16427, Mill Village, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16427, Mill Village, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.05 percent of residents in 16427 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Millcreek Community Hospital with a distance of 15.01 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Mill Village (ZIP Code 16427)

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access is a crucial consideration for anyone, especially those contemplating a move to a new community. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Mill Village, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16427), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. We will examine the various transportation options available, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, evaluating their impact on healthcare access and highlighting the challenges and opportunities within this rural landscape.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite measure, reflecting the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical appointments, emergency care, and other health-related services. It considers factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of specialized medical transport services. This score aims to provide a clear picture of the healthcare accessibility landscape, empowering potential residents to make informed decisions.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

For many residents of Mill Village, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The efficiency of this mode is largely dependent on the road infrastructure and the distances to healthcare facilities. The primary arteries connecting Mill Village to healthcare services are **Pennsylvania Route 86** and **Pennsylvania Route 98**. These two-lane highways, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours and are susceptible to weather-related delays, particularly during the harsh winters common to the region.

The nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are primarily located in Erie, approximately 30 miles north. This translates to a drive time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination. This distance, while manageable, can pose challenges for individuals with chronic health conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention. The journey involves navigating a mix of rural roads and urban thoroughfares, including the **Interstate 90** (I-90) corridor, which can experience heavy traffic.

Smaller medical facilities, such as primary care physicians and urgent care clinics, may be found in nearby towns like Union City and Edinboro. These destinations offer shorter drive times, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. However, the availability of specialized medical services is often limited in these smaller communities, necessitating travel to Erie for more complex healthcare needs.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Mill Village are limited. The **Erie MetroErie Metropolitan Transit AuthorityMetropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA)**, the primary public transit provider for Erie County, does not directly serve Mill Village with fixed-route bus services. This significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

The closest EMTA bus routes are located in Union City, approximately 10 miles from Mill Village. These routes are infrequent and may not align with the schedules of medical appointments. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant features on all routes, particularly in the rural areas, may present accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Erie area. However, their availability in Mill Village is less consistent, and wait times can be significantly longer compared to urban areas. This variability makes ride-sharing a less reliable option for urgent medical needs or time-sensitive appointments.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several providers operate in the Erie County area, including companies like **CareRide** and **AmbuBus**. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly during peak hours.

**Healthcare Access and Mill Village:**

Mill Village’s rural location presents both advantages and disadvantages regarding healthcare access. The community benefits from a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. However, the distance to healthcare facilities and the limited public transportation options create significant barriers for some residents.

The "Overall Health Score" for Mill Village is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services contribute to the challenges. The availability of medical transport services partially mitigates these challenges, but the need for advance booking and potential limitations in availability must be considered.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Mill Village, Pennsylvania, reflects a mixed picture. While residents have access to healthcare services in Erie and surrounding towns, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges. Prospective residents should carefully consider their transportation needs and healthcare requirements.

The limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles highlight the importance of individual mobility. Individuals with mobility limitations or those without access to a vehicle may face significant hurdles in accessing healthcare. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport providers offers some relief, but their reliability and availability must be carefully evaluated.

The decision to move to Mill Village should involve a thorough assessment of individual healthcare needs and the available transportation options. The community's charm and slower pace of life are attractive, but the challenges of healthcare access must be weighed against these benefits. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for making an informed decision about moving to Mill Village and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.