16421, Harborcreek, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16421, Harborcreek, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

93.25 percent of residents in 16421 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Hamot with a distance of 7.66 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16421 (Harborcreek, PA)

Understanding the ease with which residents of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16421) can access essential healthcare services is crucial for assessing their overall health and well-being. This analysis, presented as an "Overall Health Score" assessment, delves into the transportation landscape that connects Harborcreek residents to medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport alternatives. The goal is to provide a comprehensive view of healthcare access, a vital factor for anyone considering moving to Harborcreek.

The geographical layout of Harborcreek, nestled in Erie County, significantly influences healthcare accessibility. The primary arteries for vehicular transportation are Interstate 90 (I-90), a major east-west thoroughfare, and U.S. Route 20 (US-20), running parallel to Lake Erie. Pennsylvania Route 5 (PA-5) offers a more coastal route, while local roads like Station Road, Hambrick Road, and Buffalo Road provide crucial connections within the township and to neighboring areas.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the "Overall Health Score." The closest major hospitals are located in Erie, PA, approximately 10 to 20 minutes away by car, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination. UPMC Hamot, a comprehensive hospital, and Saint Vincent Hospital, also offering a wide range of services, are the primary choices. Accessing these hospitals typically involves navigating I-90, US-20, or PA-5, and then utilizing local roads to reach the hospital campuses.

Smaller clinics and urgent care centers, offering more immediate care, are scattered throughout the region. Drive times to these facilities, often located in neighboring towns or along major roadways, range from 5 to 15 minutes. These facilities provide essential services for non-emergency medical needs, reducing the pressure on hospital emergency rooms and improving healthcare access for routine check-ups and minor illnesses.

Public transportation, while present, plays a limited role in healthcare access for Harborcreek residents. The Erie MetroErie Metropolitan Transit AuthorityMetropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) operates bus routes within Erie County, but service to Harborcreek is less frequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities. Route 16, for example, might offer some connectivity, but the schedules and potential transfers could significantly increase travel time, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those needing urgent care. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive factor, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transportation. While available in the Erie area, their reliability and cost can vary, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability. This variability makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for critical healthcare appointments, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility challenges or medical needs, provide a crucial link to healthcare for some residents. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation, such as transportation for dialysis, doctor's appointments, and physical therapy, operate in the region. These services often require advance booking and may involve specific eligibility criteria. While offering a valuable service, their availability and cost can be a barrier for some individuals.

The "Overall Health Score" also considers the availability of specialized healthcare services. Access to specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, often requires travel to Erie or beyond. The drive times and transportation challenges associated with these appointments can significantly impact the patient experience and potentially delay necessary treatment. The proximity of Harborcreek to Erie, while offering a range of specialized services, also necessitates a reliance on transportation infrastructure to access them.

Furthermore, the "Overall Health Score" must take into account the demographics of Harborcreek. The age distribution of the population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the socioeconomic status of residents all influence their healthcare needs and their ability to access services. Elderly residents, for example, may face greater challenges in transportation due to physical limitations or lack of access to personal vehicles.

The infrastructure in Harborcreek, including the condition of roads, the availability of sidewalks, and the presence of bike lanes, also contributes to the "Overall Health Score." Safe and accessible transportation options are essential for promoting overall health and well-being. The ability to walk, bike, or use public transit to access healthcare facilities can significantly improve healthcare access and reduce reliance on personal vehicles.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Harborcreek (ZIP Code 16421) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Erie provides access to a wide range of healthcare services, transportation limitations pose challenges. Drive times to major hospitals are relatively short, but reliance on personal vehicles is high. Public transit options are limited, and ride-sharing services may not be consistently reliable. Medical transport services offer a valuable alternative for some, but their availability and cost can be a barrier.

The "Overall Health Score" is therefore influenced by the need for efficient and accessible transportation. For those considering moving to Harborcreek, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. While the area offers a desirable quality of life, the ease of accessing healthcare should be a primary consideration, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those seeking convenient access to a range of medical services. Improving public transit, expanding ride-sharing availability, and ensuring the affordability of medical transport services are key factors that could significantly improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access for all Harborcreek residents.