17771, Trout Run, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17771, Trout Run, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.42 percent of residents in 17771 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital with a distance of 17.45 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17771

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Trout Run, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17771) necessitates a deep dive into healthcare access, specifically focusing on the transportation infrastructure that connects this rural community to essential medical services. The score, reflecting the ease and efficiency of reaching healthcare facilities, is significantly impacted by the challenges inherent in navigating the region's terrain and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. This analysis will examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive picture of the current landscape.

The primary hurdle for residents of Trout Run is the geographical isolation. Nestled within the scenic, yet sparsely populated, landscape of Lycoming County, the community is distanced from major medical centers. The primary roadways serving the area are Pennsylvania Route 14 and Pennsylvania Route 414. These roads, while providing access, are often winding and subject to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Pennsylvania winters. The commute to the nearest hospital, UPMC Williamsport, located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, necessitates a drive of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the ZIP code.

The journey typically involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 14 south, which eventually merges onto U.S. Route 15. This route offers a more direct, albeit often congested, path to Williamsport. The time spent on the road, coupled with the potential for delays due to weather or accidents, directly impacts the overall health score. Residents needing urgent care face a race against the clock, highlighting the critical importance of efficient transportation.

Public transit options in the region are limited. The primary provider, River Valley TransitValley Transit, offers bus routes within Williamsport and the surrounding areas. However, these routes are not directly accessible from Trout Run. Residents would need to arrange transportation to a transfer point, significantly increasing the travel time and complexity of accessing healthcare. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses, while present, is not guaranteed on all routes, potentially posing a barrier for individuals with mobility limitations. The lack of convenient public transit significantly diminishes the overall health score for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Williamsport area. However, their presence in Trout Run is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of drivers is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for critical healthcare appointments is therefore precarious. The inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further contributes to the challenges of healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transport services, designed to address the specific needs of patients, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for appointments and other healthcare-related needs. These services often require pre-booking and can be subject to availability. While they offer a valuable lifeline for some residents, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

The overall health score for Trout Run, Pennsylvania (17771) is significantly impacted by the limitations in transportation options. The drive times to healthcare facilities, the absence of reliable public transit, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing, and the potential cost of medical transport services all contribute to a lower score. The challenges of accessing healthcare are particularly acute for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those without personal vehicles.

For individuals considering moving to Trout Run, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and the associated transportation challenges is crucial. The lack of readily available healthcare access should be a significant factor in their decision-making process. Prospective residents should carefully consider their ability to navigate the roadways, the potential reliance on alternative transportation options, and the associated costs.

Improving the overall health score for Trout Run necessitates addressing the transportation deficiencies. This could involve exploring options such as expanding public transit routes to include the community, incentivizing ride-sharing services to operate more frequently in the area, or subsidizing medical transport services for low-income residents. Furthermore, the development of telemedicine services could help bridge the gap in healthcare access by allowing residents to consult with healthcare providers remotely.

The current state of healthcare access in Trout Run presents a complex challenge. The rural nature of the community, combined with the limited transportation infrastructure, creates significant barriers for residents seeking medical care. While the scenic beauty of the area may be appealing, potential residents must realistically evaluate the difficulties of accessing healthcare before making a decision to move to Trout Run. The overall health score reflects the urgent need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and the expansion of healthcare services to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the care they need.