17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.05 percent of residents in 17038 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital with a distance of 6.81 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Jonestown, PA (ZIP Code 17038)

Jonestown, Pennsylvania, a community nestled in the heart of Lebanon County, offers a tranquil lifestyle for those seeking respite from the urban hustle. But before packing your bags and **moving to Jonestown**, prospective residents must consider a critical factor: **healthcare access**. This assessment analyzes the **transportation** landscape and its impact on the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 17038, examining the ease with which they can reach necessary medical services.

The overall health score in Jonestown is significantly influenced by the accessibility of healthcare facilities. This score encompasses the convenience of reaching primary care physicians, specialists, emergency rooms, and ancillary services. A higher score indicates better accessibility, translating to improved health outcomes for the community. Conversely, a lower score may signal challenges in obtaining timely and appropriate medical care, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

For residents of Jonestown, the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare facilities is by car. The road network, while generally well-maintained, dictates travel times and influences the health score. The major thoroughfare serving the area is Route 72, which provides direct access to Lebanon, the county seat, and its associated medical facilities. Driving south on Route 72 leads to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, a major healthcare provider. The drive typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another crucial artery is Interstate 81, which runs east-west, offering access to facilities in Harrisburg and Hershey. However, this highway can be subject to congestion, particularly during peak hours. Traveling east on I-81, residents can reach the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a renowned teaching hospital, in approximately 30 to 45 minutes, traffic dependent. The journey west on I-81 provides access to facilities in the Harrisburg area, including UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, in a similar timeframe.

Route 322 provides an alternative route to Hershey, offering a scenic but often slower journey. Local roads, such as Jonestown Road and Swatara Road, provide access to nearby medical offices and urgent care centers. The condition of these roads, and the potential for seasonal weather-related delays, must be considered when evaluating the overall health score.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in Jonestown are limited, which impacts the overall health score. The Lebanon Transit Authority (LTA) provides bus service within Lebanon County. However, service frequency and route coverage in Jonestown are limited. The primary route serving the area is Route 1, which travels along Route 72. This route connects Jonestown to Lebanon, offering access to medical facilities in the city.

The LTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the infrequent service and limited route coverage necessitate careful planning for those relying on public **transportation** for **healthcare access**. The lack of extensive public transit lowers the overall health score, particularly for residents who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jonestown area, offering an alternative to driving or public **transportation**. However, availability can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-share services can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available. These services, such as Liberty Medical Transportation and MedStar, offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist individuals with mobility limitations. While these services can be valuable, they often require advance booking and can be expensive. The availability and cost of these services influence the overall health score, particularly for those with chronic conditions or disabilities.

**Healthcare Facility Proximity and Availability:**

The proximity of healthcare facilities to Jonestown is a critical factor in the overall health score. While WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon is relatively close, the availability of specialists and the potential need to travel to larger medical centers in Harrisburg or Hershey impact the score.

The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers within a reasonable driving distance is also crucial. The number of healthcare providers accepting new patients, and the wait times for appointments, further influence the health score. A shortage of providers or long wait times can significantly reduce the ease of **healthcare access**.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for Jonestown (ZIP code 17038) is moderately impacted by the **transportation** landscape. While the road network provides reasonable access to healthcare facilities, the limitations in public **transportation** and the variability of ride-share services pose challenges for some residents. The availability and cost of medical **transportation** services also impact the score.

The score is further influenced by the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of providers, and the wait times for appointments. Residents without personal vehicles, or those with mobility limitations, face greater challenges in accessing healthcare, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score for Jonestown, several measures could be implemented. Increasing the frequency and coverage of public **transportation**, particularly along Route 72 and connecting to major medical centers, would benefit many residents. Partnering with ride-share services to offer subsidized rides for medical appointments could also improve **healthcare access**.

Encouraging the establishment of additional healthcare providers in the Jonestown area, including primary care physicians and specialists, would reduce travel times and improve access. Promoting the availability of medical **transportation** services and educating residents about their options would also be beneficial.

Finally, community outreach programs to raise awareness of available resources and support services could improve the overall health score. By addressing the challenges related to **transportation** and **healthcare access**, Jonestown can strive to create a healthier community for all its residents. Considering all these factors is essential for those considering **moving to Jonestown**.