17076, Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17076, Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 17076 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 13.45 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare in Oakland Mills (ZIP Code 17076)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 17076 (Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania), evaluates the accessibility of medical facilities, considering various modes of **transportation**. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, culminating in an **Overall Health Score** reflecting the ease or difficulty residents face when seeking medical care. This information is particularly relevant for individuals **moving to Oakland Mills**, allowing them to assess the practicality of healthcare access before making a relocation decision.

Oakland Mills, nestled within the rolling hills of Juniata County, presents a unique challenge regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting dictates a reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of travel. However, we will examine the available alternatives, recognizing that transportation limitations can significantly impact health outcomes.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Oakland Mills are Route 35 and Route 75. These two-lane highways connect the community to larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialty clinics are located. The closest hospital, Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital, is approximately 20 miles away, a drive that, under ideal conditions, takes around 30 minutes. However, factors like traffic, weather, and road conditions can significantly impact this time.

Route 35, the more direct route, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly near Lewistown. Route 75, while offering a scenic alternative, adds mileage and potential travel time, especially if traveling to facilities in the opposite direction. Further afield, the drive to larger medical centers in Harrisburg, approximately 70 miles via Route 322, can take over an hour and a half, making it less practical for urgent medical needs.

The condition of these roads is also a factor. While generally well-maintained, winter weather can bring snow and ice, significantly increasing travel times and posing safety risks. These considerations are crucial when evaluating the **healthcare access** landscape for Oakland Mills residents.

**Public Transportation Assessment:**

Public transit options in this rural area are limited. Juniata County does offer a public transportation service, the Juniata County Transportation Authority (JCTA). This service operates on a demand-response basis, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. While the JCTA provides door-to-door service, it is not a fixed-route system. This can be a significant advantage for those with mobility limitations, but scheduling constraints and potential wait times must be factored in.

The JCTA operates within Juniata County and to some surrounding areas, potentially including access to healthcare facilities in Lewistown. However, the frequency of service and the need for pre-booking can pose challenges, especially for those with unpredictable medical needs. Information regarding ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, such as wheelchair lifts or ramps, is available through the JCTA directly.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lewistown area, but their presence in Oakland Mills itself is less consistent. Availability is often dependent on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments may be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Specialized medical transportation services are another option. These services, often provided by ambulance companies or private transportation providers, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. They can provide transportation for appointments, dialysis treatments, or other medical-related travel. However, these services typically come at a higher cost than other transportation options.

**Overall Health Score Calculation:**

The **Overall Health Score** is derived by weighing several factors: drive times, public transit availability and reliability, ride-sharing and medical transport options, and the presence of local healthcare facilities. The score will be presented on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 the easiest.

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest hospital (Geisinger-Lewistown) is a significant factor. Consistent drive times under 30 minutes receive a higher score. Longer drive times, especially those exceeding an hour, negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The availability, frequency, and reliability of the JCTA are assessed. A well-functioning, accessible public transit system improves the score. Limited service and scheduling complexities lower it.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are considered. A readily available and affordable option contributes positively to the score. Limited availability or high costs detract from it.
* **Local Healthcare Facilities:** The presence of local clinics, doctor's offices, or urgent care facilities in Oakland Mills or nearby communities improves the score. A lack of local options necessitates longer travel distances, lowering the score.

**Overall Health Score for Oakland Mills (ZIP Code 17076): 2.5/5**

The **Overall Health Score** for Oakland Mills is a 2.5 out of 5. This score reflects the challenges inherent in accessing healthcare in a rural setting. The primary mode of **transportation** is the personal vehicle, which, while providing flexibility, is subject to weather conditions and potential travel time delays.

The limited public transit options, while providing a valuable service, are constrained by scheduling and frequency. The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent, and medical transport options can be expensive. The absence of a local hospital or extensive medical facilities necessitates travel to Lewistown or Harrisburg.

**Recommendations:**

* **Improve Public Transit:** Expanding the JCTA's service area, increasing frequency, and streamlining the scheduling process would significantly improve **healthcare access** for residents.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encouraging ride-sharing services to operate more consistently in the area, potentially through incentives or partnerships with local healthcare providers, could offer a more reliable alternative.
* **Support Local Healthcare:** Promoting the development of local clinics or medical offices in Oakland Mills or nearby communities would reduce the need for long-distance travel for routine care.
* **Community Education:** Educating residents about available transportation options, including the JCTA, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers, is crucial.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals **moving to Oakland Mills**, understanding the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access** is paramount. While the community offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, the **Overall Health Score** of 2.5 highlights the need for careful consideration of healthcare needs and the available options. Proactive planning and awareness of the transportation challenges are crucial for ensuring access to timely and appropriate medical care. The community's health depends on its ability to navigate these challenges and find solutions that improve access for all residents.