17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.67 percent of residents in 17260 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Huntingdon with a distance of 15.55 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17260 (Shirleysburg, PA)

The picturesque community of Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17260), nestled within the rolling hills of Huntingdon County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: **healthcare access**. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape influencing residents' ability to reach medical facilities, ultimately contributing to an **Overall Health Score** assessment. This score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation options. For those considering **moving to Shirleysburg**, understanding these factors is crucial for informed decision-making.

The primary concern in 17260 is the relative isolation from major medical centers. The nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are located in neighboring towns, necessitating travel via various transportation modes. The **Overall Health Score** for Shirleysburg is moderately impacted by this geographical constraint.

### Driving Distances and Roadways

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Shirleysburg is personal vehicle. The availability of a car is almost essential, given the sparse public transit options. Residents rely on a network of roadways to reach medical appointments.

The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities is via **Route 26**, which connects Shirleysburg to larger towns like Huntingdon and State College. Depending on the destination, drive times vary. To Huntingdon, home to UPMC-based services, the drive is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This is generally considered a manageable commute.

However, traveling further afield, such as to State College (home to Mount Nittany Medical Center), significantly increases travel time. The journey involves navigating **Route 26** and then connecting to **US-322**, a major highway. This drive can take up to an hour, potentially longer during peak traffic or adverse weather conditions.

Smaller roads like **Shirleysburg Road** and **Roberts Road** provide access to local services and contribute to a more localized healthcare network. These roads are generally well-maintained, but their limited capacity can lead to delays during peak hours. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can also impact the ease of access.

### Public Transportation: Limited Options

Public transportation options in Shirleysburg are severely limited, significantly impacting the **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. The primary provider is the Huntingdon County Human Services Transportation (HCHST). The **Overall Health Score** is negatively affected by the lack of robust public transit.

HCHST offers demand-response transportation services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While this service is available for medical appointments, it requires careful planning and may not be ideal for urgent situations. The service area is limited, and wait times can be substantial.

Furthermore, the availability of public transit is often restricted by operational hours, making it challenging to access medical appointments outside of standard business hours. The lack of weekend or evening service further exacerbates the problem.

While HCHST vehicles are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including ADA-compliant features, the limited service frequency and geographical coverage remain significant barriers. The reliance on pre-scheduled rides can be a major inconvenience, particularly for those with chronic conditions requiring frequent medical visits.

### Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation

The rise of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, has offered alternative transportation solutions in many areas. However, their availability in Shirleysburg is inconsistent and unreliable. The **Overall Health Score** benefits marginally from ride-sharing, but it is not a dependable option.

The lack of a consistent driver pool means that securing a ride can be challenging, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. Surge pricing, common during periods of high demand, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option, particularly for those on fixed incomes.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility devices.

Several NEMT providers operate in the Huntingdon County area. These services are often covered by Medicaid or other insurance plans, making them a viable option for some residents. However, availability can still be limited, and pre-booking is essential.

### Impact on Overall Health Score

The **Overall Health Score** for healthcare access in 17260 is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for residents seeking medical care.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable to Huntingdon, can become substantial when accessing specialized care in State College or other regional centers. The limited public transit options disproportionately affect those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial safety net, but their limitations in terms of availability and coverage still present challenges. The **Overall Health Score** is further diminished by the potential for delays due to traffic, weather conditions, and the logistical complexities of coordinating transportation.

### Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Shirleysburg

For those considering **moving to Shirleysburg**, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Prospective residents should factor in the drive times to their preferred healthcare providers and assess the availability of alternative transportation options.

Individuals without personal vehicles should carefully evaluate the limitations of public transit and the potential challenges of relying on ride-sharing or medical transportation services. The **Overall Health Score** can be improved with proactive planning.

Consideration should be given to the proximity of local healthcare services, such as primary care physicians and urgent care clinics, to minimize the need for long-distance travel. Exploring the availability of telehealth services can also help mitigate transportation challenges.

In conclusion, while Shirleysburg offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the transportation landscape presents significant challenges for healthcare access. The **Overall Health Score** reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation limitations. Residents should proactively assess their individual needs and develop strategies to ensure timely and reliable access to medical care.