17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 17739 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital with a distance of 16.04 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jersey Mills, PA (ZIP Code 17739)

The bucolic charm of Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania, nestled within the heart of Lycoming County, offers residents a tranquil escape. However, when considering a move, particularly for individuals concerned about healthcare access, a deeper dive into the realities of transportation and medical facilities is crucial. This analysis, a “Breast Cancer Score” for the area, explores the challenges and opportunities surrounding breast cancer care in ZIP code 17739, focusing on transportation options to and from vital medical services.

The primary concern when evaluating healthcare access in Jersey Mills revolves around its rural location. The nearest comprehensive medical centers equipped to handle breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are situated in Williamsport, approximately 20 to 30 miles away. This distance translates into significant travel times, depending on the chosen mode of transportation.

Driving is the most common method for residents. The primary route to Williamsport involves utilizing Pennsylvania Route 44 (PA-44) south. The drive itself is generally scenic, winding through the rolling hills and farmland that characterize the region. However, the road is primarily a two-lane highway, which can lead to delays, especially during peak traffic hours or adverse weather conditions.

Alternatively, accessing Williamsport from Jersey Mills requires navigating PA-44 to PA-220 south. This route offers a slightly faster, more direct path to the city. However, it is still subject to the same limitations as PA-44, including potential traffic and weather-related delays. The drive time on either route can vary significantly, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and speed.

Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. The primary public transit provider in Lycoming County is the River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT). However, RVT services are predominantly focused on the city of Williamsport and its immediate surrounding areas. Service to Jersey Mills is extremely limited, if it exists at all. Therefore, relying on public transit for routine appointments or treatments is highly impractical. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses on any potential routes to Jersey Mills remains questionable, creating an additional barrier for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Williamsport area. However, their availability in Jersey Mills is less certain. The distance and rural nature of the area might result in longer wait times and potentially higher fares. This reliance on ride-sharing for medical appointments can become financially burdensome, especially for frequent visits.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option to consider. Several companies operate in the Williamsport area, offering specialized services for individuals with mobility challenges or those requiring assistance. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, particularly for residents in more remote areas like Jersey Mills.

For individuals considering a move to Jersey Mills, the "Breast Cancer Score" highlights several critical factors impacting healthcare access. The primary concern is the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. This creates a dependency on the ability to drive, maintain a vehicle, and navigate potentially challenging road conditions.

The lack of robust public transportation options further exacerbates this challenge, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. The limited availability of ride-sharing services and the potentially high costs of medical transportation services add further complexity to the equation.

The impact of these transportation limitations extends beyond the inconvenience of travel. They can significantly affect the timeliness of medical appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. This delay can have serious consequences for breast cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of prompt and consistent care.

Furthermore, the financial burden associated with transportation costs can place an additional strain on patients and their families. The costs of gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fares, or medical transportation services can accumulate quickly, adding to the already significant financial stress associated with a breast cancer diagnosis.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also considers the proximity of essential medical facilities. The UPMC Williamsport Hospital and the Susquehanna Health System are the primary healthcare providers in the area. These facilities offer comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. However, the distance from Jersey Mills to these facilities necessitates careful planning and consideration of transportation options.

The availability of support services within the Williamsport area is also a crucial factor. Support groups, counseling services, and other resources can provide invaluable assistance to breast cancer patients and their families. However, the ability to access these services is dependent on reliable transportation.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Jersey Mills, PA (ZIP Code 17739) reveals a complex landscape for healthcare access. While the area offers a peaceful and desirable lifestyle, the challenges associated with transportation to and from essential medical services cannot be ignored. Prospective residents, especially those with existing or potential health concerns, must carefully weigh the transportation limitations against the benefits of living in this rural community. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation services necessitate careful planning and financial consideration. This is crucial to ensure timely access to vital breast cancer care, treatment, and supportive services.