17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.13 percent of residents in 17068 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center with a distance of 13.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17068 (New Bloomfield, PA)

Nestled in Perry County, Pennsylvania, the rural community of New Bloomfield (ZIP code 17068) presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, significantly shaped by the accessibility of healthcare services. This evaluation considers the critical factor of **transportation**, analyzing drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability to determine the ease with which residents can access essential medical care. The goal is to paint a vivid picture for anyone **moving to New Bloomfield**, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with **healthcare access** in this specific geographic area.

The primary challenge to healthcare access in New Bloomfield lies in its relative isolation. The town's rural setting means that residents often face considerable distances to reach hospitals, specialty clinics, and other medical facilities. The time spent traveling directly impacts the ability to receive timely care, particularly in emergencies. The overall health score, therefore, must reflect the potential delays and inconveniences associated with healthcare **transportation**.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads**

The most common mode of transport for healthcare in New Bloomfield is personal vehicles. Driving times to the nearest hospitals and major medical centers are a significant consideration. Residents typically rely on a network of local roads and highways. The primary artery is **Route 322**, which connects New Bloomfield to Harrisburg, the state capital, and its surrounding suburbs.

Traveling east on Route 322 towards Harrisburg, the drive to UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This journey involves navigating a mix of rural roads and more congested sections closer to the city. The same route also provides access to the Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, which is located slightly further east, resulting in a drive time of approximately 45-60 minutes.

Heading west on Route 322 offers access to facilities in Lewistown and other towns, but these locations are generally further away and less frequently utilized for routine healthcare. The drive to these facilities can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on the specific destination.

Local roads, such as **Route 274** and **Route 850**, provide alternative routes, but they are often slower due to their winding nature and lower speed limits. These routes can be useful for accessing smaller clinics and doctor's offices located in nearby towns, but they are generally not preferred for accessing major hospitals.

The overall drive-time assessment reveals a mixed picture. While access to major hospitals is possible within a reasonable timeframe, the distances involved necessitate careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of reliable transportation for maintaining good health.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in New Bloomfield are extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a car or are unable to drive. The primary provider of public transit in the region is Capital Area Transit (CAT). However, CAT's services are largely concentrated in the Harrisburg metropolitan area and do not extend directly into New Bloomfield.

CAT does operate a limited number of routes that serve towns close to New Bloomfield, such as Duncannon. However, these routes typically do not provide direct access to major hospitals or medical centers. Furthermore, the frequency of these routes is often low, making them impractical for regular healthcare appointments.

The lack of comprehensive public transit options disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. The absence of accessible and affordable public transportation significantly restricts their ability to access essential medical care. The current public transit infrastructure does not offer any ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features in the town.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Gaps and Considerations**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Harrisburg area and may provide a potential solution for some residents of New Bloomfield. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The wait times for a ride can be significantly longer than in urban areas, and the cost of transportation can be substantial, especially for longer distances.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including local ambulance services and private companies. These services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing options, but they provide a higher level of care and support for patients with mobility issues or other special needs.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides a valuable supplement to the limited public transit options. However, these services are not a universal solution. The cost, availability, and potential for delays must be carefully considered.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The overall health score for healthcare access in New Bloomfield (ZIP code 17068) is moderately challenged. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, coupled with limited public transit options, presents significant barriers to healthcare access. While drive times to major hospitals are manageable, the distances involved necessitate careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

The absence of reliable public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, limiting their ability to receive timely and affordable care. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some relief, but these options are not universally accessible or affordable.

The overall score reflects the need for improvements in healthcare **transportation** infrastructure and services. Increased investment in public transit, the expansion of ride-sharing options, and the promotion of affordable medical transportation services are crucial steps towards improving **healthcare access** for residents of New Bloomfield. For those **moving to New Bloomfield**, this information is critical in assessing the overall quality of life and ensuring access to necessary medical care. The community would benefit from exploring innovative solutions, such as partnerships with local organizations to provide transportation assistance or exploring the potential for telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits. The overall health of the community depends on it.