17829, Hartleton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17829, Hartleton, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.11 percent of residents in 17829 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 29.05 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Hartleton, PA (ZIP Code 17829)

This analysis provides an overall health score for individuals residing in Hartleton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17829), focusing on the crucial element of healthcare access. This score considers the various transportation options available for residents to reach medical facilities, analyzing drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. The ultimate goal is to paint a clear picture of the ease or difficulty with which Hartleton residents can access vital healthcare services.

The health score is not a numerical value but rather a comprehensive assessment based on the availability, accessibility, and efficiency of transportation options. It considers the potential impact of transportation limitations on the health and well-being of the community. This write-up aims to be a valuable resource for anyone considering moving to Hartleton, providing insights into the practicalities of healthcare access.

Hartleton, a small community nestled in Union County, Pennsylvania, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to longer distances to medical facilities, making transportation a critical factor in determining health outcomes. Understanding the transportation landscape is paramount to evaluating the overall health score for this ZIP code.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Hartleton residents to access healthcare is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The road infrastructure, while generally well-maintained, dictates the drive times to various medical facilities. The primary thoroughfare connecting Hartleton to larger towns and cities is **Pennsylvania Route 45 (PA-45)**. This road provides access to Lewisburg, the closest town with a significant concentration of healthcare providers.

Driving from Hartleton to the Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, a major healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes via PA-45. This drive is generally straightforward, with minimal traffic congestion, contributing to a relatively favorable score for drive-time access. However, during inclement weather, such as snow or heavy rain, drive times can increase, potentially impacting healthcare access.

Other healthcare facilities, such as Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, are further afield. Reaching Danville from Hartleton requires traveling on PA-45 and then transitioning to **U.S. Route 15 (US-15)**. The drive to Danville can take approximately 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The longer drive time to Geisinger Medical Center presents a greater challenge for residents needing immediate medical attention or frequent appointments.

The availability of secondary roads, such as **Hartleton Road** and **Buffalo Road**, offers alternative routes, but these roads are often less direct and may be subject to varying road conditions. The overall drive-time score for Hartleton is moderately positive, reflecting the relatively short commute to Lewisburg, but the longer travel times to more specialized facilities in Danville are a factor.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Hartleton are limited, which significantly impacts the overall health score. The primary public transit provider in the region is the **River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT)**. However, RVT's service in Hartleton and the surrounding rural areas is restricted.

RVT does offer limited routes that may serve the broader area, but direct routes to healthcare facilities from Hartleton are scarce. Residents would likely need to utilize a combination of routes, potentially requiring transfers and extended travel times. The lack of frequent and direct public transit options negatively impacts the health score, particularly for individuals without access to personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

The availability of **ADA-accessible** public transit is a critical consideration. RVT does offer ADA-compliant buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can utilize the service. However, the limited route availability and potential for long travel times remain significant drawbacks.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the region, offering an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Hartleton can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments are available in the area. **Medical Transport Services** and **Ambulette Services** are some of the providers that serve the region. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients. While these services can be a valuable resource, they often require advance booking and can be costly, impacting the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Hartleton, PA (ZIP code 17829) is moderate. The relatively short drive time to Lewisburg and the Evangelical Community Hospital provides a positive element. However, the limited public transportation options, the potential for longer drive times to specialized facilities, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services pose challenges.

The lack of readily available and affordable transportation can create barriers to healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed medical care, missed appointments, and poorer health outcomes. This is particularly relevant for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations can be considered. Expanding public transportation routes to include more direct service to healthcare facilities would significantly enhance accessibility. Partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation options for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Promoting the availability and affordability of medical transportation services is crucial. Educating residents about existing transportation options and providing assistance with booking and coordinating transportation can also improve healthcare access.

For those considering moving to Hartleton, it is essential to carefully assess their transportation needs and access to healthcare. Understanding the limitations and challenges related to transportation is crucial for making an informed decision. Hartleton offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, but prospective residents must factor in the potential transportation constraints when evaluating their overall health and well-being.