17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.31 percent of residents in 17832 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 13.36 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Marion Heights (ZIP Code 17832)

Marion Heights, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Northumberland County, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, particularly regarding access to healthcare. This analysis focuses on the crucial element of **transportation**, evaluating how residents of ZIP code 17832 navigate the journey to medical facilities. The **healthcare access** challenges and opportunities are examined, providing insight for individuals considering **moving to Marion Heights**. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, culminating in an overall health score reflecting the ease or difficulty of obtaining necessary medical care.

The foundation of healthcare access in Marion Heights is largely built upon personal vehicle ownership. The primary roads serving the area are Pennsylvania Route 54 and Pennsylvania Route 901. These routes, while providing access to neighboring towns and cities, can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours. The winding nature of these roads, combined with the rural terrain, contributes to longer travel times compared to more urban environments. The distance to major hospitals and medical centers significantly impacts the overall health score.

Drive times to key healthcare providers are a critical factor. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a comprehensive regional hospital, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within Marion Heights. This journey typically involves traveling on Route 54 and then onto Interstate 80. The drive to Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, another significant healthcare provider, is roughly 40-55 minutes, requiring travel on Route 901 and then Route 15. These travel times, while manageable for routine appointments, become more critical in emergency situations.

Public transit options are limited, presenting a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA) offers some bus services, but the routes and schedules may not directly serve all areas of Marion Heights or provide frequent connections to healthcare facilities. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration, ensuring individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system. Detailed route information, including bus numbers, schedules, and ADA features, would be essential for residents relying on public transport.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence and reliability can vary. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is a concern. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited incomes or frequent medical appointments. The overall health score is affected by the dependability and affordability of ride-sharing options.

Medical transport services play a vital role in ensuring healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transit. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but their response times and capabilities are influenced by the distance to the nearest hospital. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services, such as those offered by private companies, are available to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. The availability, cost, and reliability of these services are crucial for residents with mobility limitations or other health conditions.

The rural nature of Marion Heights and its surrounding areas influences healthcare access. The distance to healthcare providers, combined with the limited public transit options, creates a significant dependency on personal vehicles. This reliance can be a burden for individuals without access to a car, those with financial constraints, or those with health conditions that make driving difficult. The overall health score reflects these challenges, highlighting the need for alternative transportation solutions.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Marion Heights, ZIP code 17832, is moderately challenging. While major hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of robust public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential cost of medical transport create barriers for some residents. The score reflects the need for improved public transportation infrastructure, expanded ride-sharing options, and accessible medical transport services to enhance healthcare access for all residents.

For individuals considering moving to Marion Heights, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Factors to consider include personal vehicle ownership, access to reliable transportation, and the availability of medical support services. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential challenges of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport is crucial for making an informed decision about healthcare access.

The overall health score, therefore, is influenced by several factors: drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, medical transport services, and the individual's personal circumstances. The score is a reflection of the ease or difficulty of obtaining necessary medical care, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare access in Marion Heights. Investing in accessible transportation solutions, promoting ride-sharing services, and supporting medical transport initiatives will contribute to a healthier community.

The health score is not static. It can be improved through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, expanded access to healthcare services, and community-based programs that support individuals in accessing medical care. The goal is to create a community where all residents, regardless of their transportation limitations, can readily access the healthcare they need. This requires a collaborative effort from healthcare providers, local government, community organizations, and individuals.