17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.43 percent of residents in 17255 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fulton County Medical Center with a distance of 17.33 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in Shade Gap (ZIP Code 17255)

The crisp air of Shade Gap, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Huntingdon County, promises a tranquil existence. But for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the serenity of rural life hinges on a critical factor: **transportation** to **healthcare access**. This write-up assesses the **COPD Score** for residents of ZIP Code 17255, evaluating the challenges and opportunities in navigating the **transportation** landscape to receive essential medical care. This is a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Shade Gap**, especially those with respiratory conditions.

The foundation of healthcare **transportation** in Shade Gap is personal vehicle ownership. The rugged terrain and sparse population render public **transportation** options limited. The primary thoroughfare, Pennsylvania Route 75 (PA-75), serves as the lifeline connecting Shade Gap to larger communities. Traveling north on PA-75 offers access to Mount Union, approximately 15 miles away, where a small medical center provides basic services. Southward, PA-75 leads to Orbisonia, a shorter drive, but with fewer comprehensive healthcare options.

The drive times, however, are deceptive. Winding roads, particularly on PA-75, necessitate slower speeds. A trip to Mount Union, though geographically close, can easily consume 25-30 minutes, factoring in potential traffic and road conditions. Orbisonia might be a 15-20 minute drive. These times, while manageable for some, can be debilitating for COPD patients experiencing breathlessness or fatigue.

For more specialized care, residents must venture further afield. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive respiratory care, including pulmonologists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are located in Huntingdon (approximately 40 miles, or a 60-75 minute drive via PA-75 and US-22) and Chambersburg (approximately 60 miles, or a 90-120 minute drive via PA-75, US-30, and I-81). These longer commutes significantly increase the risk of exacerbations during travel, a serious concern for individuals with compromised respiratory function.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in ZIP Code 17255. The Huntingdon County Human Services Transportation Program (HCHSTP) offers demand-response **transportation** for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, availability is restricted, requiring advance booking and often involves shared rides, potentially increasing travel time and exposure to illness. While HCHSTP vehicles are ADA-compliant, the limited service area and scheduling constraints present significant barriers to **healthcare access**.

Furthermore, the absence of fixed-route bus services within Shade Gap and surrounding areas exacerbates the **transportation** challenge. The closest Greyhound bus station is located in Harrisburg, over 90 miles away, rendering this option impractical for local **healthcare access**. The lack of readily available public **transportation** forces residents to rely heavily on personal vehicles or the limited HCHSTP services.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually nonexistent in Shade Gap. The sparse population and geographical isolation make it economically unfeasible for these companies to operate in the area. This leaves residents with limited options, particularly those unable to drive due to their COPD symptoms.

Medical **transportation** services, designed specifically for patients requiring specialized assistance, offer a potential solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and MedStar provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services are often expensive and require prior arrangements, adding another layer of complexity to accessing **healthcare access**. The cost factor can be a significant deterrent, particularly for those on fixed incomes or with limited insurance coverage.

The **COPD Score** for Shade Gap, therefore, reflects a challenging environment for individuals requiring regular **healthcare access**. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with long drive times to specialized care, poses significant risks. The scarcity of public **transportation**, the absence of ride-sharing services, and the high cost of medical **transportation** further compound the difficulties.

The limited options for **transportation** directly impact the ability of COPD patients to manage their condition effectively. Missed appointments, delayed treatments, and reduced access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs can lead to a decline in lung function and increased hospitalizations. This underscores the critical need for innovative solutions to improve **healthcare access** for residents of ZIP Code 17255.

Potential solutions include exploring partnerships with regional healthcare providers to offer telehealth services, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Promoting volunteer driver programs, connecting individuals with reliable **transportation** assistance, could also alleviate some of the burden. Advocating for increased funding for the HCHSTP to expand its service area and improve scheduling flexibility is crucial.

The challenges associated with **transportation** and **healthcare access** in Shade Gap should be carefully considered by anyone **moving to Shade Gap** with COPD. While the rural setting offers undeniable charm, the limitations in accessing timely and convenient medical care represent a significant hurdle. A proactive approach, involving careful planning, exploring available resources, and advocating for improved **transportation** options, is essential for ensuring a good quality of life for COPD patients in this picturesque, yet geographically isolated, community. The **COPD Score** for Shade Gap highlights the need for community-based solutions to bridge the gap between residents and the vital healthcare they need.