18220, Delano, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18220, Delano, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.02 percent of residents in 18220 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.25 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18220 (Delano, PA)**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its access to healthcare, and that access is heavily influenced by the ease and efficiency of transportation. This report delves into the healthcare commute landscape for residents of ZIP Code 18220, Delano, Pennsylvania, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on the available transportation options and their impact on healthcare accessibility. Understanding these factors is crucial, especially for individuals and families considering moving to Delano, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

Delano, nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, while offering scenic beauty, often translates to longer distances to healthcare facilities. This necessitates careful consideration of transportation options. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of these options, providing a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in the area.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

For many Delano residents, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare is the personal vehicle. The major roadways serving the area, including **Interstate 81 (I-81)**, **PA Route 924**, and **PA Route 54**, are vital arteries. Traveling north on I-81 provides access to hospitals and medical centers in Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, while heading south leads to facilities in Pottsville and Reading.

The drive times, however, can vary significantly. During peak hours, traffic congestion on I-81, particularly near Hazleton, can add considerable time to the commute. Rural roads like PA Route 924 and PA Route 54, while offering scenic routes, can be winding and subject to weather-related delays, especially during the winter months. A trip to a major hospital in Hazleton, approximately 15 miles away, could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

For those seeking specialized care in larger cities like Allentown or Scranton, the drive times increase substantially, often exceeding an hour, adding to the stress and potential delays in receiving timely medical attention. This underscores the importance of considering the distance to various healthcare providers when evaluating the overall health score.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Delano are limited. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some bus service in the surrounding areas, but routes within Delano itself are sparse. The LCTA primarily focuses on connecting larger towns and cities, with routes potentially servicing areas near Delano.

The availability of public transit significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, including seniors and those with disabilities. The lack of frequent and accessible public transportation can create significant barriers to healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed appointments and reduced preventative care.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical factor in evaluating public transit. The LCTA is committed to providing accessible services, including buses equipped with ramps and lifts. However, the limited route coverage in Delano may still pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Delano area, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services are crucial for those who are unable to drive or use public transit. The availability and cost of these services can vary depending on the provider and the specific needs of the patient.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services improves the overall health score by offering additional transportation options, but their reliability and affordability remain key considerations. The availability of these services can be a lifeline for individuals facing transportation challenges, ensuring they can access the healthcare they need.

**Healthcare Access: The Ultimate Goal**

The ultimate goal of evaluating transportation options is to assess their impact on healthcare access. The ability of Delano residents to reach healthcare providers in a timely and efficient manner is a critical indicator of community health. Factors such as the proximity of primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and urgent care facilities all play a role in determining the overall health score.

The availability of transportation options directly affects the ability of residents to attend regular check-ups, follow-up appointments, and emergency medical care. Delays in accessing healthcare can lead to adverse health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of a robust and accessible transportation network.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Considering the factors outlined above, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 18220 reflects a mixed picture. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for traffic delays and weather-related disruptions, presents a challenge. The limited public transit options further restrict healthcare access for certain segments of the population.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but their reliability and cost must be considered. The overall health score is further influenced by the proximity of healthcare facilities. The score is likely to improve with the development of a more robust public transit system and the expansion of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

For individuals considering moving to Delano, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and access to healthcare providers is essential. The "Overall Health Score" serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the healthcare landscape, allowing prospective residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Further investment in transportation infrastructure and services is crucial to improving healthcare access and enhancing the overall health of the Delano community.