17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.83 percent of residents in 17972 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital with a distance of 4.67 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Schuylkill Haven (ZIP Code 17972)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17972), focusing on the critical aspect of **healthcare access** through **transportation** options. This is a vital consideration for anyone **moving to Schuylkill Haven**, ensuring they can readily reach necessary medical services. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions, painting a comprehensive picture of accessibility.

The foundation of this assessment begins with the primary determinant: drive times. Schuylkill Haven’s location in Schuylkill County offers both advantages and disadvantages. The town is relatively compact, allowing for quick commutes within its borders. However, accessing specialized medical care often necessitates travel to larger regional centers. The major arteries influencing healthcare commutes are **Route 61**, a north-south thoroughfare; **Route 443**, providing east-west access; and the local roads that weave through the borough.

For routine care, such as primary physicians or urgent care, residents of Schuylkill Haven enjoy reasonable drive times. The Schuylkill Medical Center – South Jackson Street Campus, formerly known as Schuylkill Medical Center, is easily accessible via local roads. Drive times are generally under 10 minutes, making it a convenient option for immediate medical needs. This close proximity significantly boosts the health score, reflecting the ease of accessing essential care.

However, the landscape shifts when specialized care is required. Pottsville, the county seat, is a key destination for many medical services. Traveling to Pottsville, approximately 5-10 miles away, typically takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions along Route 61. This is still considered relatively manageable, but it introduces a degree of time commitment that can impact the overall health score, particularly for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Beyond Pottsville, the next major healthcare hubs are Reading and Allentown. Reading, approximately 45 miles east, is home to Reading Hospital, a major regional medical center. The commute to Reading involves traveling on Route 61 and then the **Schuylkill Expressway (I-78)**, or alternatively, Route 183. Drive times to Reading can range from 50 minutes to over an hour, influenced by traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. This longer commute time, while still manageable, slightly reduces the health score.

Allentown, a further distance, is approximately 65 miles east, offering access to Lehigh Valley Health Network facilities. The commute to Allentown also utilizes Route 61 and the **Schuylkill Expressway (I-78)**. Travel times to Allentown typically exceed an hour, potentially reaching an hour and fifteen minutes or more. This extended travel time, combined with the possibility of traffic delays, further impacts the health score, particularly for individuals needing regular appointments or facing medical emergencies.

Public transit options in Schuylkill Haven are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service throughout Schuylkill County. Route 30, for example, serves the Schuylkill Haven area, connecting it to Pottsville and other towns. However, the frequency of service can be limited, and routes may not directly serve all medical facilities.

ADA accessibility on STS buses is available, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the fixed-route nature of the buses may not always be ideal for reaching specific medical appointments, especially those located outside of the main transit corridors. This limitation in public transit options contributes to a lower health score for those relying on these services.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Schuylkill Haven, offering an alternative transportation solution. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing provides a valuable option, its reliability and cost considerations influence the health score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance, are also available. Companies like MedRide and First Medical Transport provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel, and can be particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot drive or use public transit. The availability of medical transportation services positively impacts the health score, offering a crucial lifeline for those with specific needs.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Schuylkill Haven, therefore, is a mixed bag. The proximity of local medical facilities and the relatively short commute to Pottsville provide a strong foundation. However, the longer travel times to Reading and Allentown, coupled with the limitations of public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing, create challenges. The presence of medical transportation services mitigates some of these challenges, but their availability and cost must be considered.

For individuals **moving to Schuylkill Haven**, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. While the town offers a sense of community and affordability, the accessibility of specialized medical care requires careful consideration. Those with chronic conditions, mobility limitations, or a reliance on public transit should carefully assess their individual needs and plan accordingly. The availability of medical transportation services is a significant positive factor, but it is essential to investigate these options and their associated costs.

In conclusion, the overall health score for **healthcare access** in Schuylkill Haven reflects a balance of strengths and weaknesses. The local medical facilities and the proximity to Pottsville provide a solid base. However, the longer commutes to regional medical centers, the limitations of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services present challenges. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their individual needs and preferences, considering the available **transportation** options to ensure they can effectively access the **healthcare** they require. The presence of medical transportation services offers a crucial safety net, but its availability and cost should be factored into the decision-making process.