04625, Cranberry Isles, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04625, Cranberry Isles, Maine is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.36 percent of residents in 04625 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Desert Island Hospital with a distance of 9.78 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04625 (Cranberry Isles, Maine)**

The picturesque beauty of Cranberry Isles, Maine (ZIP Code 04625), offers a unique allure. However, the reality of healthcare access, particularly for a diagnosis like breast cancer, presents a complex challenge. This assessment analyzes transportation options, essential for navigating the journey to treatment and care, painting a picture of the Breast Cancer Score for this island community. The score reflects the accessibility and convenience of getting to vital medical appointments, a critical factor when considering the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.

The primary hurdle for residents of Cranberry Isles is its island location. This necessitates reliance on water transportation, primarily the Cranberry Isles Ferry, connecting the islands to the mainland. From the ferry terminal in Southwest Harbor, the journey to healthcare facilities begins. The accessibility of this initial leg is good, but the ferry schedule, weather conditions, and potential for delays introduce an element of uncertainty.

**Driving to Care:**

Driving from the Southwest Harbor ferry terminal to the nearest hospitals and cancer centers involves navigating a network of roads. The primary route to Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor, a facility offering some cancer services, involves taking Route 102 North. This is a scenic drive, but can be affected by tourist traffic, especially during peak season. The total drive time, without traffic, is approximately 30-45 minutes.

For more comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, patients typically need to travel to larger hospitals in Bangor, Maine. This necessitates a drive on Route 102 to Route 1, a major highway that runs along the Maine coast. The journey on Route 1 is a longer one, with drive times varying significantly depending on traffic. Expect a drive of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, a significant time commitment for regular appointments.

The journey to Portland, Maine, which offers specialized cancer centers, presents the longest drive. This route involves Route 1 to Interstate 95 (I-95) South. The drive time can range from 3 to 4 hours, a considerable burden for patients undergoing treatment. The availability of parking at these facilities is also a factor to consider.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options are limited in this region, posing a challenge for those without personal vehicles. While the Island Explorer bus service operates on Mount Desert Island, it does not extend to the mainland and is therefore not a direct solution for residents of Cranberry Isles. The Island Explorer does offer routes to Bar Harbor and other destinations, but it does not provide a direct connection to hospitals in Bangor or Portland.

The accessibility of the Island Explorer is generally good, with some routes featuring ADA-accessible buses. However, the frequency of service and route coverage may not be sufficient for regular medical appointments, especially for those requiring frequent visits. The lack of public transportation options significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. This makes ride-sharing an unreliable option for scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transport services are available, offering specialized transportation for patients. These services typically involve a higher cost, but they provide a reliable way to travel to and from appointments. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including Acadian Ambulance and LifeFlight of Maine. However, the availability of these services can be limited, and they may require advance booking.

**The Impact on Healthcare Access:**

The combination of limited transportation options, long drive times, and the reliance on ferries creates significant challenges for healthcare access for residents of Cranberry Isles. The Breast Cancer Score for this community reflects the difficulties patients face in reaching essential medical services. The time commitment, the cost of transportation, and the potential for delays can all impact the quality of care and the overall well-being of patients.

The lack of convenient transportation can also affect the ability to attend support groups, counseling sessions, and other vital resources. The burden of travel can add to the stress and anxiety associated with a breast cancer diagnosis, impacting the patient's mental and emotional health.

**Considering Moving to Cranberry Isles:**

For individuals considering moving to Cranberry Isles, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the implications of healthcare access. While the island offers a tranquil and beautiful environment, the challenges of transportation to medical facilities must be weighed against the benefits. Prospective residents should assess their individual needs, considering the frequency of medical appointments, the availability of support systems, and their ability to navigate the transportation landscape.

The Breast Cancer Score for Cranberry Isles is a reminder that healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical services, but also about the ability to reach those services. Addressing the transportation challenges faced by this island community is essential to ensure that all residents have equal access to the care they need. The community must work to improve transportation options, advocate for expanded public transit, and support initiatives that ease the burden of travel for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.