16732, Gifford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16732, Gifford, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.67 percent of residents in 16732 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 17.65 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16732

ZIP Code 16732, encompassing the picturesque community of Gifford, Pennsylvania, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, particularly concerning healthcare access. The remoteness of Gifford, nestled amidst the Allegheny National Forest, significantly shapes the transportation options available and, consequently, influences the health and well-being of its residents. This analysis delves into the multifaceted aspects of commuting to healthcare, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on the existing infrastructure and available resources.

The fundamental element of healthcare access is the ability to reach medical facilities. In Gifford, this translates primarily to reliance on personal vehicles. The primary route connecting Gifford to the nearest healthcare hubs, such as Kane and Bradford, is Pennsylvania Route 321. This winding, two-lane road, while scenic, can present challenges during inclement weather, particularly in winter. The drive to Kane, home to Kane Community Hospital, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, covering approximately 15-20 miles. Bradford, a larger city offering a broader range of healthcare services, including UPMC McKean, is approximately 30-45 minutes away, covering roughly 25-35 miles via Route 321 and Route 6.

The time commitment, coupled with potential hazards, underscores the importance of reliable personal transportation. Those without vehicles, or with limited mobility, face considerable obstacles. The absence of readily available public transportation is a significant factor impacting the health score. There is no established bus route directly serving Gifford, leaving residents reliant on private arrangements, potentially straining social networks and impacting timely access to care.

Public transportation options, while limited, do exist in the broader region. The Bradford Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) operates within Bradford, offering fixed-route bus services. However, these routes do not extend to Gifford. The lack of ADA-compliant buses or routes in the immediate vicinity of Gifford further compounds the challenges for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also not readily available in Gifford. The remoteness and low population density make these services economically unviable for providers. This further limits transportation choices, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transport services, designed specifically for patients needing assistance, offer a lifeline. Several private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers operate in the area. These services, while crucial, come with associated costs, which can be a barrier for some residents. The availability of these services does mitigate some of the challenges, but the reliance on specialized transport contributes to the overall complexity of healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Gifford, Pennsylvania, ZIP Code 16732, reflects a moderate level of accessibility. The reliance on personal vehicles creates a dependency on individual resources and the ability to drive. The absence of public transportation, ride-sharing, and limited availability of affordable medical transport significantly impacts those without personal transportation, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The impact of these transportation limitations extends beyond simply reaching medical appointments. It can affect access to preventative care, medication refills, and specialized treatments. This can result in delayed diagnoses, poorer health outcomes, and increased healthcare costs in the long run. The isolation imposed by transportation constraints can also contribute to social isolation, impacting mental and emotional well-being.

The community of Gifford, with its natural beauty and close-knit atmosphere, presents a compelling case for considering a move. However, prospective residents must carefully evaluate the implications of healthcare access. Those contemplating moving to Gifford should factor in the potential costs associated with transportation, including vehicle maintenance, fuel, and the potential need for medical transport services.

The local healthcare infrastructure, while serving the immediate needs of the community, is geographically constrained. The nearest hospitals and specialist providers are located in Kane and Bradford, requiring travel. This distance, combined with limited transportation options, necessitates careful planning and consideration.

The availability of telehealth services, where patients can consult with healthcare providers remotely via video conferencing, offers a potential solution to some of the transportation challenges. However, the effectiveness of telehealth depends on reliable internet access, which may be limited in some areas of Gifford.

The overall health score is not static; it can be improved. Investing in public transportation, even a limited shuttle service connecting Gifford to Kane and Bradford, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Supporting community-based initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs or partnerships with existing medical transport providers, could also improve the situation. Encouraging the expansion of telehealth services and promoting digital literacy within the community would further address the challenges.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 16732 is a complex calculation that must consider the interplay of transportation, healthcare infrastructure, and community resources. While Gifford offers a desirable lifestyle for many, the challenges of healthcare access should be carefully considered. Potential residents and current inhabitants should proactively plan for their transportation needs and explore available resources to ensure timely access to essential medical care. The community's ability to address these transportation limitations will directly impact the health and well-being of its residents, shaping the future of Gifford.