19036, Glenolden, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 19036, Glenolden, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.14 percent of residents in 19036 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Catholic Medical Center- Mercy Fitzgerald with a distance of 2.02 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Glenolden (ZIP Code 19036)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access quality healthcare. This report analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Glenolden, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 19036), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease and efficiency of commuting to medical facilities. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those considering **moving to Glenolden**, as they directly impact the ability to obtain timely and appropriate medical care.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite metric, considering drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. Each component is weighted based on its relevance and impact on healthcare accessibility. The higher the score, the better the access.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

Glenolden's location in Delaware County offers a mixed bag when it comes to driving to healthcare facilities. While the town itself is relatively compact, accessing specialized care often necessitates venturing beyond its borders. The primary arteries for transportation are the **Interstate 95 (I-95)**, the **Chester Pike (PA-13)**, and **MacDade Boulevard**.

For routine appointments, the proximity to local family practices and urgent care centers within Glenolden itself contributes positively to the score. However, the reliance on personal vehicles is a significant factor. Rush hour traffic, particularly on I-95, can significantly extend travel times, potentially delaying critical medical care. The **Delaware County Memorial Hospital** in nearby Drexel Hill, for instance, is accessible via PA-13, but the journey can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often requires trips to Philadelphia, which can take upwards of an hour during peak times. This increased travel burden negatively affects the overall health score. The presence of parking fees at many hospitals and medical facilities adds another layer of financial consideration, further impacting the accessibility of healthcare.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) provides public transit options, offering a crucial alternative to driving. The **Route 102 Trolley** provides a direct link to the **Drexel Hill Junction** station, connecting to the **Market-Frankford Line** (the "El"), which provides access to hospitals and medical facilities in Philadelphia.

The **Route 113 bus** also serves Glenolden, offering connections to other SEPTA routes and regional rail lines. These bus routes, while offering an affordable alternative, can be subject to delays and may not be ideal for urgent medical situations.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical factor. SEPTA has made strides in improving accessibility, with ramps, elevators, and designated seating on most buses and trolleys. However, not all stations are fully accessible, and the transfer process can be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. This aspect of public transit impacts the overall health score negatively for those with disabilities.

The frequency of service is another consideration. During off-peak hours and on weekends, public transit options are less frequent, potentially extending travel times and making it less convenient to access healthcare. The overall health score reflects these limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. Their availability in Glenolden is generally good, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and First Transit, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, making them a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations. However, availability may be limited, and booking in advance is often required.

The overall health score considers the availability, cost, and reliability of these services. The presence of these options enhances healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Glenolden (ZIP Code 19036) is moderately positive. The town benefits from its proximity to local healthcare providers and the availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation services. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, particularly for specialized care, and the potential for traffic delays during peak hours, negatively impact the score.

The score is further affected by the limitations of public transit, particularly for individuals with disabilities, and the cost of ride-sharing services. The overall score is a reflection of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking healthcare.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several recommendations are offered.

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Increasing the frequency of SEPTA routes, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, would improve healthcare access for all residents. Improving the accessibility of all stations and routes would benefit those with disabilities.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Subsidies:** Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for low-income individuals and those with chronic health conditions would enhance affordability.
* **Improve Traffic Management:** Implementing traffic management strategies to mitigate congestion on I-95 and PA-13 would reduce drive times and improve healthcare access.
* **Expand Local Healthcare Options:** Attracting more specialized medical practices to Glenolden would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care.
* **Community Education:** Providing information about available transportation options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation services, would empower residents to make informed choices about accessing healthcare.

By addressing these areas, Glenolden can improve its "Overall Health Score" and create a healthier community for all its residents. The goal is to ensure that **healthcare access** is not a barrier but a readily available resource for everyone. The ease of **transportation** to medical facilities is a critical component of a healthy community, making it an important consideration for anyone **moving to Glenolden**.