16161, Wheatland, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16161, Wheatland, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.50 percent of residents in 16161 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sharon Regional Health System with a distance of 2.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16161

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 16161, specifically concerning healthcare access, necessitates a thorough examination of transportation options. This analysis considers the availability and efficiency of various modes of transport, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering moving to Wheatland, Pennsylvania, and assessing their healthcare access.

The geographical location of 16161, encompassing the township of Wheatland, presents a unique challenge. While offering a tranquil, rural atmosphere, it is situated away from the major metropolitan centers, impacting healthcare access. The ability to reach medical facilities in a timely and efficient manner is a significant determinant of overall health and well-being.

**Personal Vehicle and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for residents of 16161 is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The road infrastructure, however, plays a critical role in determining travel times. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are Pennsylvania Route 18 and Pennsylvania Route 60. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly near the intersection of Route 18 and Route 422.

Drive times to the nearest major hospitals, such as UPMC Jameson in New Castle, can vary considerably depending on traffic and the specific location within 16161. A typical drive to UPMC Jameson, located approximately 10 miles away, might take 15-25 minutes under normal conditions. However, during rush hour or adverse weather, this time could easily double.

Other healthcare facilities, including smaller clinics and specialist offices, are scattered throughout the surrounding areas. Accessing these facilities often requires navigating a network of secondary roads, such as East Washington Street and West Middlesex Road, further impacting travel times and potentially increasing the stress associated with healthcare appointments.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options within 16161 are limited. The Lawrence County Transit Authority (LCTA) provides bus services, but the routes and frequency are not designed to provide optimal access to healthcare facilities. The routes primarily serve the city of New Castle, and the frequency of service is typically less than hourly, making it challenging to rely on public transit for timely medical appointments.

Furthermore, the LCTA buses may not always offer the most direct routes to healthcare facilities. Passengers may need to transfer between routes, increasing travel time and potentially adding to the physical strain for individuals with mobility limitations. While the LCTA strives to provide ADA-compliant services, including wheelchair accessibility on all buses, the overall limitations of the public transit system pose a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the 16161 area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. Companies like MedStar and First Medical Transport offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility issues or other medical needs. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options.

**Healthcare Access and Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for residents of 16161, concerning healthcare access, is influenced by the limitations in transportation options. While personal vehicles provide the most flexibility, traffic congestion and distance to medical facilities can pose challenges. Public transportation is limited and may not be a viable option for many residents. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative, but availability and cost can be concerns. Medical transport services provide specialized assistance but come with higher costs.

This assessment highlights the importance of considering transportation options when evaluating the overall health score for residents of 16161. The ability to access healthcare in a timely and efficient manner is a critical determinant of overall well-being. Individuals considering moving to Wheatland should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the available options to ensure they can access the healthcare services they require.

**Recommendations:**

To improve healthcare access for residents of 16161, several strategies could be considered. Enhancing the frequency and coverage of public transit routes, particularly those serving healthcare facilities, would be beneficial. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be a valuable initiative.

Furthermore, promoting the availability of medical transport services and providing financial assistance to those who require them could improve healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Investing in improved road infrastructure and traffic management systems could also help reduce travel times and improve the overall efficiency of transportation to healthcare facilities.

By addressing these transportation challenges, the overall health score for residents of 16161 can be improved, ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare services they need to maintain their health and well-being. This is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Wheatland, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. The availability and efficiency of transportation are thus critical components of a healthy community.