18853, Wyalusing, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18853, Wyalusing, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.27 percent of residents in 18853 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Packer Hospital with a distance of 24.62 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18853 (Wyalusing, PA)

The tapestry of health in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, woven within the 18853 ZIP code, is profoundly shaped by the accessibility of healthcare. This analysis, considering the crucial element of transportation, offers an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. It's a vital consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Wyalusing, as healthcare access significantly impacts overall well-being.

The score is derived from a multifaceted assessment, encompassing drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Each category is weighted to reflect its relative importance in the context of a rural community. The challenges of geographical isolation are undeniable, and understanding the transportation landscape is paramount to assessing the true health of the community.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

Wyalusing's location in Bradford County presents a unique challenge: distance. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are Pennsylvania Route 6 (PA-6) and U.S. Route 6 (US-6), and Pennsylvania Route 187. These roads are the lifeblood of the community, connecting Wyalusing to larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialized medical services are concentrated.

The drive to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital, a critical healthcare provider, is relatively short, usually less than 30 minutes. However, specialized care often necessitates journeys to larger hospitals in Sayre or Towanda, significantly extending travel times. Expect a drive of approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, and a similar time to Towanda Memorial Hospital. These times are estimates, of course, and can fluctuate based on traffic, weather conditions, and time of day.

The condition of these roads is a factor. While generally well-maintained, winter weather can render them treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to healthcare. This emphasizes the importance of preparedness, including maintaining a reliable vehicle and having alternative transportation plans. For those moving to Wyalusing, understanding these drive times is crucial for realistic expectations.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options, Critical Role**

Public transportation in Wyalusing is limited, a common characteristic of rural areas. The lack of extensive public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, especially the elderly, disabled, and those with low incomes. This scarcity directly impacts the Overall Health Score.

Bradford County Transportation Authority (BCTA) offers some transportation options, including demand-response services. These services, while valuable, often require advance booking and may not be readily available for emergency situations. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities, and BCTA does offer these services. The routes are not numbered in the conventional sense, but rather are based on the location of the request.

The limitations of public transportation highlight the importance of community support networks, such as family, friends, and local organizations, in assisting individuals with healthcare access. For anyone moving to Wyalusing, understanding the limitations of public transportation is essential for planning.

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

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft is limited or non-existent in Wyalusing. This leaves a significant gap in transportation options, particularly for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. This directly impacts the Overall Health Score.

Medical transport services play a vital role in bridging this gap. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and ambulance services. These services are essential for individuals requiring transportation to and from medical appointments, particularly those with mobility limitations.

Companies like Guthrie Ambulance and other local providers offer ambulance services for emergency situations. NEMT providers often require advance booking and may have limitations regarding the distance they serve. The cost of these services can also be a barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite View**

Considering all these factors, the Overall Health Score for commute to healthcare in ZIP code 18853 is moderate, with significant challenges. While access to basic medical care is relatively accessible, specialized care often requires longer travel times. The limited public transportation and ride-sharing options, coupled with the reliance on personal vehicles and medical transport services, present substantial hurdles for certain segments of the population.

The score is negatively impacted by the lack of readily available public transportation and ride-sharing services. The reliance on personal vehicles and medical transport services increases the cost of healthcare and can create barriers to access for those with limited financial resources. The challenges of winter weather further complicate transportation and can delay or prevent access to care.

However, the presence of local healthcare providers, the availability of medical transport services, and the relatively short drive to some essential medical facilities contribute positively to the score. The strong sense of community in Wyalusing, with neighbors often assisting each other with transportation needs, also provides a valuable support system.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the Overall Health Score, several measures could be implemented. Expanding the availability of public transportation, including routes to larger hospitals and specialized medical facilities, would be a significant step. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide transportation to medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Increasing the availability of affordable medical transport services and providing financial assistance to low-income residents for transportation costs would improve healthcare access. Promoting community awareness of available transportation options and strengthening community support networks to assist individuals with transportation needs would also be valuable.

For individuals moving to Wyalusing, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and the available resources is essential. Understanding the limitations of public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the availability of medical transport services is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access.

The Overall Health Score is not static. It is a reflection of the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts to improve access to care. By addressing the transportation challenges, Wyalusing can enhance the health and well-being of its residents, making it an even more attractive place to live. Understanding the nuances of transportation is key to navigating the healthcare system and ensuring the health of the community.