17232, Lurgan, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17232, Lurgan, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 17232 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 11.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17232

Welcome to a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access within ZIP Code 17232, a region encompassing the charming community of Lurgan, Pennsylvania. This evaluation considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, to determine an overall "Health Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can reach essential medical care. This analysis is particularly pertinent for those considering moving to Lurgan, providing valuable insights into the practicalities of healthcare access.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Lurgan, and indeed much of rural Pennsylvania, is the personal vehicle. The primary arteries for transportation are the major highways, including Interstate 81 (I-81), which runs north-south, and US Route 11, a parallel thoroughfare. Residents typically utilize these routes to reach larger medical facilities located in neighboring towns and cities. Driving times, however, can fluctuate dramatically depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.

For residents of Lurgan, reaching the nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers requires a drive. UPMC Carlisle, approximately 15 miles south via I-81, represents a significant destination. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, assuming favorable traffic flow. Another option is Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, roughly 30 miles east, a journey that can take upwards of 45 minutes, especially during rush hour. These drive times are crucial considerations for anyone managing chronic conditions or requiring urgent medical attention.

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 17232 are limited. The primary provider is the rabbittransit, offering bus services throughout the region. Unfortunately, direct routes from Lurgan to major healthcare facilities are scarce. Residents would likely need to transfer buses, increasing travel time and complexity. The rabbittransit network, however, does strive to provide ADA-accessible services, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Specific bus routes serving the general area include the 301, which runs along US Route 11, and the 303, which connects Carlisle and Shippensburg. These routes, however, might not directly serve all healthcare destinations. The lack of robust public transportation underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative modes of transportation for healthcare access in Lurgan. This is a critical factor when evaluating the overall "Health Score."

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability in Lurgan and the surrounding areas can be inconsistent. Ride-sharing services are generally more readily available in urban centers, and their presence in rural areas like Lurgan might be subject to fluctuating demand and driver availability. This variability can significantly impact healthcare access, particularly for those without personal transportation.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport individuals to medical appointments, offer another option. Companies like MedTrans and Firstat Nursing Services provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are typically pre-booked and can be a reliable option for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation. However, these services come with associated costs, which should be factored into the overall assessment.

The "Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 17232 is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. While the availability of personal vehicles provides a primary means of reaching healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to a less-than-ideal score.

The drive times to major hospitals, while manageable in good traffic, can be significantly extended during peak hours, posing a challenge for those requiring prompt medical attention. The lack of readily available public transportation, especially direct routes to healthcare facilities, further compounds the issue.

The availability of ride-sharing services, although present, is not consistently reliable, particularly in a rural area like Lurgan. This limitation can be a significant barrier for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

Medical transport services offer a viable solution, but the associated costs add another layer of complexity to healthcare access. The overall "Health Score" reflects a mixed picture, where personal vehicles are the most reliable means of accessing healthcare, but other transportation options present challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Lurgan, a careful assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Those who rely on public transportation or have limited mobility should thoroughly investigate the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options.

The presence of I-81 and US Route 11 offers a degree of connectivity, but the reliance on these highways highlights the importance of considering potential traffic delays. Planning for potential delays and understanding the available transportation options are crucial for ensuring timely access to medical care.

The "Health Score" for ZIP Code 17232, while not critically low, suggests that healthcare access requires careful planning and consideration of the available transportation infrastructure. Prospective residents should factor in the drive times, the limitations of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the costs associated with medical transport when evaluating the overall quality of life in Lurgan. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is a key determinant of the ease with which residents can access essential medical care.