17810, Allenwood, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17810, Allenwood, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.60 percent of residents in 17810 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 25.46 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Allenwood (ZIP Code 17810)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Allenwood, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17810), a rural community nestled amidst the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, the "Overall Health Score" reflects a complex interplay of factors. This analysis examines the accessibility of healthcare facilities, focusing on the transportation landscape and its impact on residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical attention. This is crucial information for anyone considering moving to Allenwood.

The primary challenge for Allenwood residents seeking healthcare is its relative isolation. While the town offers a sense of tranquility, its location presents significant transportation hurdles. The nearest major healthcare hubs are located in surrounding towns and cities, necessitating reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and alternative transportation options. The overall score, therefore, is influenced by the drive times, public transportation availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Allenwood is the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on the network of roadways that connect Allenwood to surrounding areas. The primary arteries include Route 44, a north-south thoroughfare that provides access to nearby communities like Muncy and Montgomery. Route 15, a major highway, is accessible via Route 44 and offers a more direct route to Williamsport to the north and Selinsgrove and Shamokin Dam to the south.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. Reaching the UPMC Susquehanna Muncy Valley Hospital, the closest hospital, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic on Route 44. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a larger regional hospital offering specialized care, involves a 30-45 minute journey primarily via Route 15. Accessing the UPMC Williamsport Hospital requires a similar drive time, also via Route 15. These drive times, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by inclement weather or traffic congestion, potentially delaying critical care.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Allenwood are limited, posing a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The primary provider is the Lycoming County Transportation Services (LCTS). The LCTS offers a demand-response service, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance. This service, while available, is not ideal for urgent medical needs.

The LCTS service is available for those seeking healthcare, but it is not a fixed-route system. Riders must book in advance, and the availability of rides depends on demand and scheduling constraints. The service is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, offering ADA-accessible vehicles. However, the lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts the overall health score for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The absence of frequent service to major healthcare facilities limits healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Allenwood is limited. While these services may be available, their reliability and cost-effectiveness are questionable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This makes them a less dependable option for healthcare transportation.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available in the area. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized transport. However, they often come at a higher cost, and their availability may be subject to insurance coverage and pre-authorization requirements. These services are essential for those who cannot drive or access other forms of transportation.

**Impact on the Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Allenwood (ZIP Code 17810) reflects a mixed picture. While the community benefits from its proximity to several healthcare facilities, the transportation challenges significantly impact healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services, creates barriers for many residents.

The score is further influenced by factors such as age, income, and disability status. Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare due to transportation constraints. The lack of readily available transportation can lead to delayed medical care, missed appointments, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" for Allenwood requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding public transportation options, including fixed-route services to major healthcare facilities, would significantly improve access for residents without personal vehicles. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and traffic management systems, would help reduce drive times and improve the reliability of transportation. Promoting community-based programs that provide transportation assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities is crucial.

Furthermore, increasing awareness of available transportation options and resources, through community outreach and education, is essential. This includes providing information on public transit schedules, medical transport services, and financial assistance programs.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Allenwood, Pennsylvania, reflects the complex interplay between healthcare access and transportation. While the community benefits from its proximity to healthcare facilities, the transportation challenges significantly impact the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical attention. Addressing these challenges through expanded public transportation, improved infrastructure, and community-based programs is essential to improve the health and well-being of Allenwood residents. Moving to Allenwood requires a realistic understanding of the transportation challenges and a proactive approach to healthcare access. The community's health depends on it.