04851, Matinicus, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04851, Matinicus, Maine is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 04851 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 31.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penobscot Bay Medical Center with a distance of 22.21 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 04851 (Matinicus Island)

The wind whispers tales of the sea, a constant companion to the 50 souls who call Matinicus Island, Maine, home. This remote outpost, nestled in the Gulf of Maine, holds a unique charm, a stark beauty forged by the elements. But for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the idyllic isolation presents a formidable challenge: **healthcare access**. This analysis, a 'Breast Cancer Score' for ZIP code 04851, delves into the complexities of **transportation** options and their impact on timely treatment, a critical factor in patient outcomes. It’s a journey, a commute, a necessity for anyone **moving to Matinicus** with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Matinicus Island, a world unto itself, lacks a hospital or specialized medical facilities. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care lies on the mainland, demanding a logistical ballet of ferries, roads, and, often, the unpredictable whims of the weather. The very fabric of **healthcare access** in this ZIP code is woven with the threads of distance and the vagaries of island life.

The primary mode of off-island **transportation** is the ferry, a lifeline connecting Matinicus to the mainland. The Maine State Ferry Service operates the MV Captain Henry Lee, providing a vital link to Rockland, the nearest mainland port. The ferry schedule, however, is limited, with typically one or two round trips per day, weather permitting. This constraint necessitates meticulous planning for medical appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and follow-up care. The ferry ride itself is approximately two hours each way, a significant time commitment before even considering the journey to the hospital.

Once in Rockland, the journey to a comprehensive cancer center becomes a road trip. The most direct route involves driving north on Route 1, a scenic coastal highway that winds its way through charming towns and breathtaking vistas. This drive, depending on the destination, can range from 30 minutes to an hour or more, adding to the overall **transportation** burden. The roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience heavy traffic during peak seasons, potentially delaying crucial appointments.

For those without personal vehicles, alternative **transportation** options become paramount. Public transit is virtually nonexistent on Matinicus Island itself. In Rockland, the Island Explorer bus system, while not directly serving the island, provides limited service within the town. This option, however, requires coordination with the ferry schedule and may not be suitable for patients undergoing treatment who require frequent medical visits. ADA accessibility on the ferry is available, but it is recommended to call ahead to ensure the availability of assistance.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in Rockland and surrounding areas, offering a convenient, though potentially costly, **transportation** alternative. However, their availability on Matinicus Island is nonexistent. The cost of a ride-share from Rockland to a cancer center can be substantial, especially when considering the frequency of appointments and the financial strain already imposed by a cancer diagnosis.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, offer another layer of support. Companies like LifeFlight of Maine, a helicopter air ambulance service, provide emergency medical **transportation** from Matinicus Island to mainland hospitals. While crucial in critical situations, this service is primarily for emergencies and may not be a viable option for routine appointments. Other specialized medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies, may provide ground **transportation** from Rockland to cancer centers, but availability and cost must be carefully considered.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for 04851 must account for the inherent challenges of island life. The limited ferry schedule, the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services, and the potential for weather-related delays all contribute to a complex **transportation** landscape. The lack of local medical facilities necessitates a reliance on mainland resources, placing a significant burden on patients and their families.

For individuals **moving to Matinicus** with a breast cancer diagnosis, meticulous planning and a proactive approach to **healthcare access** are essential. This includes establishing a strong support network, coordinating appointments with the ferry schedule, and exploring all available **transportation** options. Understanding the limitations and challenges of the island's **transportation** infrastructure is paramount.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for 04851 is not merely a numerical value; it is a reflection of the lived experiences of those battling this disease in a remote environment. It highlights the importance of community support, the need for flexible **transportation** solutions, and the unwavering determination of patients to access the care they deserve. The journey from Matinicus to the mainland, a journey often fraught with challenges, underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of hope.