15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.21 percent of residents in 15958 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center with a distance of 11.11 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Summerhill, PA (ZIP Code 15958)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Summerhill, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15958), a rural borough nestled in Cambria County, the journey to receive medical attention presents unique challenges and opportunities. This write-up provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering the multifaceted aspects of **transportation** and **healthcare access** within this specific geographic area, offering crucial insights for anyone **moving to Summerhill**.

The “Overall Health Score” is a composite metric, accounting for drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options. It reflects the ease with which residents can reach essential healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and urgent care facilities. A higher score indicates greater accessibility and a more favorable environment for maintaining good health.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Summerhill’s location, while offering scenic beauty, significantly impacts healthcare access. The primary roadways influencing travel are US Route 219, a major north-south artery, and PA Route 53, which facilitates east-west travel. These highways, while providing relatively efficient routes, are often subject to seasonal weather conditions, potentially lengthening travel times during winter months.

For residents, the nearest hospital, UPMC Altoona, is approximately 30 miles away, translating to a drive time of around 45-60 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This journey typically involves navigating US Route 219, a stretch that can experience congestion during peak hours. Other healthcare facilities, such as Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown (approximately 20 miles) and Windber Medical Center (approximately 15 miles), offer alternative options, although travel times still require careful consideration.

Reaching specialists often necessitates travel to larger cities like Altoona or Johnstown, extending drive times. The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, is a crucial factor in the overall health of the community. Long travel times can lead to delayed care and increased stress for patients and their families.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transit options in Summerhill are limited, impacting the “Overall Health Score.” The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, particularly on weekends and evenings. This severely restricts access to healthcare for individuals without personal vehicles, especially the elderly, disabled, and those with limited financial resources.

The CCTA operates routes that may serve the Johnstown area, potentially offering a connection to healthcare facilities. However, the lack of direct routes to Altoona and the limited frequency of service significantly diminish the utility of public transit for healthcare access. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities. Information regarding ADA compliance and route accessibility is paramount for those relying on public transit.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Evaluation:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Johnstown area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability in Summerhill is inconsistent, and surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather can make these services unaffordable for many residents. This impacts the “Overall Health Score,” particularly for those without other transportation options.

Medical transport services, including ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are crucial for individuals requiring assistance. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, but the response time can be affected by the distance to the nearest hospital. NEMT providers offer transportation to medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves. The availability and cost of these services significantly impact the “Overall Health Score.”

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis, the “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in Summerhill (ZIP Code 15958) is moderate. While drive times to some healthcare facilities are reasonable, the limitations of public transit, the inconsistent availability of ride-share services, and the potential challenges of medical transport options pose significant barriers for some residents.

The primary recommendation is to enhance public transit options. Increasing the frequency of CCTA routes, particularly those connecting Summerhill to Johnstown and Altoona, is crucial. Expanding service hours, including evenings and weekends, would significantly improve healthcare access for a broader segment of the population. Investing in ADA-compliant buses and ensuring accessible routes is essential.

Furthermore, promoting ride-share services and exploring partnerships with medical transport providers could help bridge the gaps in healthcare access. Providing subsidies or financial assistance to residents for transportation costs could also alleviate the burden of accessing care.

Community health initiatives, such as mobile health clinics or telehealth programs, could help bring healthcare services directly to Summerhill residents, mitigating the challenges of long travel times. Educating residents about available transportation options and healthcare resources is also critical.

**Conclusion:**

The “Overall Health Score” for Summerhill reflects the complex interplay of **transportation** and **healthcare access**. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the limitations in **transportation** options, especially for those without personal vehicles, pose challenges. Improving public transit, supporting ride-share services, and promoting medical transport options are vital steps toward enhancing the “Overall Health Score” and ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This information is especially important for anyone **moving to Summerhill**, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.