15944, New Florence, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15944, New Florence, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.82 percent of residents in 15944 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center with a distance of 11.20 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15944 (New Florence, PA)

The health and well-being of residents in New Florence, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15944), are intrinsically linked to their ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities from this rural community. We'll examine the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and assess their impact on healthcare access, offering insights for current residents and those considering moving to New Florence. The score will consider factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in 15944 is the reliance on personal vehicles. The community's location in a predominantly rural area necessitates car ownership for most residents. Navigating the roads, including **US Route 22** and **PA Route 711**, is crucial for reaching hospitals, clinics, and specialists. Drive times are significantly affected by traffic, weather conditions, and the distance to healthcare facilities. The ability to drive is, therefore, a critical determinant of an individual’s ability to receive timely medical care.

The nearest major hospital, **Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center** in Johnstown, is approximately a 30- to 45-minute drive via US Route 22, depending on traffic. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities might be closer, but the availability of specialized care often necessitates travel to Johnstown or even further afield. Consider the impact of this travel time on individuals experiencing medical emergencies or those with chronic conditions requiring frequent appointments.

Public transportation options are limited in New Florence. The availability of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with financial constraints. The **Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA)** provides some service in the area, but the frequency of routes and their coverage in 15944 are limited.

Specifically, CCTA Route 10, which runs between Johnstown and Seward, offers a potential connection for residents of New Florence. However, the route's schedule may not align with medical appointments, and the distance from a bus stop to a medical facility can still be a barrier. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit. The lack of frequent service and the need for transfers can significantly extend travel times, making public transit a less viable option for many.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Johnstown area, but their presence in New Florence may be less consistent. The availability of ride-sharing services is contingent on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution, it is not a guaranteed or affordable option for all residents.

Medical transportation services are another option, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. **AMR (American Medical Response)** and other local ambulance services offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services are often covered by insurance, but they require prior scheduling and may not be available for all appointment types. Furthermore, the availability of these services can be limited, especially during peak hours or in emergency situations.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 15944 is moderately impacted by the available transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transit options, creates challenges for many residents. While ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer potential solutions, their availability and affordability are not guaranteed.

The overall score is diminished by the potential for extended travel times to access specialized care, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on personal vehicles. The score is also affected by the potential cost of ride-sharing services and the limitations of medical transportation.

The impact of these transportation challenges is particularly pronounced for vulnerable populations. The elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources face significant barriers in accessing healthcare. The lack of convenient and affordable transportation can lead to delayed or missed appointments, which can negatively impact health outcomes.

For those considering moving to New Florence, it is essential to carefully assess the transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. Potential residents should consider their individual needs, including their health conditions, mobility limitations, and financial resources. The availability of reliable transportation is a crucial factor in ensuring access to timely and appropriate medical care.

Improving healthcare access in 15944 requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transit, expanding ride-sharing services, and increasing the availability of medical transportation are all crucial steps. Promoting community awareness of available transportation options and providing financial assistance to those in need can also improve healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" can be improved by addressing the identified challenges. Enhancing public transit, expanding ride-sharing services, and increasing the availability of medical transportation are all essential steps. Promoting community awareness of available transportation options and providing financial assistance to those in need can also improve healthcare access.

The future of healthcare access in New Florence depends on the community's ability to address these transportation challenges. By investing in transportation infrastructure and services, the community can improve the health and well-being of its residents. The ability to reach healthcare facilities quickly and efficiently is a fundamental right, and ensuring that all residents of 15944 have access to this right is a critical priority.