16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.00 percent of residents in 16254 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 5.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16254

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access necessary healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding ZIP Code 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania, to provide an "Overall Health Score" assessment. This score reflects the ease, efficiency, and availability of transportation options for residents seeking medical attention, encompassing both routine check-ups and emergency situations. Understanding these factors is crucial for individuals and families considering moving to Shippenville, allowing them to make informed decisions about their well-being.

The geographic isolation of Shippenville, nestled in Clarion County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The surrounding terrain and limited public transportation infrastructure necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. This write-up will explore these options, providing a comprehensive overview of the transportation ecosystem impacting the health of Shippenville residents.

**Drive Times: The Cornerstone of Healthcare Access**

For most residents, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities will be their personal vehicles. The major thoroughfare serving Shippenville is Interstate 80, a vital east-west artery. Accessing healthcare often involves navigating this highway, with the direction of travel heavily influencing drive times.

To the east, Clarion Hospital, a primary healthcare provider, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Interstate 80 East and PA-68. This relatively short commute time provides a significant advantage for Shippenville residents.

Westward, the drive to facilities in the city of Clarion, including Clarion Hospital, remains a similar 15-20 minute journey, primarily utilizing Interstate 80 West. This proximity ensures that residents have access to a range of medical services without enduring excessively long travel times.

Other healthcare facilities, such as specialized clinics or hospitals in larger cities like Pittsburgh, approximately 90 miles away, require significantly longer travel times, typically around 1.5 to 2 hours via Interstate 80 West and various connecting highways. These longer distances necessitate careful planning and consideration for appointments, especially for those with mobility limitations or chronic conditions.

The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact these drive times. Winter weather, with its potential for snow and ice, can create hazardous driving conditions, increasing travel times and potentially hindering access to healthcare. Regular road maintenance and effective snow removal are, therefore, crucial for maintaining healthcare access in Shippenville.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Reach**

Public transportation options in Clarion County, and specifically within the vicinity of Shippenville, are extremely limited. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for individuals without access to personal vehicles, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The Clarion County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides some public transit services. However, the routes and schedules are infrequent and may not directly serve healthcare facilities with optimal frequency or convenience. Information regarding specific routes, stops, and ADA accessibility features can be obtained by contacting the CCTA directly.

The absence of a comprehensive public transportation system necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, potentially increasing the burden on individuals and families seeking healthcare. This lack of options can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or afford other transportation alternatives.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the availability of these services in Shippenville is variable. While they may be present, their reliability and response times can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel, catering to the needs of individuals with mobility limitations. Several medical transport providers operate in the region.

The cost of these services, however, can be a significant barrier for some residents. The "Overall Health Score" is impacted by the affordability and availability of these transportation options.

**Medical Transport Brands**

* **LifeFleet Ambulance:** Provides ambulance and medical transport services.
* **STAT MedEvac:** Offers air medical transport.
* **Clarion Hospital:** Provides medical transport services.

**ADA Accessibility: A Crucial Consideration**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in public transportation and healthcare facilities. However, the implementation and enforcement of these standards can vary. When assessing healthcare access, it's crucial to consider the availability of accessible transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ramps, and other accommodations.

Healthcare facilities should be ADA-compliant, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can navigate the premises comfortably and safely. This includes accessible parking, entrances, waiting areas, and examination rooms.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for transportation to healthcare in ZIP Code 16254 reflects a mixed picture. The proximity of Clarion Hospital, approximately 15-20 minutes away via Interstate 80, provides a significant advantage. The limited public transportation options, however, coupled with the variable availability of ride-sharing services, present challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for longer travel times to specialized facilities in larger cities necessitate careful planning. The cost and availability of medical transport services also impact the score.

For individuals and families considering moving to Shippenville, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. Those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the available transportation options and their associated costs.

The "Overall Health Score" for Shippenville is moderately positive, but it can be improved by enhancing public transportation infrastructure, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the affordability of medical transport. The condition of the roads and weather conditions also play a significant role in healthcare access. Further investment in transportation infrastructure and services would undoubtedly improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance the well-being of Shippenville residents.