16401, Albion, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16401, Albion, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.96 percent of residents in 16401 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Millcreek Community Hospital with a distance of 19.49 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16401 (Albion, PA)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report, focusing on ZIP code 16401 (Albion, Pennsylvania), provides an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access for residents and those considering moving to Albion.

The geographical isolation of Albion, nestled in rural Erie County, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The town's small size and limited public transportation infrastructure necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. This dependence significantly influences the "Overall Health Score," making it a crucial factor for anyone considering a move to this community.

**Drive Times: The Primary Arteries of Care**

For most residents, the journey to healthcare begins behind the wheel. The primary routes to medical facilities are dictated by the local road network. The most direct route to Erie, the regional hub for advanced medical care, involves traveling east on **US Route 6N** and then connecting to **Interstate 90**. This journey, covering approximately 25 miles, typically takes around 35-45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, winter weather, a common occurrence in northwestern Pennsylvania, can significantly extend these drive times, potentially doubling them during snowstorms.

Closer to home, the **Albion Road** provides access to local healthcare providers. While these facilities may offer primary care and basic services, specialized care often necessitates a trip to Erie. The drive to Corry, Pennsylvania, another option for some healthcare needs, involves navigating **Route 6N** west, a journey of approximately 20 miles, which can take around 30 minutes. This route, while shorter, still presents the same weather-related challenges as the Erie commute.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation in Albion is limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The **Erie MetroErie Metropolitan Transit AuthorityMetropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA)**, the primary public transit provider for the region, does not directly serve Albion. Residents rely on less frequent and less reliable options.

The lack of consistent public transit impacts the "Overall Health Score" by limiting access for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of ADA-accessible buses further exacerbates these challenges, potentially isolating individuals with mobility impairments and hindering their ability to receive timely medical attention.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available in the Erie area, but their presence in Albion is less consistent. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, such as **MedTrans** and **AmbuBus**, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, adding to the logistical challenges.

**The "Overall Health Score" Breakdown**

Considering the factors outlined above, the "Overall Health Score" for access to healthcare in ZIP code 16401 is moderate. While residents have access to primary care and local services, the reliance on personal vehicles for specialized care and the limited public transit options create significant challenges. The unpredictable availability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transportation further complicate the situation.

The score is negatively impacted by the following:

* **Long drive times to specialized care facilities.**
* **Limited public transportation options, with no direct service from EMTA.**
* **Unpredictable availability of ride-sharing services.**
* **The potential for weather-related delays during the winter months.**
* **The cost of medical transportation services.**

Conversely, the score is positively influenced by:

* **The presence of local primary care providers.**
* **The availability of medical transportation services, albeit at a cost.**
* **The relative ease of access to Erie via major highways.**

**Implications for Moving to Albion**

For individuals and families considering moving to Albion, understanding the limitations of healthcare access is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the potential challenges of accessing medical care. Those without reliable transportation, or with mobility impairments, may face significant difficulties.

The "Overall Health Score" serves as a vital tool for evaluating the community's healthcare infrastructure. It highlights the need for improvements in public transportation, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and the potential for increased investment in local healthcare facilities. These improvements would significantly enhance the quality of life for Albion residents and make the community a more attractive place to live.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access in ZIP code 16401, several recommendations are proposed:

* **Advocate for increased EMTA service to Albion, including ADA-accessible buses.**
* **Encourage the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area.**
* **Explore partnerships with medical transportation providers to offer subsidized services for low-income residents.**
* **Support the development of telehealth services to provide remote access to healthcare providers.**
* **Promote community awareness of existing healthcare resources and transportation options.**

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, Albion can improve its "Overall Health Score" and ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. This will not only enhance the well-being of the community but also make Albion a more attractive and livable place for current and future residents. The improvement in transportation options is paramount to improving healthcare access for all.