17246, Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17246, Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.84 percent of residents in 17246 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 8.84 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Pleasant Hall (ZIP Code 17246)

The pursuit of optimal health, especially for individuals managing hypertension, necessitates reliable and efficient access to healthcare. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17246), assessing its impact on healthcare access for those managing hypertension. We will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the existing transportation infrastructure, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for this specific locale. This analysis is crucial for individuals considering moving to Pleasant Hall, offering insights into the practical realities of accessing essential medical care.

Pleasant Hall, a charming community nestled in Franklin County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The area's relative rurality influences the availability and convenience of various transportation modes. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are **Interstate 81 (I-81)**, the major north-south thoroughfare, and **U.S. Route 11**, a parallel road offering a more scenic, albeit slower, alternative. Local roads, such as **Newville Road** and **Pleasant Hall Road**, connect the residential areas to these major routes. The efficient navigation of these roads is critical for timely access to medical appointments and essential healthcare services.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant factor in the Hypertension Score. The closest major medical center, **UPMC Carlisle**, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions, primarily utilizing I-81 and U.S. Route 11. Smaller clinics and doctor's offices within Chambersburg, the county seat, are generally accessible within 15-25 minutes, using a combination of local roads and U.S. Route 11. These drive times, while manageable, can pose challenges for individuals with hypertension, especially during inclement weather or peak traffic hours.

Public transportation options in Pleasant Hall are limited. The **Franklin County Transit Authority (FCTA)** operates a fixed-route bus service, but its coverage in the Pleasant Hall area is sparse. Specific routes and schedules should be investigated to determine the frequency and accessibility of stops near residential areas. Crucially, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is essential for individuals with mobility limitations. The FCTA website provides detailed information on route maps, schedules, and ADA-compliant features. This is an area where improvements could significantly enhance healthcare access for residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Chambersburg area, but their reliability in Pleasant Hall is less certain. Demand and driver availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments may be risky. Pre-booking rides and factoring in potential wait times are essential considerations. The cost of ride-sharing, particularly for longer distances to medical facilities, can also be a significant financial burden.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option for individuals with specific needs. Companies like **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **MedStar** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are often used for appointments, dialysis, or other medical treatments. However, the availability and cost of these services should be carefully researched, as they can vary depending on insurance coverage and the specific medical requirements.

The Hypertension Score for Pleasant Hall reflects a mixed bag of transportation options. While the presence of major highways like I-81 provides relatively quick access to larger medical facilities, the limited public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the potential reliance on more costly medical transport services present challenges. Individuals with hypertension must carefully consider these factors when evaluating healthcare access in this area.

The physical and mental well-being of individuals with hypertension is directly impacted by their ability to access consistent and timely medical care. Delays or difficulties in transportation can lead to missed appointments, medication non-adherence, and increased stress levels, all of which can negatively affect blood pressure control. The availability of reliable transportation options, including those that accommodate individuals with disabilities, is therefore paramount.

For those considering moving to Pleasant Hall, thorough research is essential. Prospective residents should investigate the proximity of their chosen residence to healthcare providers, assess the availability of public transportation options, and evaluate the reliability and cost of ride-sharing or medical transport services. Contacting local healthcare providers and transportation agencies can provide valuable insights into the practical realities of accessing care.

Furthermore, the community could benefit from initiatives to improve healthcare access. These include advocating for expanded public transportation routes, promoting ride-sharing programs tailored to medical needs, and supporting the development of telemedicine services. Such efforts would enhance the Hypertension Score for Pleasant Hall and improve the overall health and well-being of its residents.

The Hypertension Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving transportation landscape and the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access. By understanding the current challenges and opportunities, individuals with hypertension can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and advocate for improvements in their community. The ability to navigate the transportation network effectively is a critical component of successful hypertension management, and Pleasant Hall's residents must be proactive in ensuring their access to care.