18636, Noxen, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18636, Noxen, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.66 percent of residents in 18636 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with a distance of 15.04 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Noxen, PA (ZIP Code 18636)

Noxen, Pennsylvania, a small, rural community nestled in the heart of Wyoming County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding overall health. A key factor influencing the well-being of its residents is **healthcare access**, a complex issue intrinsically linked to **transportation** options. This comprehensive analysis assesses the accessibility of medical services for individuals residing in ZIP Code 18636, providing an “Overall Health Score” based on commute times, available transportation modalities, and the presence of ADA-compliant services. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Noxen**, as it directly impacts the ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The geographic isolation of Noxen significantly influences healthcare accessibility. While the beauty of the surrounding landscape is undeniable, it also means that residents often face considerable distances to reach hospitals, specialist clinics, and other essential medical facilities. This isolation necessitates a detailed examination of available transportation options.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Noxen are Pennsylvania Route 29 and Pennsylvania Route 487. Reaching the nearest hospitals and medical centers requires navigating these routes, which can be affected by weather conditions, particularly during the winter months.

* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center** in Plains Township, a major regional hospital, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive via PA-29 South and Interstate 81 North. The time frame depends on traffic conditions, which can be heavy during peak commuting hours.
* **Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital** is also about a 45-minute drive, primarily utilizing PA-29 South and Route 309 South. This route can experience congestion, particularly near Wilkes-Barre.
* Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities in Dallas and Tunkhannock are closer, typically a 20-30 minute drive via PA-29 North or South.

These drive times, while seemingly manageable, can be significantly extended by inclement weather, road closures, or unexpected delays. Residents without personal vehicles, or those with mobility limitations, face even greater challenges.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in the area are limited, presenting a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for many residents. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) operates a bus network, but its routes and frequency in the Noxen area are minimal.

* The LCTA Route 17, which travels between Wilkes-Barre and Tunkhannock, might offer a limited connection to Noxen, but the frequency of service is low, and the route may not directly serve the town.
* Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. The LCTA strives to provide ADA-compliant buses, equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate riders with mobility challenges. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service still pose difficulties.
* The lack of comprehensive public transit means that residents often rely on personal vehicles or other alternative transportation methods.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton metropolitan area. However, their availability in Noxen itself is variable.

* The success of ride-sharing depends on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares compared to urban centers.
* Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those without personal vehicles.
* Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including MedExpress and Liberty Ambulance. These services typically require advance booking and may be covered by insurance, depending on the patient's needs and coverage.
* The availability of medical transport services is a critical component of **healthcare access** for vulnerable populations in Noxen.

**ADA Compliance and Accessibility:**

Ensuring that medical facilities and transportation options are ADA-compliant is paramount for promoting equitable **healthcare access**.

* Hospitals and clinics in the region are generally compliant with ADA regulations, providing accessible entrances, examination rooms, and other facilities.
* The LCTA’s efforts to provide ADA-compliant buses are commendable, but the limited route coverage still poses a challenge.
* Individuals with disabilities may need to rely on medical transport services or personal vehicles to access healthcare.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** in Noxen (ZIP Code 18636), the "Overall Health Score" is **Moderate**. While residents have access to essential medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and variable ride-sharing availability create significant challenges.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Enhance Public Transit:** Advocate for increased LCTA route coverage and service frequency in the Noxen area. This would improve **healthcare access** for residents without personal vehicles and reduce reliance on private **transportation**.
2. **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Educate residents about the availability of ride-sharing services and explore potential partnerships with local organizations to improve access to these services.
3. **Support Medical Transport:** Ensure that medical transport services are readily available and accessible to all residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions.
4. **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Advocate for road maintenance and improvements to ensure safe and reliable **transportation**, especially during inclement weather.
5. **Foster Community Partnerships:** Encourage collaboration between healthcare providers, local organizations, and transportation providers to develop innovative solutions to improve **healthcare access** in Noxen.

For individuals considering **moving to Noxen**, a thorough understanding of the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access** is essential. While the community offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the challenges related to accessing medical services must be carefully considered. By implementing the recommendations above, the community can work towards improving the "Overall Health Score" and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive the timely and appropriate medical care they deserve.