16230, Hawthorn, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16230, Hawthorn, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.41 percent of residents in 16230 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 13.34 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16230 (Hawthorn, PA)

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Hawthorn, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16230) requires careful consideration of transportation options. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" by evaluating healthcare access through the lens of commute times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services. This is crucial information for anyone considering moving to Hawthorn and prioritizing their health.

Hawthorn, a small community nestled in Clarion County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting dictates a reliance on personal vehicles, significantly impacting the "Overall Health Score." The absence of robust public transportation and limited ride-sharing options further complicates matters. This analysis aims to provide a realistic understanding of the transportation hurdles and potential solutions for residents.

**Drive Times and Road Networks: The Primary Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Hawthorn is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The "Overall Health Score" is directly influenced by drive times to various medical facilities. The main thoroughfare is **Pennsylvania Route 68**, which serves as the primary artery connecting Hawthorn to surrounding towns and cities.

Accessing Clarion Hospital, a key healthcare provider, typically involves a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes via Route 68. This relatively short commute contributes positively to the "Overall Health Score." However, this time can fluctuate due to weather conditions, especially during the harsh Pennsylvania winters.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers. Driving to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, a major regional healthcare hub, can take upwards of 1 hour and 45 minutes, primarily utilizing **Interstate 80** and **Pennsylvania Route 28**. This significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," potentially deterring individuals from seeking specialized care due to the time commitment.

The condition of the roads also plays a role. While Route 68 is generally well-maintained, traffic congestion on the interstate, especially during peak hours, can extend travel times and negatively affect the "Overall Health Score." The availability of reliable navigation systems is crucial for optimizing routes and minimizing travel time.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Hawthorn are extremely limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system severely impacts the "Overall Health Score" for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

Clarion County operates a demand-response transit service, but its availability and accessibility are limited. This service, while potentially offering transportation to medical appointments, requires advance booking and may not be available for all destinations or at all times. Its impact on the "Overall Health Score" is minimal due to its restricted scope.

The lack of fixed-route bus services and the absence of ADA-accessible transit options further exacerbate the challenges for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive. This significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score" for these vulnerable populations. The need for improved public transit infrastructure is critical to enhancing healthcare access in Hawthorn.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the region, but their availability in Hawthorn is inconsistent. This uncertainty impacts the "Overall Health Score," as residents cannot always rely on these services for timely access to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services, while available, can be expensive and may require pre-authorization. The reliance on these services further impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for those with limited financial resources.

The availability of these services is also dependent on the location of the medical facility. Some facilities may have partnerships with specific transportation providers, which can streamline the process. However, the overall impact on the "Overall Health Score" remains moderate due to the limitations and costs associated with these options.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Hawthorn (ZIP Code 16230) is moderately impacted by transportation limitations. While access to Clarion Hospital is relatively convenient via Route 68, accessing specialized care in larger cities requires significant travel time, primarily using Interstate 80 and Pennsylvania Route 28.

The lack of robust public transportation and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further compound the challenges. Individuals without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations face significant barriers to healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" is negatively impacted by the limited options for those without personal vehicles. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for long travel times to specialized care, necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare planning for residents of Hawthorn.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access in Hawthorn, several measures are recommended.

* **Advocate for improved public transportation:** Increased investment in public transit infrastructure, including fixed-route bus services and ADA-accessible options, is crucial.
* **Promote ride-sharing partnerships:** Encourage partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to ensure reliable transportation.
* **Expand medical transportation services:** Increase the availability and affordability of medical transportation services, including NEMT providers.
* **Telehealth implementation:** Encourage the adoption of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.
* **Community health initiatives:** Support community health programs that provide transportation assistance and address transportation barriers to healthcare access.

By addressing these recommendations, the "Overall Health Score" can be improved, ensuring that residents of Hawthorn have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is particularly important for those considering moving to Hawthorn, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.