17859, Orangeville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17859, Orangeville, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.98 percent of residents in 17859 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital with a distance of 4.23 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Orangeville, PA (ZIP Code 17859)

The overall health score for residents of Orangeville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17859) is significantly influenced by the accessibility of healthcare services. Evaluating this access requires a comprehensive understanding of the **transportation** landscape, including drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. This write-up provides a detailed analysis, culminating in a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking medical care. Those **moving to Orangeville** should carefully consider these factors.

Orangeville, a small community nestled in Columbia County, relies heavily on personal vehicles for **transportation**. The primary roadways serving the area are Route 487, which connects Orangeville to Bloomsburg and other surrounding towns, and Route 254, providing access to Millville and beyond. Travel times to healthcare facilities are therefore directly tied to traffic flow and road conditions.

Bloomsburg Hospital, a key healthcare provider, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Route 487, assuming normal traffic conditions. This drive becomes significantly longer during peak hours or adverse weather. Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, a well-regarded facility, offers a range of medical services, making it a primary destination for many residents.

Other healthcare options are available further afield. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a regional medical hub, is roughly 45-60 minutes, primarily via Interstate 80 (I-80) and then Route 54. This longer commute necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The availability of specialized care at Geisinger Medical Center makes it a crucial resource, but the distance presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for some.

Public transit options in Orangeville are limited. Columbia County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides some service, but its routes and schedules are not designed to specifically cater to medical appointments. The CCTA does operate a demand-response service, which residents can schedule in advance. However, availability is often limited, and the service may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. Information regarding specific routes and ADA accessibility features can be found on the CCTA website.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Orangeville area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often contingent on driver availability, and the price can be significantly higher than a personal vehicle. Residents relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments must book in advance and factor in potential delays.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available. Ambulance services are reserved for emergencies, while NEMT provides transportation for non-emergency medical appointments. Several providers operate in the area, including local ambulance services and private NEMT companies. However, these services come at a cost, and scheduling in advance is usually required.

The overall health score for Orangeville is negatively impacted by the limited **transportation** options. While the drive to Bloomsburg Hospital is relatively short, the reliance on personal vehicles creates a barrier for those without access to a car or those unable to drive. The longer commute to Danville and the limitations of public transit further exacerbate this challenge.

The availability of ride-sharing services offers a potential alternative, but their reliability and cost are significant drawbacks. Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for those with specific needs, but their cost and the need for advance planning limit their accessibility.

The lack of readily available public transit, especially routes designed to serve medical facilities, is a significant concern. Enhancing public transit options, including expanding routes and improving frequency, would substantially improve healthcare access for residents.

Furthermore, the limited availability of healthcare providers within Orangeville itself necessitates travel to other towns. Expanding the range of medical services available locally, such as a primary care physician’s office or a walk-in clinic, would reduce the need for lengthy commutes.

The physical condition of the roadways also impacts the overall health score. Road maintenance and improvements, especially on Route 487 and Route 254, can positively affect drive times and reduce the risk of accidents.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Orangeville residents, concerning access to healthcare, is moderate. While Bloomsburg Hospital is relatively accessible, the dependence on personal vehicles, the longer commute to Danville, and the limited public transit options create significant challenges. Those **moving to Orangeville** should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and consider the potential impact on their ability to access medical care. The development of improved public transit, expanded local healthcare services, and better road infrastructure would contribute to a higher overall health score for the community. The future of **healthcare access** in Orangeville hinges on innovative solutions that address these **transportation** challenges.