17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.88 percent of residents in 17836 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 17.51 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17836

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 17836, encompassing the communities of Leck Kill and surrounding areas, necessitates a comprehensive examination of healthcare access. A critical component of this assessment is the ease and efficiency with which residents can travel to receive necessary medical care. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape, analyzing drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services, ultimately painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking healthcare within this specific geographic area.

The primary challenge for residents of Leck Kill and the broader 17836 ZIP code lies in its rural character. This translates to longer distances to healthcare facilities and a reliance on personal vehicles. Drive times, therefore, become a pivotal factor in determining healthcare access. The major thoroughfare serving the area is Pennsylvania Route 901, which connects to Pennsylvania Route 61, a vital artery leading to larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialized medical services are concentrated.

Traveling south on Route 901, residents can reach the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a major regional healthcare provider. The drive, however, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within the ZIP code. Alternatively, heading east on Route 901 leads to Shamokin, where residents might access smaller clinics or urgent care facilities. The drive to Shamokin is typically shorter, around 20-30 minutes, but the range of services available might be more limited.

Further complicating matters is the nature of the roads themselves. While Route 901 is generally well-maintained, it is a two-lane highway, susceptible to delays caused by accidents or seasonal weather conditions. Secondary roads, such as those connecting Leck Kill to the main routes, can be narrow and winding, increasing travel time and potentially posing challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. These transportation factors directly impact the overall health score.

Public transportation options within the 17836 ZIP code are extremely limited. The Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA) provides some bus service, but its routes and schedules are infrequent and primarily serve the more populated areas. Detailed route information is crucial, but the service is not designed to address the needs of residents in remote areas like Leck Kill. The lack of robust public transit significantly disadvantages individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or financially constrained. ADA accessibility features on the limited NCTA buses are important but insufficient to solve the core problem.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in rural areas like 17836 is often inconsistent. Availability may be limited, and wait times can be considerably longer than in urban areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly for frequent trips to medical appointments. This limitation further restricts healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like First Transit and various local ambulance services operate in the area. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require medical assistance during transport. However, availability can be limited, and these services often require pre-booking, potentially creating scheduling challenges for urgent care needs.

The overall health score for residents of 17836 is therefore negatively impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access. This situation is particularly concerning for individuals with chronic health conditions, those requiring regular medical appointments, and those facing emergencies.

Considering the prospect of moving to Leck Kill, prospective residents should carefully evaluate the transportation landscape and its implications for their healthcare needs. The availability of reliable transportation is paramount. The lack of readily available public transportation and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services may necessitate owning a vehicle or exploring alternative transportation options.

The lack of easy transportation is a significant factor. The limited access to healthcare facilities in the area, combined with the challenges of transportation, can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially exacerbating health conditions and negatively impacting overall well-being. This is especially true for those who are moving to Leck Kill.

Furthermore, the cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential ride-sharing fees, can add a financial burden to healthcare expenses. This financial strain can further hinder healthcare access, particularly for low-income residents. The overall health score is further affected by the economic burden of transportation.

The health score also considers the impact of environmental factors. The reliance on personal vehicles contributes to air pollution, which can negatively affect respiratory health. This is another important consideration for those moving to Leck Kill.

To improve the overall health score for residents of 17836, several interventions are necessary. Expanding public transportation options, particularly by increasing the frequency and reach of NCTA routes, would significantly improve healthcare access. This expansion should prioritize routes that connect Leck Kill and surrounding areas to major healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, promoting partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services could facilitate easier access to medical appointments. This could involve offering subsidized transportation options or coordinating transportation services for patients.

Encouraging the use of telehealth services, where appropriate, can also help mitigate transportation challenges. Telehealth allows patients to receive medical consultations and follow-up care remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. This is a particularly valuable option for residents in rural areas with limited transportation options.

Finally, educating residents about available transportation resources and healthcare options is crucial. This could involve providing information about public transit routes, ride-sharing services, medical transportation providers, and telehealth options.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 17836 is significantly influenced by the transportation landscape. The challenges of accessing healthcare, particularly in the rural community of Leck Kill, necessitate a multi-faceted approach to improve healthcare access. Addressing transportation limitations, expanding public transit, promoting telehealth, and educating residents about available resources are crucial steps towards enhancing the health and well-being of this community. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all residents, regardless of their location or transportation limitations, have equitable access to the healthcare they need.