17052, Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17052, Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.26 percent of residents in 17052 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 25.37 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Mapleton Depot (ZIP Code 17052)

The crisp air of Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17052), nestled amidst the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, can be a double-edged sword. While the scenery is idyllic, the potential for asthma triggers, from seasonal allergens to environmental pollutants, necessitates careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape, crucial for individuals managing asthma, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, to establish an "Asthma Score" reflecting the ease and efficiency of reaching essential healthcare facilities. For those considering moving to Mapleton Depot, understanding these transportation dynamics is vital.

The primary healthcare hub for residents of 17052 is likely to be located in Lewistown, the county seat of Mifflin County, a town approximately 10 miles away. The most direct route is via **US Route 322**, a well-maintained highway offering a relatively smooth and efficient commute. During peak hours, expect a drive time of around 20-25 minutes. Off-peak, this can shrink to 15-20 minutes. The road conditions are generally good, but winter weather, particularly snow and ice, can significantly impact travel times, potentially doubling or tripling the commute.

Alternative routes to Lewistown involve navigating local roads. **State Route 655** offers a more scenic, albeit slower, option. This route, meandering through the countryside, is best avoided during rush hour due to increased traffic and potential delays. The drive time on Route 655 is generally 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. **Old US Route 322** provides another possibility, but it’s a more circuitous route, best utilized to avoid congestion on the main highway.

Public transportation options within 17052 and connecting to Lewistown are limited. The Mifflin County Transportation Authority (MCTA) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, making it a less-than-ideal choice for urgent medical appointments. Information on specific routes, numbers, and ADA accessibility features can be found on the MCTA website or by contacting their customer service. However, the limited frequency and potential for extended travel times make public transit a less viable option for many asthma sufferers, especially during exacerbations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potentially convenient, albeit potentially more expensive, alternative to personal vehicles. Availability can fluctuate depending on the time of day and demand. Residents should anticipate longer wait times, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent healthcare visits, potentially impacting healthcare access for those on a limited budget.

Medical transport services are available for individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offering a higher level of care and support than standard ride-sharing or public transit. However, these services often require advance booking and may be subject to insurance coverage limitations. Understanding the specific requirements and limitations of these services is crucial for asthma patients needing reliable transportation.

Beyond Lewistown, access to specialized healthcare facilities, such as pulmonologists or allergy specialists, may require travel to larger cities like Harrisburg or State College. The commute to Harrisburg, approximately 60 miles away, primarily involves **US Route 322** and **Interstate 81**, with a drive time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. State College, about 50 miles away, can be reached via **US Route 322**, with a drive time of approximately 1 hour. These longer commutes highlight the importance of careful planning and consideration of potential delays, especially for individuals experiencing asthma symptoms.

For those considering moving to Mapleton Depot, the transportation infrastructure's strengths and weaknesses must be weighed against the individual's healthcare needs. The reliance on personal vehicles for efficient travel, coupled with the limited public transit options, poses challenges for individuals with asthma. The potential for weather-related delays further complicates matters. The Asthma Score for 17052, therefore, is influenced by the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The Asthma Score, in essence, reflects the accessibility of healthcare. For individuals with well-controlled asthma and access to a reliable vehicle, the score might be moderately favorable. However, for those with severe asthma, limited mobility, or financial constraints, the score would be less favorable, highlighting the challenges in securing timely and dependable healthcare access. The absence of readily available and efficient public transit is a significant factor, especially for those unable to drive.

The availability of medical transport services offers a crucial safety net, but their reliance on advance booking and potential insurance limitations adds another layer of complexity. The distance to specialized healthcare facilities in Harrisburg and State College further underscores the need for careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

In conclusion, while Mapleton Depot offers a tranquil environment, the transportation landscape presents certain challenges for asthma sufferers. The Asthma Score for 17052 reflects the need for careful planning, the importance of reliable transportation, and the potential for increased travel times. Prospective residents with asthma should thoroughly evaluate their individual needs and resources, considering the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services, before making a move to this scenic but potentially challenging location. The ability to quickly and reliably access healthcare is paramount, and the transportation infrastructure plays a critical role in achieving this goal.