17257, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17257, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.99 percent of residents in 17257 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 10.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Shippensburg, PA (ZIP Code 17257)

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount for overall well-being, especially when considering a move to a new community. This analysis provides a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' for residents of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17257), focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options, offering a practical perspective on healthcare access within the region.

Shippensburg, a charming borough nestled in the Cumberland Valley, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While possessing a strong sense of community, its location necessitates understanding the transportation infrastructure that connects residents to essential medical services. The ability to efficiently reach healthcare providers is a crucial factor in maintaining health and quality of life, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries facilitating transportation in and around Shippensburg are crucial to assessing healthcare access. The dominant route is **Interstate 81 (I-81)**, a major north-south thoroughfare that provides relatively quick access to larger medical centers in nearby cities. Traveling north on I-81 offers a direct route to Chambersburg Hospital, approximately a 20-minute drive under normal traffic conditions. Heading south on I-81 extends the reach to Harrisburg, the state capital, where numerous specialized medical facilities are available, though this commute can extend to an hour or more depending on traffic.

Local roads also play a vital role. **Route 11**, running parallel to I-81, serves as a convenient alternative, particularly for destinations within the borough and surrounding areas. **Route 696**, intersecting with Route 11, provides access to local businesses and residential areas. **King Street**, the main thoroughfare through Shippensburg, connects to these major routes, providing easy access to local healthcare providers and pharmacies.

Drive times are generally favorable within the immediate vicinity. Shippensburg University's health center is easily accessible, often reachable within minutes. Local family practices and urgent care facilities are also typically a short drive away. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to Chambersburg or Harrisburg, potentially increasing drive times and the associated stress.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Shippensburg are limited but still contribute to the 'Overall Health Score.' The **Cumberland County Transportation Authority (CCTA)** provides bus service within the county. Route 1, a key CCTA route, serves Shippensburg, offering connections to Chambersburg and other surrounding communities. While the frequency of service may not be ideal for all healthcare appointments, especially during off-peak hours, it provides a viable option for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive.

Accessibility is a key consideration. The CCTA strives to provide ADA-compliant buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of these accessible vehicles on every route and the overall accessibility of bus stops can vary. Planning ahead and confirming accessibility features with the CCTA is crucial for individuals with mobility challenges.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in Shippensburg, offering an on-demand transportation alternative. Their presence significantly enhances healthcare access, especially for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to drive. The availability of these services, however, can fluctuate depending on the time of day and driver availability. Booking rides in advance, especially for appointments, is recommended to ensure timely arrival.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to cater to individuals with medical needs. **Medicaid Transportation** and **Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)** providers offer services for individuals eligible for these programs. These services typically involve pre-arranged transportation to and from medical appointments, providing a crucial link for those who require assistance with mobility.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Medical Transportation Management (MTM)**
* **LogistiCare**
* **Modivcare**

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for accessing healthcare in Shippensburg, PA (17257) is moderately favorable. The primary advantage lies in the relatively easy access to local healthcare providers and the availability of ride-sharing services. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for specialized care and the limited public transportation options present challenges.

The commute to healthcare is a significant factor for anyone **moving to Shippensburg**. While the borough itself offers local services, the need for specialized care often requires travel to larger medical centers. This necessitates careful consideration of transportation options and potential travel times.

For individuals with limited mobility or without personal vehicles, the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options is critical. However, reliance on these services can increase costs and require advance planning. The CCTA bus service provides an additional option, though its frequency and accessibility should be carefully evaluated.

**Conclusion:**

Shippensburg offers a decent level of healthcare access, but the 'Overall Health Score' is influenced by the need to travel for specialized care. Residents should carefully assess their individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Prioritizing access to a reliable form of **transportation** is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options provides additional support, but advance planning and awareness of limitations are essential. When considering **healthcare access** in Shippensburg, potential residents should factor in drive times, public transit routes, and the availability of alternative **transportation** options.