15962, Wilmore, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15962, Wilmore, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.06 percent of residents in 15962 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chan Soon- Shiong Medical Center At Windber with a distance of 11.94 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15962 (Wilmore, PA)

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, the small community of Wilmore (ZIP Code 15962) presents a unique tapestry of rural charm. However, this idyllic setting necessitates a critical examination of its healthcare accessibility, particularly regarding transportation. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities is paramount to evaluating the overall health score of this community. This analysis will delve into the available transportation options, their limitations, and ultimately, their impact on the well-being of those residing in Wilmore.

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Wilmore is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The town’s location, while picturesque, is somewhat isolated. The nearest major healthcare providers are situated in Johnstown, a city approximately 15 miles away. The journey typically involves navigating a network of roads, including **State Route 53** and **U.S. Route 219**. Drive times can vary depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. A typical commute to a hospital or specialist's office in Johnstown can range from 25 to 40 minutes, a significant factor when considering urgent medical needs.

For those without personal vehicles, the options become significantly limited. Public transportation in this region is not as robust as in more urban areas. The primary public transit provider, the **Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA)**, offers bus routes that service Johnstown. However, the routes and schedules are infrequent, and do not directly serve Wilmore. Residents would need to find their way to a CCTA stop, adding another layer of complexity to their healthcare journey. This lack of direct public transit presents a substantial barrier, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The CCTA operates a few routes, and while the specifics change, a resident would need to find their way to a stop on **Route 40**, which runs along **U.S. Route 219**. This route offers some ADA-accessible features, but the limited frequency of service makes it unreliable for time-sensitive healthcare appointments. The lack of accessible, frequent, and direct public transportation significantly diminishes the overall health score for Wilmore residents. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Wilmore**, as it will significantly impact their ability to access healthcare.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Johnstown area, but their presence in Wilmore itself is less certain. Availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The cost of a ride-share to Johnstown can also be a deterrent for some, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access. This reliance on ride-sharing, with its inherent uncertainties, further complicates the transportation landscape and negatively impacts the health score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Medical Transportation Management (MTM)** or local ambulance services may provide non-emergency medical transport. These services are often pre-booked and can be tailored to the patient's specific needs, including wheelchair accessibility. However, these services typically require pre-authorization and can be costly, especially for frequent appointments. While offering a vital lifeline, their availability and affordability are still a consideration.

The geographical isolation of Wilmore also impacts access to specialized medical care. Residents needing specialized treatment often have to travel further afield, potentially to Pittsburgh or other major cities. This necessitates longer travel times, increased costs, and potentially, greater stress for patients and their families. The lack of local specialists further exacerbates the transportation challenges, underscoring the need for comprehensive healthcare planning.

The availability of telehealth services can partially mitigate the transportation challenges. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for physical travel. However, telehealth is not a complete solution. It is not suitable for all medical conditions, and it requires reliable internet access, which may be a challenge in some areas of Wilmore. While telehealth offers a valuable tool, it cannot fully replace the need for physical access to healthcare facilities.

The overall health score for Wilmore, PA (15962), is significantly impacted by the challenges in healthcare transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the uncertainty of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score. These factors create barriers to timely and convenient access to healthcare, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, reduced treatment adherence, and poorer health outcomes.

The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. These groups are often most in need of healthcare services, making the transportation challenges even more critical. This is a serious consideration for anyone considering **moving to Wilmore**, as healthcare access is a fundamental aspect of quality of life.

Improving the health score for Wilmore requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes exploring options to improve public transit, such as expanding CCTA routes to directly serve Wilmore or increasing the frequency of existing services. Partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and ensuring reliable internet access throughout the community is crucial.

Investing in local healthcare infrastructure, such as establishing a clinic or expanding the services offered by existing providers, could also reduce the need for residents to travel long distances. These measures, coupled with community education and outreach programs, would enhance healthcare access and improve the overall health score for Wilmore.

The transportation challenges in Wilmore highlight the interconnectedness of various factors that influence health. Access to healthcare is not simply about the availability of medical facilities; it is also about the ability to reach those facilities in a timely, affordable, and convenient manner. Addressing these transportation challenges is essential for creating a healthier and more equitable community in Wilmore, PA. The future health and well-being of the community depend on the ability to improve **healthcare access** through better **transportation** options.