17846, Millville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17846, Millville, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.66 percent of residents in 17846 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital with a distance of 9.20 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Millville, PA (ZIP Code 17846)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. For residents of Millville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17846), this access is heavily influenced by the available transportation options. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the ease and efficiency of commuting to healthcare facilities, offering insights for potential residents considering moving to Millville, PA.

Millville itself is a small, rural community, nestled in the heart of Columbia County. Its location, while offering scenic beauty and a slower pace of life, presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The primary factor influencing the "Overall Health Score" in this area is the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing services may have restricted availability.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Millville are roadways. The major thoroughfare is **PA-42**, which runs directly through the town. This road connects Millville to Bloomsburg, the county seat, where a significant concentration of healthcare providers is located. Driving to Bloomsburg, a journey of approximately 10 miles, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Further afield, **Interstate 80** offers access to larger medical centers in Danville and Williamsport. However, these trips involve a longer drive. Reaching Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, approximately 25 miles away, can take around 35-45 minutes. Heading north to UPMC Williamsport, roughly 40 miles, may require an hour or more of driving. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact drive times and safety.

**Public Transportation Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Millville are severely limited. Columbia County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides some bus service within the county. However, routes and schedules are infrequent, and service to Millville may be limited, especially on weekends and evenings. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses and routes is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. Information regarding specific routes, schedules, and ADA features can be found on the CCTA website.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their coverage is often inconsistent, especially in rural areas. Availability can be particularly challenging during peak hours, in the evenings, or on weekends. Relying on ride-sharing for routine medical appointments may not be reliable.

Medical transportation services are available, but they often require pre-booking and can be costly. These services are primarily designed for individuals with specific medical needs, such as those requiring stretcher transport or specialized medical equipment. Some local ambulance services may offer non-emergency transportation, but availability and cost vary.

**Healthcare Access Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Millville, PA (17846) is moderate, with significant drawbacks. The primary strength is the relatively short drive to Bloomsburg for basic medical needs. However, the limitations in public transportation, the potential for ride-sharing unreliability, and the distance to larger medical centers significantly impact the score.

Individuals considering moving to Millville should carefully assess their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

Several factors contribute to the overall score:

* **Drive Time:** The time required to reach various healthcare facilities is a critical factor. Shorter drive times generally improve the score.
* **Public Transportation Availability:** The presence of reliable and accessible public transportation enhances the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options influence the score.
* **Healthcare Provider Density:** The number and variety of healthcare providers in the surrounding areas affect the score.
* **Road Conditions:** The condition of roads and highways, particularly during inclement weather, can impact drive times and safety.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of accessible transportation options is crucial for individuals with disabilities.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Potential Residents:**

* **Personal Vehicle:** Owning a personal vehicle is almost essential for accessing healthcare in Millville.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Consider the proximity to healthcare providers when choosing a residence.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Have a plan for emergency medical situations, including access to ambulance services.
* **Research Transportation Options:** Investigate the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Explore Telehealth:** Utilize telehealth services for routine appointments and consultations.
* **Community Resources:** Research local community resources that may offer transportation assistance to medical appointments.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Millville, PA (17846) reflects the challenges of rural healthcare access. While the proximity to Bloomsburg offers some convenience, the limitations in public transportation, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the distance to larger medical centers create hurdles for residents. Individuals considering moving to Millville should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities to ensure they can access the necessary medical services. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options are key considerations in assessing the overall health and well-being of the community.