17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD 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.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Jersey Mills (ZIP Code 17739)

The tranquil expanse of Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 17739, offers a serene backdrop for life. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the promise of this rural haven can be shadowed by the realities of healthcare access. This write-up, a "COPD Score" analysis, examines the transportation landscape, crucial for navigating the journey from Jersey Mills to vital medical appointments, and how that impacts those with COPD. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities, painting a picture of healthcare access in this specific location.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is, undoubtedly, transportation. For residents of Jersey Mills, the primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The winding roads that define the region, while picturesque, can present challenges. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Williamsport, a drive that demands careful consideration for those with breathing difficulties.

The most direct route typically involves taking **Route 44** south. This two-lane highway snakes through the landscape, offering scenic views but potentially slower speeds due to its design. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the drive to UPMC Williamsport, a major healthcare provider, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour. The journey necessitates meticulous planning, factoring in potential delays and the physical demands of the drive for a COPD patient.

Alternatively, residents can utilize **Route 220**, a more substantial road, which provides a quicker, albeit less direct, path to Williamsport. This route often involves navigating through the town of Jersey Shore before reaching the larger highway. While offering a potentially faster travel time, the increased traffic on **Route 220** can also introduce its own set of challenges, particularly during peak hours.

Public transit options in Jersey Mills are limited. The primary provider is the River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT), which offers bus routes throughout Lycoming County. However, these routes are not extensive in Jersey Mills. The availability of bus service to and from Jersey Mills is limited, with infrequent service and routes that are often circuitous, increasing travel time.

The RVT does offer ADA-accessible buses, equipped with features like ramps and designated seating, crucial for accommodating individuals with mobility limitations. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for long travel times on public transit can be a significant barrier to healthcare access for COPD patients, especially during exacerbations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Williamsport area, but their availability in Jersey Mills is less certain. The rural nature of the area might mean fewer drivers and potentially longer wait times. The cost of these services can also be a significant consideration, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another potential solution. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and are equipped to handle the needs of patients with medical conditions. Several companies operate in the Williamsport area, including, but not limited to, Medical Transportation Services and Senior Transportation Services. However, the availability of these services in Jersey Mills and the associated costs need to be carefully considered.

For those considering moving to Jersey Mills, the transportation landscape is a critical factor. The lack of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles highlight the importance of assessing one's ability to drive or secure reliable transportation. Proximity to healthcare facilities is a key consideration.

The "COPD Score" for Jersey Mills, considering transportation access, is moderate. While the area offers a degree of independence, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides alternative solutions, but their accessibility and cost can be a barrier.

The challenges of healthcare access in Jersey Mills are further compounded by the nature of COPD itself. The unpredictable nature of exacerbations, the need for frequent appointments, and the potential for physical limitations all contribute to the complexity of navigating the transportation landscape.

The "COPD Score" is not simply a numerical rating but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with COPD in accessing healthcare. In Jersey Mills, the score underscores the importance of careful planning, the need for readily available transportation options, and the vital role of community support in ensuring access to essential medical care.

The journey to healthcare in Jersey Mills requires proactive planning and a deep understanding of the available transportation options. For those with COPD, this journey is not just about reaching a doctor's office; it's about maintaining their health and well-being within the embrace of their community.