15960, Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15960, Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.51 percent of residents in 15960 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Miners Medical Center with a distance of 13.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15960 (Twin Rocks, PA)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access vital services, and paramount among these is healthcare. This report delves into the healthcare accessibility landscape for residents of ZIP Code 15960, encompassing the charming community of Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania. We'll evaluate the challenges and opportunities presented by the area's transportation infrastructure, offering an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical care. This score will consider drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, providing insights for potential residents considering moving to Twin Rocks and informing the overall health and well-being of current inhabitants.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 15960 is a **C+**. This grade reflects a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. While the region offers a degree of healthcare access, its reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the absence of robust alternative transportation options present significant hurdles for some residents.

The primary mode of transportation in Twin Rocks and the surrounding areas is the personal vehicle. The landscape is largely rural, and the existing infrastructure is designed with cars in mind. Reaching healthcare facilities often necessitates navigating a network of highways and local roads. The main arteries for accessing healthcare are Route 219, a major north-south highway, and Route 56, which provides east-west connectivity.

For residents of Twin Rocks, a trip to the nearest major healthcare provider, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the ZIP code. This journey primarily utilizes Route 219 and Route 56. Other healthcare options, such as smaller clinics and specialist offices, may be found in nearby towns like Ebensburg, requiring shorter drives on local roads like Route 403.

The drive times, while not excessively long, can pose challenges for those without personal vehicles, individuals with mobility limitations, or those facing financial constraints. The time commitment also increases the overall stress associated with seeking medical care. The journey can be further complicated by inclement weather, common in this region, which can lead to hazardous road conditions and extended travel times.

Public transportation options are limited in 15960. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus service in the Johnstown area, but its routes and frequency are not extensive, especially in more rural areas like Twin Rocks. While the CCTA does offer some routes that might reach areas near the ZIP code, the availability and schedule are not ideal for convenient healthcare access. The lack of direct routes and the potential for long wait times and transfers can make public transit a less appealing option, particularly for those with urgent medical needs or mobility impairments.

The CCTA does strive to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited route coverage and frequency remain significant drawbacks. For someone in Twin Rocks, the journey to a medical appointment via public transit could easily consume a significant portion of their day, adding to the burden of seeking healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnstown area, but their presence in Twin Rocks is less consistent. Availability can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, making them an unreliable option for scheduled medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially those with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available in the region. These services, often provided by private companies, can be a viable option for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be limited, requiring advance booking and potentially leading to delays.

The absence of dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure further exacerbates the transportation challenges. Walking or cycling to healthcare facilities is not a realistic option for most residents of Twin Rocks, particularly given the distances involved and the lack of safe routes. This reliance on motorized transportation contributes to a less healthy lifestyle and further limits healthcare access for those without access to a vehicle.

The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the socioeconomic factors of the community. The median household income in 15960 is below the state average, and a significant percentage of residents are elderly. This demographic composition suggests a higher likelihood of needing healthcare services and a greater vulnerability to transportation-related barriers.

The lack of readily available transportation options can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Preventative care, crucial for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases, may be neglected due to transportation challenges. This can lead to a cycle of worsening health, increased healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life.

For those considering moving to Twin Rocks, the transportation landscape must be carefully considered. While the community offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the limitations in healthcare access are a significant factor. Individuals with chronic health conditions, limited mobility, or without access to a personal vehicle should carefully evaluate their ability to manage the transportation challenges associated with seeking medical care.

The community could benefit from initiatives to improve healthcare access. Expanding public transit routes and increasing service frequency would be a significant step. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Exploring the feasibility of establishing a community-based medical transportation program could provide a vital service for vulnerable residents.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, could encourage a more active lifestyle and improve access to healthcare facilities. Promoting telehealth services, where appropriate, could also reduce the need for in-person visits and alleviate transportation burdens.

In conclusion, while 15960 offers a tranquil setting, its healthcare access is hampered by transportation limitations. The "Overall Health Score" of C+ reflects the need for improvements in public transit, alternative transportation options, and community initiatives to address the challenges faced by residents in accessing vital medical care. Addressing these issues is essential to improving the overall health and well-being of the community and ensuring that all residents can receive the care they need. The ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and expand healthcare access will be critical for the future health of Twin Rocks and its residents.