04071, Raymond, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04071, Raymond, Maine is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.38 percent of residents in 04071 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bridgton Hospital with a distance of 15.69 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04071 (Raymond, Maine)**

The quaint town of Raymond, Maine, nestled in the heart of Cumberland County, offers a serene New England lifestyle. However, for those considering a move, particularly women seeking optimal healthcare access, understanding the commute to breast cancer screening and treatment facilities is paramount. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility of essential healthcare resources from ZIP code 04071, considering various transportation options.

Raymond's location, while picturesque, presents a transportation challenge. The town is predominantly car-dependent. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing services may have fluctuating availability. This landscape influences the "Breast Cancer Score," which weighs factors like drive times, public transportation reliability, and the availability of alternative transportation solutions.

**Drive Times: The Primary Route to Care**

The primary route for accessing breast cancer healthcare from Raymond involves driving. The closest comprehensive facilities are located in Portland, Maine, approximately 20-30 miles away. The journey typically involves navigating the scenic but often busy roads of Maine.

The most direct route to Portland is via **Route 302**, a major thoroughfare that can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. The drive to Maine Medical Center, a leading healthcare provider, could take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Another option is to take **Route 35** to **Route 26** to **I-95 South**, which offers a faster route but may involve tolls. The drive time to the same destination could be closer to 40 minutes, but toll fees will be incurred.

For those seeking care at Mercy Hospital, another major Portland healthcare provider, the route is similar, primarily utilizing **Route 302** or **Route 35** to connect with other arterial roads leading to the hospital. Drive times are comparable, generally ranging from 40 minutes to an hour, contingent on traffic.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Raymond are limited. The Greater Portland Metro (METRO) bus system does not directly serve Raymond. Residents rely on private transportation or ride-sharing services to reach the METRO hub in Portland.

While the METRO system is ADA-compliant, offering accessible buses and services, the initial commute to a METRO stop from Raymond adds a layer of complexity. This necessitates either a long drive to a park-and-ride location or relying on ride-sharing services, increasing the overall transportation time and cost.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Raymond area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unpredictability poses a challenge for scheduling medical appointments, especially for early morning screenings or post-treatment follow-ups.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance, offer a more reliable option. Companies like Careline and FirstLight Home Care provide transportation services to medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" – A Holistic Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Raymond, Maine, in ZIP code 04071, reflects the challenges and opportunities in accessing breast cancer healthcare. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The primary reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion impacts the score.
* **Public Transportation:** The limited public transit options significantly lower the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The variable availability of ride-sharing and the cost of medical transport services influence the score.
* **Proximity to Facilities:** While Portland offers excellent healthcare facilities, the distance and travel time detract from the score.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Raymond, Maine, is moderately positive. While the town offers a desirable quality of life, the challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly for those without personal vehicles, necessitate careful consideration.

**Recommendations for Residents and Potential Movers**

For current residents, planning is crucial. Scheduling appointments during off-peak hours, allowing ample travel time, and exploring medical transportation options are essential. Building a support network of family and friends who can provide transportation assistance is also beneficial.

For those considering moving to Raymond, the "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the importance of assessing individual transportation needs. Individuals without reliable access to a personal vehicle should carefully evaluate the feasibility of relying on ride-sharing services or medical transport. Proximity to healthcare facilities should be a significant factor in the decision-making process.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Raymond, Maine, offers a tranquil lifestyle, but accessing breast cancer healthcare requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating the accessibility of essential healthcare resources. By understanding the transportation landscape, residents and potential movers can make informed decisions and ensure access to timely and effective breast cancer screening and treatment. The journey to healthcare is a critical aspect of community well-being, and understanding the transportation barriers is the first step toward improving healthcare access for all.