17222, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17222, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.79 percent of residents in 17222 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 6.98 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17222 (Fayetteville, PA)**

The shadow of a breast cancer diagnosis can be daunting, and access to timely and quality healthcare is paramount. For those residing in or considering a move to Fayetteville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17222), understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services, focusing on commute times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. This score aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access.

Fayetteville, nestled in Franklin County, offers a blend of rural charm and convenient proximity to larger towns. The primary artery for vehicular transportation is Interstate 81 (I-81), a north-south corridor that significantly impacts commute times to various healthcare facilities. Pennsylvania Route 30, an east-west thoroughfare, also plays a vital role, connecting Fayetteville to Chambersburg and Gettysburg. These highways are the lifeblood of transportation in the region.

The closest comprehensive breast cancer care is in Chambersburg, approximately a 15- to 20-minute drive via PA-30. This drive is generally straightforward, but traffic can be heavier during peak commuting hours. This proximity offers a relatively favorable starting point for our Breast Cancer Score. The ability to quickly reach a medical facility is a significant advantage, particularly when time is of the essence.

Further afield, the well-regarded Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, PA, offers specialized cancer care. The drive to Camp Hill, primarily via I-81 North, is roughly an hour. This longer commute, while still manageable, introduces a potential for increased stress and logistical challenges. The time commitment may require careful planning for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

Public transportation options in Fayetteville are limited. The primary provider is the Franklin County Transit Authority (FCTA). However, FCTA's routes do not directly serve Fayetteville with frequent or direct connections to major healthcare providers in Chambersburg or Camp Hill. While the FCTA does offer ADA-accessible services, the lack of convenient routes presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The reliance on personal vehicles emphasizes the importance of our Breast Cancer Score, especially for those considering moving to Fayetteville.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fayetteville area. However, their availability and reliability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This potential unreliability must be considered when planning appointments or treatments. The cost of ride-sharing can also add up, becoming a significant financial burden for frequent medical visits.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, are available. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services offer a valuable resource, their availability and cost vary. The need for medical transportation may increase the complexity of healthcare access.

Considering these factors, we can begin to formulate the Breast Cancer Score for Fayetteville, PA (ZIP code 17222). The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible access.

**Factors Considered for the Breast Cancer Score:**

* **Proximity to Comprehensive Cancer Care:** The closer the facility, the higher the score.
* **Commute Time:** Shorter commute times receive a higher score.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility:** The availability and convenience of public transit routes impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost of ride-sharing services are considered.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability and cost of medical transportation services are factored in.

**Breast Cancer Score for Fayetteville, PA (ZIP code 17222):**

Based on the analysis, the Breast Cancer Score for Fayetteville, PA, is a **6 out of 10**.

**Rationale:**

* **Strengths:** The relatively short drive to Chambersburg for initial care provides a solid foundation. The availability of ride-sharing services offers an alternative to personal vehicles.
* **Weaknesses:** The limited public transportation options and the longer commute to specialized care in Camp Hill detract from the score. The reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services creates potential challenges.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocate for expanded FCTA routes:** Increased public transportation options would significantly improve healthcare access.
* **Explore partnerships with ride-sharing services:** Negotiating discounted rates for medical appointments could ease the financial burden.
* **Promote awareness of medical transportation services:** Educating residents about these services and their availability is crucial.
* **Support local initiatives:** Encourage community programs that provide transportation assistance to patients.

**Conclusion:**

Fayetteville, PA, offers reasonable access to breast cancer-related healthcare. However, improvements in public transportation and awareness of available resources are needed to enhance the overall Breast Cancer Score. This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the transportation landscape when navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. For those moving to Fayetteville, a careful assessment of transportation needs is essential. This Breast Cancer Score is a starting point for making informed decisions about healthcare access.