17201, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17201, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.25 percent of residents in 17201 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 0.52 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Chambersburg (ZIP Code 17201)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access essential services, and a critical thread in that tapestry is healthcare access. In Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17201), the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities directly impacts their overall well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, scrutinizing the various transportation options available to navigate the journey from home to healthcare, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This information is particularly pertinent for those considering **moving to Chambersburg**, as it directly influences their ability to maintain and improve their health.

The primary mode of transportation for many in Chambersburg is the personal vehicle. The town's layout and surrounding infrastructure significantly influence drive times to medical facilities. The main arteries for travel include Interstate 81 (I-81), which runs north-south, and U.S. Route 30, an east-west thoroughfare. These highways are often the fastest routes, particularly for those living on the outskirts of town. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend drive times, impacting **healthcare access**.

Within the town itself, roads like Lincoln Way East and West, and Chambersburg's main thoroughfare, offer direct access to various medical offices, hospitals, and urgent care centers. The proximity of these facilities to residential areas is a crucial factor. For instance, residents living near Chambersburg Hospital (UPMC) or WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital generally enjoy shorter drive times compared to those residing further out, potentially experiencing a greater sense of security regarding timely medical attention.

The estimated drive times vary depending on the destination and the starting point within the ZIP code. A trip from the northern part of Chambersburg to the Chambersburg Hospital, for example, might take approximately 10-15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. A trip from the southern end to a specialist's office located on Lincoln Way could take a similar amount of time. However, a journey to a facility located outside of Chambersburg, such as a specialized clinic in Hagerstown, Maryland, could extend drive times to 30-45 minutes or more, depending on traffic flow on I-81.

Public transportation, though available, presents a different landscape for **healthcare access**. The primary provider is the Franklin County Transit Authority (FCTA). The FCTA operates a bus system, offering routes that connect various points within Chambersburg and the surrounding areas. Route 1 and Route 2 are among the most frequently used routes, and they often provide access to key healthcare locations.

However, the FCTA's service has limitations. The frequency of buses, especially during evenings and weekends, may not always align with the needs of those seeking medical care. Furthermore, the routes might not always directly serve every medical facility, requiring transfers or longer walks. While the FCTA strives to provide ADA-compliant buses with ramps and designated seating, the overall coverage and frequency could pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, potentially creating barriers to **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative transportation solution, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle or who prefer not to drive. The availability of these services in Chambersburg is generally good, with wait times typically ranging from a few minutes to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day and demand.

Ride-sharing can be a convenient option for reaching medical appointments, especially for short distances. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments or longer trips. This financial burden can be a significant factor for individuals on fixed incomes or those with limited financial resources, potentially impacting their ability to seek necessary medical care.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs, including those requiring assistance with mobility or those who cannot drive themselves. Several providers operate in the Chambersburg area, offering services like wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transportation. These services are vital for ensuring that individuals with disabilities or medical conditions can reach their appointments.

However, medical transportation services often require advance booking, and the cost can be substantial, depending on the distance and the level of care required. The availability of these services can also be limited, particularly during peak hours or for last-minute appointments. Therefore, while they offer a crucial lifeline for some, they may not be a readily accessible option for everyone, influencing **healthcare access**.

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Chambersburg (ZIP Code 17201) is, therefore, multifaceted. While the presence of major highways and roads facilitates relatively quick travel times for many residents, particularly those with personal vehicles, other factors introduce complexities. The limitations of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the potential challenges associated with medical transportation services contribute to a more nuanced assessment.

The ease of **healthcare access** is not uniform across the ZIP code. Residents living closer to medical facilities, with access to a personal vehicle, and with the financial means to utilize ride-sharing or medical transportation services generally enjoy a higher level of access. Conversely, those reliant on public transit, with mobility limitations, or with limited financial resources may face greater challenges in reaching their medical appointments.

For those considering **moving to Chambersburg**, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. It's essential to assess the proximity of potential residences to medical facilities, the availability of public transit options, and the potential costs associated with various transportation modes. This comprehensive understanding will empower individuals to make informed decisions that support their health and well-being within the community. The overall health score is a balance, with some areas excelling and others requiring improvement to ensure equitable **healthcare access** for all residents.