17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.43 percent of residents in 17048 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Milton S Hershey Medical Center with a distance of 23.03 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lykens, PA (ZIP Code 17048)

The quaint borough of Lykens, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Dauphin County, offers a peaceful existence. However, for residents managing hypertension, the serenity of this small town can be complicated by the realities of **healthcare access**. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on the **transportation** landscape within ZIP Code 17048, crucial for individuals needing regular medical care. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, and alternative modes of getting to appointments, all vital considerations for anyone **moving to Lykens** or currently residing here and managing their health.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. We’ll weigh the available **transportation** options against the needs of individuals with hypertension, who require consistent medical attention, medication refills, and lifestyle monitoring. This includes factors like appointment frequency, the potential for urgent care needs, and the physical limitations that may arise from the condition or its treatment.

### Driving the Healthcare Landscape

For many Lykens residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare facilities. The closest major healthcare providers are located in Harrisburg, approximately 35 to 45 miles away, depending on traffic and the specific destination. The primary route involves taking Route 209 South, which then merges onto Interstate 81 South. From there, exits to various hospitals and clinics are readily available.

The drive time to UPMC Harrisburg Hospital can be estimated at around 50 minutes to an hour, assuming normal traffic conditions. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill is a similar distance, also requiring travel via I-81 South, and takes roughly the same amount of time. These estimates are crucial for those with hypertension. Delays due to traffic, construction, or inclement weather can significantly impact appointment adherence and increase stress levels, which can exacerbate hypertension.

Navigating the local roads is also important. Route 209, while scenic, can experience slower speeds and more frequent stops, particularly during peak hours or when passing through smaller towns. Route 25, another option, offers a more direct route to the south, but is also subject to traffic and potential delays.

### Public Transit: A Limited Option

Public **transportation** options in Lykens are limited. The Capital Area Transit (CAT) system, which serves the Harrisburg metropolitan area, does not extend its routes directly into Lykens. This presents a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to their health condition.

While CAT does offer a demand-response service, known as CAT GO, this is a shared-ride service that requires advance booking and may not always be readily available for immediate medical needs. Furthermore, CAT GO's service area may not encompass all healthcare facilities in the Harrisburg area, potentially requiring transfers or additional **transportation**.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. CAT's fixed-route buses are ADA-compliant, but the lack of service in Lykens makes this irrelevant. CAT GO vehicles are also equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, but the booking process and potential wait times should be carefully considered. The lack of robust public **transportation** underscores the challenges for residents with hypertension, emphasizing the need for alternative **transportation** solutions.

### Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Alternative Routes

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Harrisburg area and can provide a viable alternative to driving, especially for those unable to drive themselves. However, the availability of these services in Lykens can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Several companies operate in the Harrisburg area, providing non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from medical appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door service, often with trained personnel who can assist with mobility and other needs.

Some of the medical **transportation** providers serving the area include First Transit, and others. These services require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The cost of medical **transportation** can vary depending on the distance, the level of assistance required, and the specific provider. For individuals with hypertension, medical **transportation** can provide a valuable service, ensuring safe and reliable access to healthcare.

### Considering the Challenges

The "Hypertension Score" for Lykens, PA (17048) reveals a mixed picture. While the area offers a peaceful and affordable lifestyle, the lack of robust public **transportation** and the distance to major healthcare facilities present significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic delays, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services can create stress and make it difficult to adhere to medical regimens.

For those **moving to Lykens** with hypertension, careful consideration of these **transportation** factors is essential. Assessing the availability of family or friends who can provide rides, exploring the feasibility of medical **transportation** services, and budgeting for potential ride-sharing expenses are crucial steps.

### Recommendations and Conclusion

To improve the "Hypertension Score" for Lykens residents, several recommendations are in order. Advocacy for increased public **transportation** options, including extending CAT routes or implementing a local shuttle service, would significantly improve healthcare access. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and **transportation** services to offer subsidized or discounted ride-sharing or medical **transportation** options could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services, where possible, can reduce the need for frequent in-person appointments. Encouraging the establishment of local pharmacies and clinics offering medication refills and basic health screenings would also improve convenience.

In conclusion, while Lykens offers a desirable quality of life, the **transportation** landscape presents challenges for those managing hypertension. A proactive approach, combining individual planning with community initiatives, is essential to ensure that residents have reliable and affordable access to the healthcare they need. This requires careful consideration of the available options, including driving, ride-sharing, medical **transportation**, and telehealth, to create a comprehensive plan for managing hypertension in this charming, yet geographically isolated, community.