07718, Belford, New Jersey Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 07718, Belford, New Jersey is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.80 percent of residents in 07718 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Medical Center with a distance of 4.84 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Belford (07718)

The decision to relocate, particularly to a new area like Belford, New Jersey (ZIP Code 07718), necessitates careful consideration of various factors. For individuals managing asthma, **healthcare access** becomes paramount. This write-up analyzes the **transportation** landscape in and around Belford, offering an "Asthma Score" assessment of how easily residents can reach essential medical services, including primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency facilities. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding for prospective residents, enabling them to make informed choices about their **moving to Belford** and managing their respiratory health.

Belford, nestled within Monmouth County, presents a unique geographical profile, influencing the efficiency and practicality of **transportation** options. The primary challenge lies in the area's relative isolation, with limited direct access to major urban centers. This necessitates reliance on a combination of private and public **transportation** methods to reach critical **healthcare access** points. The Asthma Score, therefore, will evaluate the accessibility of each option, considering travel times, convenience, and the specific needs of asthma patients.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roadways**

The primary artery for vehicular **transportation** in and out of Belford is the Garden State Parkway. This major highway offers a relatively swift route northward towards New York City and southward towards the Jersey Shore. However, peak-hour congestion can significantly impact travel times, particularly during weekday commutes. For instance, a trip to a pulmonologist in Red Bank, a common destination for specialized care, might take 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours, but could easily stretch to 45 minutes or longer during rush hour.

Secondary roadways, such as Route 36, provide alternative routes, though they are often slower and more prone to traffic lights and congestion. Navigating these roads can be particularly challenging for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation, where time is of the essence. The condition can be exacerbated by stress, and navigating congested roadways can be stressful. The Asthma Score will therefore factor in the reliability and predictability of these routes.

**Public Transit: A Mixed Bag of Options**

Public **transportation** in Belford is primarily provided by NJ Transit, offering bus services that connect the area to key destinations. The primary bus route serving Belford is the 67, which runs along Route 36, providing access to neighboring towns like Middletown and Red Bank. While the bus offers a cost-effective alternative to driving, it presents several challenges for asthma patients.

The 67 bus, while generally reliable, can be subject to delays due to traffic, particularly during peak hours. Furthermore, the frequency of service might not be optimal for urgent medical needs. The buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps for wheelchair users, which can be beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations that may accompany severe asthma attacks. However, the limited space and potential exposure to allergens within the bus environment can pose a risk.

The Asthma Score will consider the frequency of bus service, the travel times to key healthcare facilities, and the potential exposure to environmental triggers within the bus environment.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Convenience at a Premium**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient **transportation** alternative, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to an asthma flare-up. These services provide door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate public **transportation** or rely on family members for rides. However, the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as MedRide and American Medical Response, specialize in providing non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services are specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offering trained personnel and specialized vehicles. They are often covered by insurance for eligible patients. While offering peace of mind and a higher level of care, they come at a higher cost than ride-sharing services.

The Asthma Score will assess the availability, cost, and convenience of ride-sharing and medical transport services, considering their suitability for various medical needs.

**The Asthma Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Asthma Score for **healthcare access** in Belford (07718) will be a composite score, reflecting the accessibility and suitability of various **transportation** options for asthma patients. It will consider the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average travel times to key healthcare facilities, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and emergency rooms, during both peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Frequency of bus service, travel times, ADA features, and potential exposure to allergens.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport Availability:** Availability, cost, and convenience of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Emergency Services:** Distance to the nearest hospitals and emergency rooms, and the availability of ambulance services.
* **Environmental Factors:** Air quality data for the area, potential exposure to allergens, and the presence of environmental triggers.

The score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better **healthcare access** for asthma patients. The score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each **transportation** option, providing prospective residents with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with managing their asthma in Belford.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

**Moving to Belford** presents unique considerations for individuals with asthma. While the area offers a desirable suburban lifestyle, the relative isolation and reliance on private vehicles or public **transportation** require careful planning. The Asthma Score write-up provides a framework for evaluating **healthcare access**, empowering prospective residents to make informed decisions about their **transportation** choices and ensure they can effectively manage their respiratory health. By understanding the nuances of the local **transportation** landscape, individuals can proactively mitigate potential challenges and create a supportive environment for themselves and their families. The goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate the **transportation** options and make an informed decision regarding their **healthcare access** in Belford.