17029, Granville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17029, Granville, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 17029 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 5.28 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17029 (Granville, PA)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. For residents of Granville, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 17029, this access is largely defined by the efficiency and availability of transportation options. This write-up assesses the "Overall Health Score" concerning healthcare accessibility, considering factors like drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation methods. Our analysis will paint a picture of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking medical care in and around Granville, a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to this charming community.

Granville, a rural community, presents a unique transportation landscape. The primary mode of transport is the personal vehicle, navigating the network of roads that connect the area to larger medical facilities. The absence of a robust public transportation system significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. This lack of accessibility underscores the importance of understanding the existing transportation options and their limitations.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The geographical layout of Granville necessitates reliance on roadways for accessing healthcare. The most direct route to significant medical facilities involves utilizing Pennsylvania Route 322, a major east-west thoroughfare. This route provides access to the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, approximately a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic. This drive time, while relatively short, can be impacted by weather conditions, particularly during winter months.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further. Accessing the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a larger tertiary care facility, requires a journey of approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily via Route 322 and US Route 322. This longer commute increases the time commitment and potential stress associated with healthcare appointments. Smaller medical offices and clinics are scattered throughout the region, accessible via local roads such as Main Street and Back Mountain Road.

The condition of these roads and the potential for traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly affect drive times. The ability to quickly reach a hospital in an emergency is paramount, and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful consideration of potential delays. These factors contribute to the overall health score, highlighting the need for efficient and reliable transportation.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options within and around Granville are extremely limited. The absence of a comprehensive bus system, or even regular routes, poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not drive. This absence disproportionately affects the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative methods, often at a higher cost or with greater inconvenience.

While there might be occasional demand-response services, these are not a reliable option for routine healthcare appointments. The absence of fixed routes and the need for advance booking can create logistical challenges, impacting the ability to schedule and attend appointments promptly. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any available transit further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. This lack of public transportation significantly lowers the overall health score, emphasizing the need for alternative solutions.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft has offered a potential alternative to traditional transportation. However, the availability of these services in rural areas like Granville can be inconsistent. Demand may be limited, and wait times can be prolonged, making them unreliable for time-sensitive medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and other local providers may operate in the area, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and advance booking is usually required.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Granville, PA (17029) is negatively impacted by several factors. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, creates challenges for a significant portion of the population. Drive times to major medical facilities, while reasonable, can be affected by traffic and weather conditions. The absence of a robust public transportation system and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further diminish the score.

The availability of medical transportation services offers a potential solution, but their cost and availability can be limiting factors. The overall score reflects the need for enhanced transportation options to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents. The consideration of these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Granville, as they directly impact the ease and efficiency of accessing medical care.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access in Granville, several strategies could be implemented. Exploring the feasibility of expanding public transportation routes, even on a limited basis, would significantly benefit residents. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also improve access.

Promoting and expanding the availability of medical transportation services is crucial. Providing information about these services and potentially offering financial assistance to those in need could reduce the financial burden. Furthermore, improving road infrastructure and addressing traffic congestion would streamline travel times to healthcare facilities.

By addressing these transportation challenges, Granville can improve its "Overall Health Score" and create a more accessible and supportive environment for its residents, particularly those requiring medical care. The ability to efficiently and reliably access healthcare is a cornerstone of a healthy community, and investing in transportation solutions is essential for ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive. The health of the community is directly tied to the efficiency of its transportation network, making these improvements a critical priority.