17865, Potts Grove, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17865, Potts Grove, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.50 percent of residents in 17865 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 10.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17865

The tranquil landscapes surrounding Potts Grove, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17865), often conjure images of peaceful living. However, assessing the overall health score of this area requires a deeper dive, particularly concerning **healthcare access**. The ease, or lack thereof, with which residents can reach medical facilities significantly impacts their well-being. This write-up examines the **transportation** landscape, a crucial element in determining this score.

The primary challenge for Potts Grove residents is the relative isolation. The area is primarily rural, with limited public **transportation** options. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most journeys, including those to medical appointments. The nearest significant healthcare providers are located in surrounding towns, increasing travel time and potential stress, especially during medical emergencies.

The most direct route to many healthcare facilities involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 405, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. This road leads to Milton, where Evangelical Community Hospital offers a range of services. The drive, typically taking 15-20 minutes, can be extended by traffic or inclement weather. Alternative routes, such as using local roads like Potts Grove Road, can add to the travel time.

Further afield, residents might need to travel to Danville, home to Geisinger Medical Center, a major regional healthcare provider. This journey involves using Route 405 to Route 11, a larger highway. The drive, approximately 30-40 minutes, is longer and can be influenced by traffic on Route 11. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier for those requiring frequent medical attention or facing acute conditions.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in 17865. The primary public transit provider in the region is the Susquehanna Transit Authority (STA). However, STA's services are sparse in this area, with limited routes and schedules. Residents would likely need to travel to a more populated area to access an STA bus, significantly increasing the overall travel time.

The STA’s services have limited **ADA** (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, which further restricts access for individuals with mobility challenges. This lack of reliable public transit significantly impacts the health score, as it disproportionately affects those who cannot drive or have limited mobility.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is not consistently reliable, particularly in rural areas like Potts Grove. Availability can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be risky, as delays or cancellations can lead to missed appointments and compromised health outcomes. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a financial burden for some residents, further hindering **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available. However, these services are primarily for emergency situations or for patients requiring specialized medical assistance. NEMT services, offered by companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM), typically require pre-booking and may not be readily available for urgent needs. This reliance on pre-arranged services adds another layer of complexity to accessing healthcare.

The lack of readily available **transportation** options and the distances to healthcare facilities contribute to a lower overall health score for Potts Grove residents. The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on those who cannot drive, have limited mobility, or cannot afford the costs of car ownership. The limited public transit options and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate the problem.

For those considering **moving to Potts Grove**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is crucial. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the distance to healthcare providers and the limitations in **transportation** options must be carefully considered, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those who anticipate needing frequent medical care.

The health score is further impacted by the potential for delayed access to emergency medical services. The time it takes for an ambulance to reach a resident in a remote area can be significantly longer than in a more urban setting. This delay can have critical consequences in life-threatening situations.

Furthermore, the lack of convenient access to preventative care, such as routine check-ups and screenings, can contribute to a decline in overall health. The added travel time and potential inconvenience may discourage residents from seeking preventative care, leading to delayed diagnoses and potentially worse health outcomes.

The **healthcare access** challenges in Potts Grove are not insurmountable. Improving the health score requires a multi-faceted approach. This could include advocating for increased public transit options, partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized rides for medical appointments, and exploring innovative solutions like telehealth to bring healthcare services directly to residents.

Another consideration is the potential for community-based initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs, to assist residents in accessing medical care. These programs can help bridge the gap in **transportation** and improve the overall health score.

The health score in 17865 is intrinsically linked to the ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape. The current limitations in **healthcare access** contribute to a lower overall health score, highlighting the need for improvements in public **transportation**, ride-sharing availability, and community-based support systems. Understanding these challenges is crucial for residents, prospective movers, and policymakers seeking to improve the well-being of the Potts Grove community.