17086, Richfield, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17086, Richfield, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.67 percent of residents in 17086 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 23.28 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Richfield (ZIP Code 17086)

The tranquil borough of Richfield, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Juniata County, presents a picturesque setting for those seeking a quieter life. However, the serenity of this rural community can mask complexities, particularly concerning healthcare access, especially for residents managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the “Hypertension Score” for ZIP code 17086, examining transportation options and their impact on accessing necessary medical care, a critical consideration for anyone moving to Richfield or already residing within its borders.

The “Hypertension Score” is not a formal metric, but rather a comprehensive assessment of the ease with which individuals with hypertension can reach their healthcare providers, pharmacies, and related services. It considers factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of the transportation landscape and its potential challenges for managing a chronic condition like hypertension.

For residents of Richfield, the primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The borough is primarily served by **Pennsylvania Route 35 (PA-35)**, a north-south artery that connects Richfield to surrounding towns and cities. Traveling south on PA-35 offers access to the larger towns of Liverpool and Millerstown, where some medical facilities are located. Further afield, a drive of approximately 45 minutes south on PA-35 and then **U.S. Route 322 (US-322)**, a major east-west highway, will take you to the Harrisburg area, which offers a wider array of hospitals, specialists, and pharmacies.

Going north on PA-35 leads to Mifflintown, the county seat, a drive of about 20 minutes. While Mifflintown provides some healthcare options, the facilities are often smaller and may not offer the specialized care required for complex hypertension management. The drive times are generally manageable, but weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, can significantly impact travel, potentially delaying or disrupting access to essential appointments and medications.

Public transportation options in Richfield are limited. Juniata County does offer a public transit service, the **Juniata County Transportation (JCT)**. JCT operates a demand-response system, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is crucial for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. However, the availability and scheduling flexibility of JCT can pose challenges. While JCT aims to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, availability may be limited, requiring advance planning and potentially impacting the timeliness of appointments.

The nearest major public transportation hub is in Harrisburg, accessible via a drive of approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This hub provides access to **Amtrak** and **Greyhound** services. While these options could be utilized for long-distance travel to specialized healthcare facilities, they are not practical for routine appointments or pharmacy visits.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Harrisburg area, but their presence in Richfield is less reliable. Availability is often dependent on driver density and demand, potentially leading to longer wait times or even the inability to secure a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for managing hypertension, where consistent access to care is vital.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** or local ambulance services, are available for individuals with specific medical needs. These services are primarily designed for non-emergency medical transport and may offer door-to-door service. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be costly, adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

The availability of pharmacies in Richfield is limited. Residents typically rely on local pharmacies in neighboring towns or pharmacies in Harrisburg. This necessitates additional transportation and planning, particularly for those requiring regular medication refills. Delays in obtaining medications can be detrimental to managing hypertension effectively.

Considering the transportation landscape, the “Hypertension Score” for Richfield (ZIP code 17086) reflects a mixed bag. The reliance on personal vehicles provides a degree of flexibility, but drive times to specialized healthcare facilities and pharmacies can be significant. The limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services present challenges for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

For individuals considering moving to Richfield, it is crucial to factor in the transportation limitations when assessing healthcare access. Careful planning is essential. This includes identifying healthcare providers and pharmacies within a reasonable driving distance, understanding the availability and limitations of public transportation, and exploring the potential use of ride-sharing services or medical transportation.

For current residents, proactive planning is equally important. Establishing relationships with local pharmacies, scheduling appointments well in advance, and exploring options for medication delivery can help mitigate the challenges of accessing healthcare. The ability to drive, or having access to a reliable vehicle, is crucial for managing hypertension effectively in Richfield.

The "Hypertension Score" for Richfield is not a definitive number, but rather a reflection of the reality of healthcare access. The borough’s rural setting, while offering tranquility, presents transportation challenges that require careful consideration and proactive planning for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding these complexities is crucial for ensuring that residents of Richfield can effectively manage their health and maintain a good quality of life. The decision to move to Richfield should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access.