17810, Allenwood, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17810, Allenwood, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.60 percent of residents in 17810 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 25.46 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Allenwood (ZIP Code 17810)

Understanding healthcare access is crucial, especially when considering a move to a new community like Allenwood, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17810). This analysis focuses on transportation options and their impact on individuals managing hypertension, a condition requiring regular medical attention. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility within this specific geographic area. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential healthcare services.

Allenwood, a small, rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The primary determinant of the "Hypertension Score" will be the efficiency with which residents can access healthcare facilities, particularly those offering specialized services related to hypertension management. Factors like distance, traffic, and the availability of alternative transportation methods will heavily influence the final assessment.

**Driving Dynamics: The Arteries of Access**

The most common mode of transportation in Allenwood is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Accessing healthcare often necessitates driving, making understanding drive times critical. The primary roadways serving Allenwood are US Route 15, a major north-south artery, and Pennsylvania Route 44, providing east-west connectivity.

From Allenwood, accessing the nearest hospital, Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-25 minutes via US Route 15 South. This drive is generally straightforward, with minimal traffic congestion outside of peak commuting hours. However, weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety. For those seeking specialized cardiology or nephrology services, this drive is essential.

Alternatively, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a larger regional hospital, is accessible via US Route 15 North and Pennsylvania Route 54 East. The drive to Danville is slightly longer, averaging 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. This hospital offers a broader range of specialized services, potentially increasing the necessity for residents with complex hypertension cases to travel this distance.

Smaller clinics and physician offices are scattered throughout the region. Many primary care physicians are located in Lewisburg, making the drive to Evangelical Community Hospital a frequent journey for many Allenwood residents. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the relative ease or difficulty of these drives, factoring in potential delays and the need for regular appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Allenwood and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is the Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA), operating a bus service. However, the SVTA's routes primarily serve the Lewisburg and Milton areas, with limited service to Allenwood itself. This lack of extensive public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly those with mobility limitations.

The SVTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, a crucial feature for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules make public transportation a less viable option for routine medical appointments, especially for those requiring frequent check-ups or specialized treatments. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the limitations of public transit, emphasizing the need for alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Allenwood area, though their availability may be less consistent compared to larger metropolitan areas. The reliability of these services can be a concern, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. For individuals with hypertension, who may experience sudden health events, the dependability of ride-sharing is a critical consideration.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans or local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport, including transportation to and from doctor's appointments. These services are often pre-booked and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. While these services offer a valuable lifeline, they typically come at a higher cost than public transportation or ride-sharing.

The "Hypertension Score" will consider the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, recognizing their importance in bridging the healthcare access gap for Allenwood residents.

**The "Hypertension Score" in Context: Considerations for Moving to Allenwood**

The "Hypertension Score" for Allenwood (ZIP code 17810) will reflect a moderate level of healthcare accessibility. While the drive to nearby hospitals and clinics is generally manageable, the limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services present challenges.

For individuals with hypertension, the ability to access regular medical care is paramount. This includes routine check-ups, medication management, and access to specialized services like cardiology and nephrology. When considering moving to Allenwood, prospective residents with hypertension should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare providers.

The "Hypertension Score" will emphasize the importance of:

* **Personal Vehicle Ownership:** The primary means of accessing healthcare in Allenwood.
* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The relatively short drive times to hospitals and clinics in Lewisburg and Danville.
* **Reliance on Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The need for alternative transportation options, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations.
* **Planning for Potential Delays:** The importance of accounting for weather conditions and traffic congestion when scheduling appointments.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" for Allenwood will serve as a valuable tool for individuals with hypertension, providing a realistic assessment of healthcare accessibility and informing their decision-making process when considering a move to this community. The score will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving transportation landscape and the availability of healthcare services.