17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.24 percent of residents in 17062 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center with a distance of 19.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Millerstown, PA (ZIP Code 17062)

The health and well-being of a community are intricately woven with its ability to access essential services, especially healthcare. This comprehensive analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of Millerstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17062), focusing on the critical factor of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. This evaluation considers various modes of transportation, drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear understanding of the ease or difficulty with which residents can reach medical facilities, informing decisions about moving to Millerstown and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Millerstown, a charming borough nestled in Perry County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its relative remoteness presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" for this area reflects these challenges, considering that a significant portion of healthcare services are located outside the immediate vicinity. This necessitates reliance on transportation, making its availability, efficiency, and affordability paramount.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Millerstown residents to access healthcare is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a crucial element in our "Overall Health Score" calculation. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located in neighboring towns and cities.

Traveling to UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, for example, which offers a comprehensive range of medical services, involves a drive of approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey typically begins on **PA-147 South**, a scenic but often winding road that can experience congestion during peak hours. This road connects to **US-322 East**, a major highway that provides a faster route to Harrisburg. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Another frequently utilized healthcare destination is Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. This trip involves a drive of roughly 40-50 minutes, primarily utilizing **PA-147 South** to **US-11/15 South**. This route, while generally efficient, can also experience traffic bottlenecks, especially around the Camp Hill area.

The availability of well-maintained roads and efficient traffic flow directly affects the "Overall Health Score." Longer drive times, especially in emergencies, can jeopardize health outcomes. The quality of road surfaces and the presence of adequate signage and lighting also contribute to the safety and ease of travel.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Millerstown are limited, which significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score." The absence of a robust public transit system presents a major barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive due to age or disability, or are unable to afford the costs associated with car ownership.

The Capital Area Transit (CAT) system, which serves the Harrisburg metropolitan area, does not extend its routes to Millerstown. Therefore, residents are unable to utilize buses to reach healthcare facilities. This lack of public transit severely restricts healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on other modes of transportation, which may be less accessible or more expensive. The lack of ADA-compliant features on potential public transit routes, even if they existed, would further exacerbate the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for Millerstown residents. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the area. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

The reliability, affordability, and accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transport services are critical components of the "Overall Health Score." The availability of these services can mitigate the challenges posed by the lack of public transit and long drive times.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors outlined above, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Millerstown (ZIP Code 17062) is moderately impacted. While the area boasts scenic beauty and a close-knit community, its remoteness and limited transportation options present significant challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access, coupled with the absence of public transit, creates a dependency on individual resources and financial capabilities. Longer drive times to healthcare facilities can be a concern, particularly in emergencies.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some relief, but their inconsistent availability and associated costs can pose barriers for some residents. The "Overall Health Score" is further impacted by the lack of accessible transportation options for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot afford or are unable to drive.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Millerstown:**

For individuals considering moving to Millerstown, it is crucial to carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the challenges of accessing healthcare in the area.

Planning ahead for medical appointments and considering the potential costs of transportation are essential. Exploring the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is highly recommended.

Residents should also advocate for improved transportation infrastructure and the potential expansion of public transit options to better serve the needs of the community. This could include exploring partnerships with neighboring municipalities or advocating for the implementation of demand-response transportation services.

The "Overall Health Score" can be improved by addressing these transportation limitations. By understanding the challenges and proactively planning for healthcare access, residents of Millerstown can strive to maintain their well-being and enjoy the benefits of this charming community. The availability of transportation is a critical component for healthcare access and should be a significant consideration for anyone moving to Millerstown.