17840, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17840, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.26 percent of residents in 17840 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 16.04 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Locust Gap, PA (ZIP Code 17840)

Locust Gap, Pennsylvania, a charming community nestled in the heart of Northumberland County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. Yet, when facing a serious health concern like breast cancer, the serenity can be shattered by the complexities of **healthcare access**. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on **transportation** options available to residents of ZIP Code 17840 seeking timely and comprehensive breast cancer care. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities for those **moving to Locust Gap** or already residing there.

The Breast Cancer Score, in this context, isn't a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the ease and efficiency with which individuals can access essential breast cancer services. It considers factors like proximity to specialized care, availability of transportation options, and the overall burden of travel on patients and their families.

For residents of Locust Gap, the closest major medical centers offering comprehensive breast cancer care are primarily located in the larger towns and cities surrounding the area. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a regional leader in healthcare, becomes a primary destination. Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg also provides quality services. Other options include hospitals in Bloomsburg and Shamokin.

**Driving the Distance:**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is personal vehicle. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a crucial destination for many, involves navigating a combination of roads. From Locust Gap, the journey typically begins on PA-54 East, a two-lane highway that winds through the rolling hills and farmland. This route offers scenic views but can experience traffic, especially during peak hours. The drive then merges onto PA-642 East, which connects to I-80 West. The total drive time, under ideal conditions, is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, covering roughly 25 miles.

Accessing Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, a slightly longer drive, involves taking PA-54 West, which connects to US-15 South. This route is generally less congested than the Danville route, but the distance is approximately 40 to 55 minutes, covering about 35 miles. The drive to hospitals in Bloomsburg and Shamokin is shorter, with travel times between 20-30 minutes.

These drive times, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, traffic, and the patient's physical condition. The stress of travel, especially for individuals undergoing treatment, can exacerbate the challenges of managing a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Locust Gap and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is primarily the Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA). However, the routes serving Locust Gap are infrequent and may not directly connect to the major medical centers.

NCTA bus routes, while offering an affordable alternative, often involve multiple transfers and extended travel times. For instance, a trip to Geisinger Medical Center might require a bus to Mount Carmel, then another transfer to Danville. The total travel time could easily exceed two hours, making it a less desirable option for patients needing frequent appointments.

Furthermore, accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations is a crucial consideration. While NCTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair lifts and priority seating, the infrequent service and extended travel times can still pose significant challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, offering a more convenient alternative to public transit. However, the availability of drivers in Locust Gap and the surrounding areas can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide door-to-door service, ensuring the patient's comfort and safety. Several companies operate in the region, including MedStar Transportation and American Medical Response (AMR). However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and prior arrangements are often required.

**The Breast Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, the Breast Cancer Score for Locust Gap residents seeking breast cancer care is moderate. While the drive times to major medical centers are reasonable, the reliance on personal vehicles can be a burden. Public transit is limited and may not be a viable option for many patients. Ride-sharing services offer some flexibility, but their availability and cost can be problematic. Medical transport provides a valuable service, but its cost can be prohibitive.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Breast Cancer Score for Locust Gap residents, several initiatives could be considered. Increased funding for NCTA to expand its routes and frequency of service, particularly to connect with major medical centers, would be beneficial. Partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer discounted transportation options for patients. Finally, exploring grant opportunities to subsidize medical transportation costs for low-income individuals could significantly improve **healthcare access**.

The challenges of navigating transportation to healthcare are significant for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. By understanding the available options and advocating for improvements, the community can work together to ensure that residents of Locust Gap have access to the care they need, when they need it. The journey to recovery can be arduous, and the ease of **transportation** should not add to the burden.