17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.37 percent of residents in 17954 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital with a distance of 8.71 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Minersville (ZIP Code 17954)

The air hangs heavy with the ghosts of coal dust in Minersville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17954), a town etched into the heart of the anthracite region. The very history of this place, a legacy of industry, whispers of potential health challenges, including the insidious threat of lung cancer. This write-up analyzes the critical element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access** for residents, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking care. We will explore drive times, public transit, ride-share options, and medical transport, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for this community.

The primary concern for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis is timely and effective treatment. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can dramatically impact survival rates. Therefore, the ability to reach specialized medical facilities quickly is paramount. For residents of Minersville, this means navigating the network of roads and highways that snake through the rugged terrain of Schuylkill County.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

The primary artery connecting Minersville to the broader healthcare landscape is Route 901. This road, though scenic, can be a winding and sometimes congested route, especially during peak hours. The nearest major medical center, Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, is approximately a 20-minute drive via Route 901 and then Route 61. This is generally considered a reasonable travel time for emergency situations and routine appointments. However, the quality of the road and the volume of traffic can fluctuate significantly, potentially adding to the travel time.

For more specialized care, residents often need to travel further afield. The drive to the Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill South in Pottsville, a facility with oncology services, is roughly a 15-minute journey via Route 901. This shorter drive time is a significant advantage for those requiring frequent treatments or consultations.

For advanced treatment options, such as radiation therapy or specialized surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals in the region. The drive to the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a facility with a comprehensive cancer center, is a more substantial undertaking, approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute drive via I-81 North. This longer travel time presents a greater challenge, particularly for individuals experiencing fatigue or mobility issues.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public **transportation** options in Minersville are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for many residents. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service throughout the county. However, the routes serving Minersville are infrequent, with limited service on weekends and evenings.

The primary route serving Minersville is likely to be Route 30, which connects the town to Pottsville and other regional hubs. While this route provides a connection to healthcare facilities in Pottsville, the frequency of buses may not be adequate for those needing frequent appointments or emergency care. The accessibility of these buses for individuals with disabilities is also a critical consideration. The STS strives to provide ADA-compliant buses, but the availability and reliability of these services in Minersville need to be carefully assessed.

The lack of robust public transit underscores the challenges faced by individuals without personal vehicles. This is particularly concerning for elderly residents, those with limited mobility, and those with financial constraints. Reliance on public transit can significantly extend travel times and increase the stress associated with accessing healthcare.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Minersville area, but their availability and affordability can vary. The rural nature of the region may limit the number of drivers available, leading to longer wait times and potentially higher fares. This is especially problematic for individuals needing immediate medical attention or those who cannot afford the added expense of ride-sharing.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies, provide a crucial lifeline for patients who require assistance with mobility or have medical conditions that prevent them from driving. These services are often more expensive than public transit or ride-sharing, and their availability may be limited.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Critical Assessment**

Evaluating the **transportation** landscape in Minersville allows us to begin to formulate a "Lung Cancer Score." This score is not a numerical value but rather a qualitative assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing residents in their pursuit of **healthcare access**.

The score would consider the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The proximity to hospitals and cancer centers, accounting for traffic and road conditions.
* **Public Transit:** The frequency, reliability, and accessibility of bus services.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and cost of medical **transportation** services.
* **Accessibility:** The ease of access to all **transportation** options for individuals with disabilities.

Based on these factors, Minersville likely receives a moderate score. While the proximity to healthcare facilities in Pottsville and Orwigsburg offers some advantages, the limited public transit options, the potential variability of ride-sharing services, and the higher costs of medical **transportation** create significant barriers.

**Moving to Minersville: A Consideration of Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering **moving to Minersville**, the availability of **healthcare access** should be a key consideration. The challenges of **transportation** in this area must be weighed against the potential benefits of living in a close-knit community with a rich history.

Potential residents should carefully assess their individual needs and circumstances. Those with existing health conditions, or those at high risk for lung cancer, should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities and reliable **transportation** options. This may involve carefully evaluating the availability of public transit, the affordability of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical **transportation**.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

Improving **healthcare access** in Minersville requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing public transit services, expanding ride-sharing availability, and ensuring the affordability of medical **transportation** are critical steps. Furthermore, community-based initiatives that provide support and resources for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis can make a significant difference.

By understanding the challenges and opportunities, we can work towards creating a healthier and more accessible future for the residents of Minersville, ensuring that the road to recovery is as smooth and efficient as possible. This requires a commitment from local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address the unique **transportation** needs of this historic community.