18428, Hawley, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18428, Hawley, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.24 percent of residents in 18428 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 18.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Hawley, PA (ZIP Code 18428)

The idyllic charm of Hawley, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18428), nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, offers a compelling allure for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle. However, when considering a move, a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access is paramount. This report provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of Hawley, specifically focusing on the critical aspect of transportation to healthcare facilities. We will examine the accessibility of medical services, considering drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. This analysis is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to Hawley, ensuring informed decisions about their overall well-being.

Hawley’s geographical location presents both advantages and challenges regarding healthcare access. The town’s proximity to larger towns and cities like Scranton and Honesdale offers a broader range of medical services. However, the mountainous terrain and limited public transportation infrastructure can complicate commutes. This report aims to illuminate these complexities, providing a realistic assessment of the healthcare commute landscape.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Hawley is undoubtedly personal vehicles. Driving times to healthcare facilities are significantly influenced by the specific location within Hawley and the destination. For instance, a trip to Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, the closest full-service hospital, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes. This journey primarily utilizes **PA-6** and **PA-590**. Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, can extend these travel times.

For specialized medical needs, residents may need to travel further afield. A drive to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, offering a wider array of specialists and advanced treatments, typically takes around 45-60 minutes. This route involves navigating **I-84 East** to **I-380 South** and then **I-81 North**. The condition of these highways, especially during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Accessing facilities in larger cities like Wilkes-Barre, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away, requires utilizing **I-84 West** to **I-380 South** and then **I-81 South**. These longer commutes necessitate careful planning, considering potential delays and the physical demands of the journey, especially for those with mobility limitations or medical conditions.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Hawley are limited, which presents a significant challenge for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of a comprehensive public transit system, particularly for those in need of healthcare access, is a notable factor in the overall health score.

The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) serves Scranton and surrounding areas, but its routes do not directly extend to Hawley. This means residents must rely on alternative transportation methods to reach LCTS services. While the Wayne County Transportation Authority (WCTA) offers limited services within Wayne County, its routes and schedules may not adequately address healthcare access needs, especially for appointments outside of standard business hours.

Furthermore, the lack of ADA-accessible public transit options within Hawley poses a significant barrier for individuals with disabilities. The absence of accessible buses and infrastructure can severely restrict their ability to attend medical appointments, receive necessary treatments, and maintain their overall health. This deficiency in accessible transportation significantly lowers the health score for residents with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Hawley, offering a potential solution for healthcare transportation. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially those with frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Med-Trans** and **CareRide** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated costs, which could be a barrier for some. The reliability and availability of these services are crucial factors to consider when assessing healthcare access.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Hawley, PA (18428) is moderate. While the town offers a desirable quality of life, the limitations in transportation options significantly impact healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability, creates challenges for residents, particularly those without access to a car, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

When considering a move to Hawley, prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those with chronic conditions or frequent medical appointments should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities or explore the availability and reliability of medical transportation services. The limited public transit options necessitate careful planning and consideration of alternative transportation methods.

The health score is further impacted by the potential for seasonal weather conditions to affect travel times and safety. Winter storms can significantly increase drive times and make travel hazardous, potentially delaying or preventing access to medical care. Therefore, residents should be prepared for potential disruptions and have contingency plans in place.

**Recommendations:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" for Hawley requires addressing the transportation challenges. Increased investment in public transportation, including the expansion of routes and the implementation of ADA-compliant services, is crucial. Collaboration between local authorities, healthcare providers, and transportation companies could facilitate the development of more accessible and affordable transportation options.

Promoting ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers can also improve healthcare access. Providing information and resources about available services, along with potential subsidies or financial assistance, can help residents navigate the transportation landscape.

Finally, the development of telehealth services and the expansion of local healthcare facilities can reduce the need for long-distance travel. Telemedicine can provide remote consultations and monitoring, while the presence of more local clinics and specialists can improve access to care.

In conclusion, while Hawley offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in transportation options present a challenge to healthcare access. A thorough understanding of these complexities is essential for anyone considering moving to Hawley, PA (18428). By carefully evaluating their transportation needs and healthcare requirements, prospective residents can make informed decisions that support their overall well-being.