17340, Littlestown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17340, Littlestown, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.37 percent of residents in 17340 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Hanover with a distance of 7.66 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Littlestown, PA (ZIP Code 17340)

The prospect of a breast cancer diagnosis, a journey through treatment, and the ongoing need for follow-up care necessitates a clear understanding of healthcare access. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Littlestown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17340), examines the complexities of **transportation** options to reach essential medical facilities. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a practical guide for navigating the healthcare landscape. Understanding these factors is crucial, especially for those considering **moving to Littlestown** or seeking to improve their healthcare access.

The primary focus is on accessing breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment centers within a reasonable distance. The score considers the availability and reliability of **transportation** options, recognizing that timely access to care is paramount in the fight against breast cancer. This is especially vital for residents of Littlestown, a community with a growing population and evolving healthcare needs.

**Driving to Care: The Road Ahead**

For those relying on personal vehicles, the drive times to major healthcare facilities are central to the Breast Cancer Score. The closest comprehensive cancer center is the WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, approximately 15 miles away. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route involves taking PA-97 South, a major artery connecting Littlestown to Gettysburg. This road is generally well-maintained, but rush hour can add significant time to the commute.

Alternatively, the route could involve taking PA-194 South, then connecting to US-30 West, which would take you to the WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. This route, though slightly longer in distance, might offer a more consistent travel time, particularly during peak hours. The condition of these roads is generally good, but winter weather can pose challenges, potentially impacting travel times and necessitating caution.

Further afield, the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a renowned cancer treatment facility, is approximately 60 miles away. The drive, primarily on US-15 North and then I-83 North, typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This longer commute highlights the importance of planning and considering potential delays.

These drive times are crucial factors in the Breast Cancer Score, impacting the overall accessibility of care. The availability of parking at these facilities, and the associated costs, are also essential considerations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Littlestown are limited. The York County Transportation Authority (YCTA) provides some bus services, but routes and schedules are not optimized for healthcare access. There is no direct bus route from Littlestown to Gettysburg Hospital.

To reach the hospital via public transit, a resident would need to take a bus from Littlestown to a transfer point, such as Hanover, and then connect to another bus. This multi-leg journey could easily take over two hours, making it a less practical option for frequent appointments or urgent needs.

The YCTA buses have some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the infrequent service and the length of the journey make public transit a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for many. This significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Littlestown area. However, availability can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. Booking a ride in advance is advisable, especially for early morning appointments or late-night discharges. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for frequent trips.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients, offer another option. These services, such as MedTrans and First Transit, provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. They typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The cost of these services can be significant, but they offer a reliable and accessible option for those who need it.

The availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services are integrated into the Breast Cancer Score, recognizing their importance in bridging the gap in **transportation** options.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic View**

The Breast Cancer Score for Littlestown (ZIP Code 17340) considers all these factors. It evaluates the ease and reliability of reaching healthcare facilities, the availability of different **transportation** modes, and the potential challenges faced by residents. The score is not a single number but a composite assessment, reflecting the overall accessibility of care.

Factors that negatively impact the score include the limited public transit options, the potential for traffic delays, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport. Positive factors include the relatively short drive to WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital and the availability of ride-sharing services.

**Implications for Moving and Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering **moving to Littlestown**, the Breast Cancer Score is an important consideration. It highlights the importance of assessing **healthcare access** before making a move. Those with existing health conditions or those who anticipate needing frequent medical care should carefully evaluate the **transportation** options and the potential challenges.

The score also underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** in the area. This could include advocating for expanded public transit services, promoting partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies, and increasing awareness of medical transport options.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a definitive statement but a starting point for a comprehensive assessment. It encourages residents to proactively plan for their healthcare needs, considering the various **transportation** options available. It is a call to action for the community to work together to ensure that all residents have timely and reliable access to the care they need. This is especially important for those facing the challenges of breast cancer, a disease that demands prompt and consistent medical attention. The goal is to make sure that living in Littlestown does not create barriers to **healthcare access**.