04747, Island Falls, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04747, Island Falls, Maine is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.00 percent of residents in 04747 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 34.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Houlton Regional Hospital with a distance of 21.34 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04747**

The crisp, clean air of Island Falls, Maine, in ZIP code 04747, beckons with the promise of rural tranquility. But for those considering a move, particularly women, the availability and accessibility of healthcare, especially for breast cancer screening and treatment, demands careful consideration. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for 04747, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities, crucial for timely diagnosis and care. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating the healthcare landscape in this Aroostook County community.

The primary challenge in 04747 is its geographic isolation. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, equipped with mammography and oncology services, are located in Houlton, Presque Isle, and Bangor. These distances significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score, as transportation becomes a critical factor in healthcare access. The ability to get to appointments on time, especially for follow-up care and treatment, is paramount.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation. From Island Falls, the journey to Houlton, home to Houlton Regional Hospital, typically involves a drive of approximately 30 minutes, primarily along US Route 2. This route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can pose significant challenges, increasing drive times and potentially hindering access.

Presque Isle, home to Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, is a more substantial undertaking, approximately an hour's drive, predominantly via US Route 1. This longer distance necessitates careful planning, considering fuel costs, vehicle reliability, and the potential for delays. Bangor, with its more extensive medical facilities, including Eastern Maine Medical Center (Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center), represents a significant commute, approximately a three-hour drive via I-95. This lengthy journey underscores the need for reliable transportation options and the potential for fatigue during treatment.

Public transit options are limited in this rural region. There is no established public bus service directly connecting Island Falls to healthcare facilities. This lack of public transportation significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score, as it eliminates a vital option for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. The absence of accessible public transit also impacts those with disabilities, further limiting their healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in this area. Their presence is sporadic, depending on driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments is therefore unreliable. This lack of ride-sharing options further contributes to the lower Breast Cancer Score, particularly for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a crucial lifeline. These services, often provided by local ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, are available for scheduled appointments and emergencies. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited depending on insurance coverage and the specific needs of the patient.

The Breast Cancer Score for 04747 reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting. The score is negatively impacted by the distance to comprehensive healthcare facilities, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for weather-related delays further complicate the situation.

For women considering a move to Island Falls, understanding these transportation challenges is essential. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for careful planning, including securing reliable transportation, exploring medical transport options, and establishing relationships with healthcare providers in advance.

The benefits of rural living, such as the peace and quiet of Island Falls, must be weighed against the practical considerations of healthcare access. For individuals with breast cancer or those at high risk, these factors are critical. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about moving to or living in 04747.

The importance of early detection and prompt treatment for breast cancer cannot be overstated. The ability to access timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial for positive outcomes. The transportation challenges in 04747 underscore the need for community initiatives to improve healthcare access.

These initiatives might include advocating for expanded medical transport services, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to improve availability, and supporting programs that provide transportation assistance to those in need. Increasing the Breast Cancer Score requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing the transportation barriers that hinder healthcare access.

The future of healthcare access in 04747 depends on proactive measures to overcome the challenges of rural living. By addressing transportation issues, the community can ensure that women in Island Falls have the opportunity to receive the care they need, when they need it. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a starting point for this important conversation.