility limitations, limited financial resources, or without access to a personal vehicle may face significant challenges.

The community's efforts to improve healthcare access, such as supporting the ECCOTA service and advocating for increased medical transport options, can positively impact the overall health score.

In conclusion, while Ridgway offers access to essential healthcare services, the **transportation** landscape presents challenges. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their individual needs and resources when considering **moving to Ridgway**. Understanding the limitations and exploring available options is crucial for ensuring timely and effective **healthcare access**. The community can improve the health score by advocating for improved public transit, ride-sharing options, and affordable medical transport services.