18231, Kelayres, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18231, Kelayres, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.28 percent of residents in 18231 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton with a distance of 4.07 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18231 (Kelayres, PA)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding ZIP code 18231, focusing on the challenges and opportunities residents face when seeking medical attention. Our objective is to provide an "Overall Health Score" based on the accessibility of healthcare, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. This score will help assess the ease with which residents of Kelayres can obtain the care they need, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to this area.

ZIP code 18231, encompassing the small community of Kelayres, Pennsylvania, is nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County. Its location, while offering a sense of tranquility, presents unique transportation challenges. The region's mountainous terrain and sparse population density contribute to limited public transit options and longer travel times to healthcare facilities. Evaluating these factors is essential for understanding the overall health score of the area.

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

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Kelayres is the personal vehicle. This reliance on cars necessitates a thorough examination of drive times to various medical facilities. The most direct route to larger hospitals involves navigating the winding roads that snake through the mountains.

For residents, the nearest major hospital is Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill, located in Pottsville. The journey typically involves taking **Route 924** south, then merging onto **Interstate 81** north, and exiting at the appropriate interchange. The drive time can range from 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Similarly, accessing Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg requires traveling south on **Route 924** and then taking **Route 61** south. This drive is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities are scattered throughout the surrounding towns. These facilities offer shorter drive times, often within 15 to 20 minutes, but may have limited services or specialized care options. These shorter drives are crucial for urgent medical needs.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Significant Challenges**

Public transportation options in Kelayres are severely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider for the region is Schuylkill Transportation System (STS). STS operates a network of bus routes, but their coverage in Kelayres and the surrounding areas is minimal.

The STS Route 30, which travels between Pottsville and Tamaqua, is the closest route to Kelayres. However, the route does not directly serve the community. Residents would need to travel to a designated bus stop, often requiring a considerable walk or a ride from a friend or family member. The STS bus system, while offering ADA-accessible features, such as ramps and designated seating, has limited frequency, especially during evenings and weekends. The infrequent service makes it difficult to schedule medical appointments and return home promptly.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The lack of consistent service makes them an unreliable option for urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for some residents, further impacting their access to healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more reliable solution. These services, such as MedStar and several local ambulance services, provide transportation to and from medical appointments. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have associated costs, including insurance co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses. The availability of medical transport can vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the service's capacity.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

Considering the factors discussed, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 18231 is moderate. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, presents significant challenges. Drive times to major hospitals are reasonable, but the lack of alternative transportation options creates vulnerabilities for individuals without access to a car. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some relief, but these options are often subject to cost, availability, and scheduling limitations.

**Implications for Moving to Kelayres**

For individuals considering moving to Kelayres, understanding the healthcare access landscape is crucial. Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs and consider the potential challenges of relying on personal vehicles. Those who are unable to drive or who prefer to use public transit should carefully evaluate the limited options and plan accordingly. It is also important to factor in the potential costs associated with ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Several strategies could improve healthcare access in Kelayres. Expanding the STS bus routes to directly serve the community would be a significant step. This could involve establishing new routes or extending existing ones. Improving the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, would also be beneficial.

Collaboration between local healthcare providers and transportation services could enhance access. This could involve partnerships to offer subsidized ride-sharing or medical transportation services. Increasing public awareness of available transportation options and providing assistance with scheduling appointments would also be valuable.

Finally, promoting telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine care and follow-up appointments. Telehealth offers a convenient and accessible alternative for those facing transportation challenges.

In conclusion, while Kelayres offers a tranquil living environment, its healthcare access presents challenges. Addressing these challenges through improved public transit, expanded ride-sharing options, and telehealth services will be critical to ensuring the health and well-being of the community. The overall health score reflects the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and services, ensuring that all residents can access the healthcare they need.