04942, Harmony, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04942, Harmony, Maine is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.26 percent of residents in 04942 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital with a distance of 18.23 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Harmony (ZIP Code 04942)

The journey to healthcare, especially when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex one. It’s not just about the medical expertise available; it’s also about the ease and accessibility of getting there. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 04942, focusing on how residents can access breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately informing the "Breast Cancer Score" for this community. We'll consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a picture of healthcare access for those moving to Harmony.

ZIP Code 04942 encompasses the town of Harmony, Maine, a rural community where the availability of healthcare, and the means to reach it, can significantly impact quality of life. The "Breast Cancer Score" is a critical metric, reflecting the ease with which residents can access potentially life-saving services. This score considers the time and effort required to reach essential healthcare facilities, factoring in the challenges of rural transportation.

For those driving, the primary routes for accessing breast cancer care involve navigating the local roads and highways. From Harmony, a drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer center, such as those in Bangor or Augusta, will likely involve a combination of state routes and interstate highways. Traveling south, residents would likely take **Route 150** towards **Route 201** and then onto **Interstate 95 (I-95)**. The drive to Bangor, approximately 70 miles, could take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Heading south to Augusta, the journey is longer, roughly 90 miles, and might involve taking **Route 150** to **Route 201** and then onto **Interstate 95 (I-95)**. This trip could take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes, again influenced by traffic and the time of day. These drive times are significant, especially for individuals undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue or have mobility challenges.

Public transportation options in this rural area are limited. There is no established public bus system within Harmony itself. The availability of public transit to access specialized medical care is virtually non-existent, which places a heavy reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas of Maine, but their presence in rural communities like Harmony is often less reliable. Availability is dependent on driver density, and wait times can be considerably longer than in more urban areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent appointments. Relying on ride-sharing for regular treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, would be a considerable financial burden.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with limited mobility or those who cannot drive. These services, often provided by private companies, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. However, availability in rural areas may be limited, and costs can be substantial. Booking in advance is often necessary, and the travel time, coupled with potential wait times, can extend the duration of each appointment.

Medical transport services, while vital, are often a last resort, highlighting the challenges faced by residents in accessing essential healthcare. The "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the importance of this service, acknowledging the necessity of providing accessible and affordable transportation options for those battling breast cancer.

The absence of readily available public transportation and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services significantly impact the "Breast Cancer Score" for Harmony. This score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's ability to support its residents through a challenging health journey.

The lack of readily available transportation options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential financial burden of ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to a lower "Breast Cancer Score." This score underscores the need for community initiatives and programs that address transportation barriers.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also highlights the importance of considering the location of healthcare facilities. While Harmony may be a peaceful and desirable place to live, the distance to specialized medical centers is a critical factor in the overall healthcare experience.

For someone moving to Harmony, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. Prospective residents should factor in drive times, potential costs, and the availability of alternative transportation options when assessing their healthcare access.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Harmony, Maine, is a complex metric reflecting the interplay of geography, transportation infrastructure, and available resources. While the town may offer a tranquil setting, the journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, requires careful planning and consideration. The score serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible and affordable transportation options, which are vital for ensuring that all residents can receive the care they need. The overall "Breast Cancer Score" in Harmony is likely to be lower than in more urban areas with robust public transportation systems and readily available ride-sharing services. This underscores the need for community-based solutions, such as carpooling programs, subsidized transportation for medical appointments, and increased awareness of available resources.