17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.29 percent of residents in 17929 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 3.61 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Cressona, PA (ZIP Code 17929) - A Transportation & Healthcare Access Analysis

This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of Cressona, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17929), focusing on transportation and healthcare access. It considers the ease of getting to medical facilities, a crucial element in maintaining and improving overall well-being. This score will help potential residents, particularly those considering moving to Cressona, understand the practicality of accessing healthcare within and around the area.

The score will evaluate various modes of transportation, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive view of the healthcare accessibility landscape. We'll examine drive times, route availability, and service limitations, offering a realistic assessment of the challenges and advantages faced by residents in seeking medical care.

Cressona, nestled in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, presents a unique transportation and healthcare access profile. The town's location, while offering a sense of tranquility, also presents challenges in accessing specialized medical services. This analysis aims to illuminate those complexities, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Personal Vehicle Accessibility: The Foundation of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of transportation for residents of Cressona, as with most rural communities, is the personal vehicle. Understanding the road network and estimated drive times to healthcare facilities is paramount. Access to major highways and arterial roads significantly impacts healthcare access, determining the speed and convenience of reaching medical appointments.

Interstate 81, a major north-south artery, provides the most direct route to larger medical centers in Pottsville and beyond. Accessing I-81 from Cressona typically involves traveling on Route 125, a key local road that connects Cressona to the interstate. The drive to Pottsville, the county seat and home to several healthcare providers, averages 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

Route 61, another significant road, offers an alternative route to Pottsville and also provides access to facilities further south. However, this route can experience higher traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours, potentially increasing travel times. Local roads like Pine Street and Front Street within Cressona offer direct access to Route 125 and Route 61, providing convenient connections to the wider transportation network.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Reading or Allentown. These trips, while feasible by car, require significantly longer drive times. The journey to Reading, via I-78 or Route 61, typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Allentown, further east, requires a similar travel time, making these destinations less convenient for routine appointments.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options, Limited Reach**

Public transportation options in Cressona are limited, impacting the healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service within Schuylkill County, but its routes and frequency are not extensive.

Route 30, operated by STS, serves Cressona, connecting it to Pottsville and other nearby communities. However, the frequency of Route 30 is limited, with buses running primarily during weekdays and less frequently on weekends. This limited schedule can pose challenges for accessing healthcare, especially for appointments scheduled outside of typical business hours.

Furthermore, the STS buses may not directly serve all medical facilities. Transfers may be required, adding to travel time and complexity. While STS strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the limited route coverage remains a significant barrier for many residents.

The lack of comprehensive public transportation highlights a critical challenge in healthcare access for Cressona residents, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or unable to afford a personal vehicle. This situation underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation options.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Cressona area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. These services, often provided by companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) or local ambulance services, cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring stretcher transport. They typically require prior booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

While medical transport services provide a valuable resource, their availability and cost can be a concern. Residents need to plan and book in advance, which may not always be feasible for urgent medical needs. The cost, often not fully covered by insurance, can further strain the healthcare access for some.

**Healthcare Facilities & Proximity: A Geographic Perspective**

The proximity of healthcare facilities significantly influences the overall health score. Cressona residents have relatively easy access to primary care physicians and some specialist services in Pottsville. Schuylkill Medical Center, a hospital located in Pottsville, provides a range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics.

However, access to specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures, often requires travel to larger medical centers outside of Schuylkill County. This necessitates longer travel times and may involve navigating multiple transportation options.

The availability of pharmacies and other essential healthcare services within Cressona and nearby communities is another critical factor. Easy access to medications and medical supplies is crucial for managing chronic conditions and ensuring timely healthcare.

**Overall Health Score Summary & Recommendations**

The Overall Health Score for Cressona, PA (ZIP Code 17929) reflects a mixed picture. While residents benefit from relatively short drive times to primary care facilities and emergency services in Pottsville, the limitations of public transportation and the potential challenges of ride-sharing services pose significant barriers for some.

The dependence on personal vehicles for accessing specialized care and the longer travel times to larger medical centers are also important considerations. The availability and cost of medical transport services further influence the overall score.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access in Cressona:**

* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Advocate for increased frequency and route coverage of the Schuylkill Transportation System, particularly to connect Cressona with more healthcare facilities and expand service hours.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Educate residents about the availability and potential benefits of ride-sharing services, including cost-saving options.
* **Support Medical Transport Services:** Ensure the availability and affordability of medical transport services for residents with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance.
* **Encourage Telehealth Adoption:** Promote the use of telehealth services to provide convenient access to healthcare, particularly for routine appointments and follow-up care.
* **Foster Community Partnerships:** Encourage collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation providers, and community organizations to improve healthcare access and address transportation challenges.

By addressing these recommendations, the community can work towards improving the Overall Health Score for Cressona residents, ensuring that everyone has equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is particularly important for those moving to Cressona, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.