16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.13 percent of residents in 16740 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 9.37 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16740

The pursuit of optimal health is a journey, and for residents of Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16740), that journey often involves navigating the complexities of transportation to access vital healthcare services. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" by examining the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering the available transportation options and their limitations. The score aims to illuminate the realities of healthcare access in this rural community, offering insights for current residents and those considering moving to Mount Jewett.

The geography of Mount Jewett presents a unique challenge. Nestled within the rolling hills of McKean County, the town's relative isolation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles or a limited public transportation network. This geographical constraint significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for those without readily available transportation or facing mobility challenges.

Drive times to healthcare facilities constitute a primary factor in determining the Overall Health Score. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located in surrounding towns, necessitating travel on various roadways. From Mount Jewett, the primary route to Kane Community Hospital, a critical care facility, involves traveling approximately 15 miles via PA-6 and US-6. This drive typically takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Further afield, the drive to UPMC Hamot in Erie, a regional medical hub, is significantly longer. This journey, covering approximately 80 miles, primarily utilizes US-6 and I-86, and can take upwards of 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, contingent on traffic. Similarly, access to the Olean General Hospital in Olean, New York, requires a drive of approximately 35 miles via PA-6 and US-219, taking roughly 45 minutes to an hour.

These drive times highlight the dependence on personal vehicles for healthcare access in Mount Jewett. The Overall Health Score is therefore affected by factors such as vehicle ownership, maintenance costs, and the ability to drive. Individuals without access to a car face significant barriers, potentially delaying or preventing access to essential medical care.

Public transportation options in Mount Jewett are limited. The primary provider is the McKean County Transit Authority, which offers a demand-response service. This service requires advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. While the McKean County Transit Authority does its best, the service's routes are not fixed, and the availability of transportation can be unpredictable, particularly during evenings and weekends.

The McKean County Transit Authority does provide ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the overall frequency and coverage of the transit system remain a concern, limiting its effectiveness as a primary mode of transportation for healthcare access. The Overall Health Score is negatively impacted by the limited public transit options, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not own a vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Mount Jewett. This absence further restricts transportation options, particularly for those without personal vehicles. The lack of ride-sharing options exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals needing transportation to medical appointments or emergency care.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. Ambulance services are provided by local volunteer fire departments and private companies. NEMT services, often utilized for scheduled appointments, may be available through private providers or through the McKean County Transit Authority.

However, the availability and cost of these services can be significant barriers. The Overall Health Score is affected by the reliance on these specialized services, particularly for those with limited financial resources or specific medical needs.

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 16740 is therefore moderately impacted. While the community has access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation pose significant challenges. Those considering moving to Mount Jewett should carefully consider their transportation needs and assess the availability of healthcare services relative to their individual circumstances.

For individuals with limited mobility, the lack of robust public transit and ride-sharing services presents a substantial hurdle. The Overall Health Score is reduced for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. The availability of medical transportation services, while present, adds to the financial burden of healthcare access.

The Overall Health Score also reflects the importance of proactive health management in Mount Jewett. Due to the transportation challenges, preventative care and early intervention become even more critical. Residents are encouraged to establish strong relationships with their primary care physicians and to proactively manage their health conditions.

The overall assessment reveals a need for improved transportation infrastructure and services to enhance healthcare access in Mount Jewett. This could include exploring partnerships with regional transportation providers, advocating for increased public transit frequency, or investigating the feasibility of ride-sharing services.

The local community and healthcare providers can also play a role in improving healthcare access. This could involve offering telehealth services, providing transportation assistance programs, or establishing community health initiatives to address the unique needs of the population.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 16740 reflects a complex reality. While healthcare facilities are accessible, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation create challenges for many residents. Understanding these transportation barriers is crucial for individuals considering moving to Mount Jewett and for those seeking to improve healthcare access within the community. By addressing the transportation challenges and fostering a proactive approach to health management, Mount Jewett can strive to improve its Overall Health Score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need.