17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.78 percent of residents in 17884 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 35.95 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884)**

The journey to healthcare, especially for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates a dependable and accessible transportation network. This analysis explores the transportation landscape within and surrounding Washingtonville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17884), offering a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment of healthcare access. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability. The goal is to empower individuals considering moving to Washingtonville or currently residing there, with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of healthcare access.

Washingtonville, a charming community nestled in Montour County, offers a blend of rural tranquility and proximity to larger towns. However, its relative isolation presents challenges when accessing specialized medical care. The cornerstone of this analysis is understanding the travel times to key healthcare facilities offering breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is the personal vehicle. The major roadways influencing healthcare access are Route 54, Route 44, and Interstate 80. Route 54, a vital east-west artery, provides direct access to Danville, home to Geisinger Medical Center, a major regional healthcare provider. The drive from Washingtonville to Geisinger Medical Center via Route 54 typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This relatively short commute is a significant advantage for residents needing frequent appointments.

Route 44, running north-south, connects Washingtonville to Milton and Lewisburg. While not directly housing major cancer centers, these towns offer satellite clinics and specialist practices that may be relevant. Travel times to these locations range from 20-30 minutes. Interstate 80, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides a faster route to more distant healthcare hubs. However, its use requires navigating on-ramps and off-ramps, adding to the overall travel time.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Washingtonville are limited. The primary provider is the River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT), which operates bus routes within Montour County and connects to surrounding areas. Unfortunately, RVT's services are not extensive in Washingtonville, and routes may not directly serve healthcare facilities. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor for individuals with mobility limitations. RVT does provide ADA-compliant vehicles, but the frequency and route coverage may not adequately meet the needs of breast cancer patients requiring regular appointments.

The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The need for improved public transportation is evident, highlighting a potential area for community development to improve healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Washingtonville area, offering an alternative to driving. However, their availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some patients, especially those requiring frequent trips. Medical transport services, such as those offered by Life Line Ambulance or other private companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically offer door-to-door assistance and are equipped to handle patients with mobility limitations. However, they are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport underscores the importance of planning and budgeting for transportation costs when accessing healthcare. The availability of these services offers a crucial lifeline, but their limitations must be acknowledged.

**Breast Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Washingtonville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17884), reflects the multifaceted nature of healthcare access. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The relatively short drive time to Geisinger Medical Center via Route 54 is a significant positive factor.
* **Public Transit:** The limited public transit options negatively impact the score, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides a safety net, but their cost and potential unreliability detract from the score.
* **Overall Healthcare Infrastructure:** The presence of a major medical center in close proximity is a major advantage.

**The Score:**

Considering these factors, the Breast Cancer Score for Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884), is assessed as **Moderate-Plus**. The short drive time to a major medical center is a significant advantage. However, the limited public transit options and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport services for those without personal vehicles present challenges.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For individuals considering moving to Washingtonville, or those already residing there, several factors should be considered:

* **Personal Vehicle:** Having a personal vehicle is highly advantageous for accessing healthcare.
* **Financial Planning:** Budgeting for transportation costs, including ride-sharing, medical transport, and vehicle maintenance, is essential.
* **Healthcare Insurance:** Ensuring adequate health insurance coverage is crucial, as it can help offset the cost of transportation and medical services.
* **Community Resources:** Exploring local community resources, such as volunteer driver programs or patient assistance programs, can provide valuable support.
* **Advocacy:** Supporting initiatives to improve public transportation options in the area would significantly enhance healthcare access for all residents.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884), requires careful consideration of transportation options. While the proximity to Geisinger Medical Center offers a significant advantage, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport services present challenges. By understanding the complexities of the transportation network and proactively planning for healthcare needs, individuals can increase their chances of receiving timely and effective breast cancer care. The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating healthcare access and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. The ongoing development of transportation infrastructure and community support programs will be crucial in improving healthcare access and ensuring that all residents of Washingtonville have the opportunity to thrive.