17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.11 percent of residents in 17853 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 27.28 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Mount Pleasant Mills (ZIP Code 17853)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17853), focusing on their ability to access healthcare. This score integrates factors related to transportation, assessing the ease and efficiency of reaching medical facilities. We delve into drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access, crucial for anyone considering moving to this rural community.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its residents' ability to obtain necessary medical care. This analysis considers the practical realities of accessing healthcare, acknowledging that distance, travel time, and available transportation options significantly impact health outcomes. We examine the specific challenges and opportunities within ZIP code 17853, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Foundation of Healthcare Access**

For residents of Mount Pleasant Mills, personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transportation. Understanding drive times to various healthcare facilities is paramount. Accessing specialized care frequently necessitates travel to larger towns and cities. The central location of Mount Pleasant Mills, near the intersection of Route 35 and Route 104, provides a degree of connectivity, yet travel times can vary significantly depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

The closest significant healthcare hub is in Selinsgrove, approximately 20 miles away. This drive, primarily along Route 35, typically takes around 30-40 minutes, assuming normal traffic. Selinsgrove offers a hospital, Geisinger Medical Center, and various specialty clinics, providing a range of medical services. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the overall health score.

Further afield, the city of Sunbury, approximately 30 miles away, offers additional healthcare options. The journey to Sunbury, likely involving Route 35 and potentially Route 147, can take 45 minutes to an hour. This longer travel time, while still manageable, impacts the accessibility score, particularly for those requiring frequent appointments or facing urgent medical needs.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Harrisburg or Williamsport. Harrisburg, roughly 80 miles away, requires a journey of about 1.5 to 2 hours, typically involving Route 35, Route 11/15, and potentially Interstate 81. Williamsport, around 60 miles distant, can be reached via Route 104 and Route 15, taking approximately 1.5 hours. These extended travel times pose a significant challenge, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

The condition of the roadways also influences the overall health score. Route 35 and Route 104 are generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, particularly during winter, can impact travel times and safety. The rural nature of the area means limited alternative routes, making road closures or delays a significant concern.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Mount Pleasant Mills are extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA) provides some bus services within Snyder County, but these routes and schedules are not designed for convenient access to medical facilities.

While the SVTA may offer limited services, routes serving Mount Pleasant Mills are infrequent and may not align with appointment schedules. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities, but the frequency of these services might be restricted. The lack of robust public transit significantly detracts from the overall health score, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable, especially in rural locations. Availability may be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make these services unaffordable for many residents. While ride-sharing can offer a viable solution in some instances, it cannot be considered a reliable primary mode of transportation for healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a crucial service for individuals who cannot drive themselves. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. However, these services often come with a higher cost than public transit or ride-sharing. The availability of medical transportation services in the 17853 ZIP code is a positive factor, but the cost and potential for limited availability impact the overall score.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Mount Pleasant Mills is moderate. The proximity to Selinsgrove and the presence of local medical providers offer a baseline level of access. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create significant barriers for some residents.

The distance to specialized care facilities in Harrisburg and Williamsport, along with the associated travel times, further complicates the picture. The availability of healthcare services within the community itself, including primary care physicians, dentists, and pharmacies, is a crucial factor that can mitigate the impact of transportation challenges. The presence of these essential services within or near Mount Pleasant Mills enhances the overall health score.

**Conclusion: Considerations for Moving to Mount Pleasant Mills**

For individuals considering moving to Mount Pleasant Mills, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. While the community offers a peaceful and rural lifestyle, healthcare access presents unique challenges. Those who are reliant on public transportation or have limited mobility should carefully evaluate their ability to access necessary medical services.

The availability of personal vehicles, the ability to drive, and the financial resources to utilize ride-sharing or medical transportation services are critical factors. Prospective residents should research the availability of healthcare providers in the area and assess the ease of reaching specialized medical facilities. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential costs associated with alternative transportation methods is crucial.

Ultimately, the overall health score for healthcare access in Mount Pleasant Mills reflects a balance of advantages and disadvantages. While the community benefits from its proximity to Selinsgrove and the availability of local medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges for some residents. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for making an informed decision about moving to Mount Pleasant Mills and ensuring adequate healthcare access.