17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.11 percent of residents in 17853 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 27.28 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Mount Pleasant Mills (ZIP Code 17853)

The crisp air of Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17853), often beckons those seeking a respite from urban hustle. Yet, for individuals managing asthma, the bucolic charm must be balanced against practical considerations, particularly **healthcare access**. This 'Asthma Score' assessment delves into the realities of **transportation** options available to residents, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, all crucial factors in ensuring timely access to vital asthma care. This analysis is designed for those **moving to Mount Pleasant Mills** or already residing there, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to managing asthma within this specific geographic context.

The primary concern is the distance to specialized asthma care. The nearest significant medical facilities are located in the larger towns and cities surrounding Mount Pleasant Mills. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a major regional healthcare provider, presents a considerable journey. The most direct route typically involves heading east on Route 35, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. This stretch then merges onto US-11/15, a more significant thoroughfare, before arriving in Danville. Under ideal conditions, this drive can take approximately 45 minutes, but traffic congestion can easily extend this to an hour or more.

Alternatively, residents might consider accessing healthcare in Selinsgrove, a town offering a smaller hospital and various medical practices. The journey to Selinsgrove from Mount Pleasant Mills involves a shorter drive, mainly utilizing Route 35 south. This route, generally less congested than the Danville route, usually takes around 20-25 minutes. However, the availability of specialized asthma care in Selinsgrove may be more limited compared to larger facilities.

Public **transportation** options in this rural area are scarce, posing a significant challenge for individuals with asthma. The primary provider is the Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA), which operates a limited bus service. However, the routes serving Mount Pleasant Mills are infrequent and may not align with the schedules of medical appointments. Furthermore, the SVTA system may not provide direct access to all desired healthcare facilities.

The SVTA does provide some ADA-accessible buses, but the limited frequency and route coverage significantly restrict their practicality. Individuals relying on public transit must factor in considerable travel time, potential delays, and the need for transfers, all of which can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The unpredictable nature of public transit, combined with the potential for exposure to allergens and irritants on crowded buses, presents considerable challenges for asthma management.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. While these services offer a more flexible alternative to public transit, their availability in Mount Pleasant Mills may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments. This financial strain can further impede **healthcare access** for individuals with asthma.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or requiring specialized care, are available in the area. These services, such as ambulance or non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, offer a more reliable option for accessing healthcare. However, these services can be expensive and may require prior arrangements. The availability of NEMT services may also be limited, particularly for urgent situations.

The lack of readily available **transportation** options underscores the importance of proactive asthma management for residents of Mount Pleasant Mills. Individuals should establish a strong relationship with their primary care physician, ensuring they have a clear asthma action plan and readily accessible medications. Regular check-ups and proactive communication with healthcare providers are crucial for mitigating potential asthma exacerbations.

The location of pharmacies is another critical factor. Residents of Mount Pleasant Mills have limited options for filling prescriptions. They may need to travel to nearby towns like Selinsgrove or Liverpool to access a pharmacy. This adds another layer of complexity to managing asthma, as timely access to medication is paramount.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for Mount Pleasant Mills reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the area offers a tranquil environment, the challenges of accessing healthcare, particularly specialized asthma care, are undeniable. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to a less-than-ideal scenario for individuals with asthma.

For those **moving to Mount Pleasant Mills**, a thorough evaluation of these **transportation** challenges is essential. Prospective residents should carefully consider their personal needs and preferences, weighing the benefits of the rural lifestyle against the practical difficulties of accessing healthcare. Proactive planning, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers, identifying reliable **transportation** options, and ensuring access to essential medications, is critical for successful asthma management in this setting.

This assessment highlights the need for careful consideration of **healthcare access** when evaluating the suitability of Mount Pleasant Mills for individuals with asthma. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the realities of **transportation** limitations must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure optimal asthma care. The ability to proactively manage these challenges is key to thriving in this community.