12961, Moriah Center, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 12961, Moriah Center, New York is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 12961 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Elizabethtown Community Hospital with a distance of 11.37 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Moriah Center (ZIP Code 12961)

Considering a move to the picturesque Adirondack town of Moriah Center, New York (ZIP Code 12961)? Beyond the stunning landscapes and close-knit community, prospective residents must consider a critical factor: healthcare access. This analysis focuses on breast cancer care, a vital component of overall well-being, evaluating the transportation landscape and its impact on timely medical attention. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the region's transportation infrastructure, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" to gauge the ease of accessing crucial services.

Moriah Center is a rural community, and its geographical isolation significantly impacts healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities are located in Plattsburgh, approximately 60 miles north, and in Burlington, Vermont, roughly 90 miles east. The journey to these centers, essential for screenings, diagnoses, and treatment, is a significant undertaking. Our Breast Cancer Score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive picture of the challenges and potential solutions.

**The Road to Recovery: Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing breast cancer care in Moriah Center is by personal vehicle. The most direct route to Plattsburgh involves navigating **New York State Route 9N** north, connecting to **U.S. Route 9** and eventually **Interstate 87 (the Adirondack Northway)**. The drive typically takes around one hour and 15 minutes, assuming favorable traffic conditions. However, winter weather can significantly impact travel times, potentially doubling the journey due to snow and ice.

Traveling to Burlington, Vermont, involves a more complex route. From Moriah Center, drivers typically take **New York State Route 22** east, crossing the state border into Vermont. This route then connects to **U.S. Route 2**, providing access to Burlington. The drive is approximately one hour and 45 minutes, again, weather permitting. This longer distance and the need to cross state lines add complexity and potential delays.

The condition of these highways and roads is crucial. **Route 9N** and **Route 22** are often subject to seasonal maintenance and can experience delays. The **Adirondack Northway** is generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times and weekends, can impact drive times. The Breast Cancer Score factors in these variables, recognizing that reliable and predictable transportation is essential for patients undergoing treatment or needing regular check-ups.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Moriah Center are severely limited. The area lacks a robust public transit system, making it difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare. The primary provider of public transit in the region is the **Clinton County Public Transportation (CCPT)**, but its routes and schedules are not designed to serve the specific needs of breast cancer patients.

CCPT operates a limited bus service within Clinton County, primarily focusing on providing transportation to and from employment centers and essential services. While the CCPT may offer some routes that touch upon the outskirts of Moriah Center, they do not directly serve the town itself. Additionally, the CCPT's schedules are infrequent, and the routes are not designed to accommodate the specific needs of patients requiring regular medical appointments.

Furthermore, the CCPT's accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, including those who may be experiencing physical limitations due to breast cancer treatment, are not fully comprehensive. While the CCPT strives to provide ADA-compliant services, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules make it challenging for patients to access the care they need. This lack of viable public transit significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

The availability of ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Moriah Center is extremely limited. Due to the rural nature of the area and the low population density, these services are not consistently available, and waiting times can be significant. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is, therefore, not a practical solution.

Medical transport services, on the other hand, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who do not have access to personal transportation.

Some medical transport providers serving the Moriah Center area include **Ambulette Services** and **Care Ride**. These companies typically offer door-to-door service, assisting patients with getting in and out of vehicles and providing wheelchair-accessible transportation. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and insurance coverage varies. The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability, cost, and accessibility of these services.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Moriah Center, ZIP Code 12961, reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by the region's transportation landscape. The score is based on several factors:

* **Drive Times:** The relatively long distances to comprehensive breast cancer care facilities in Plattsburgh and Burlington negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of reliable public transit options significantly lowers the score.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The limited availability of ride-share services further reduces the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical transport services offers a partial solution, but the cost and insurance coverage complexities impact the score.
* **Weather Conditions:** The potential for weather-related delays during winter months is considered, further lowering the score.

**Overall, the Breast Cancer Score for Moriah Center is moderate to low.** While the area offers natural beauty and a close-knit community, the lack of accessible and reliable transportation poses a significant challenge for individuals needing breast cancer care. Prospective residents must carefully consider these transportation limitations when deciding to move to Moriah Center.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the Breast Cancer Score, several initiatives could be implemented:

* **Advocacy for Enhanced Public Transit:** Increased investment in public transportation, with routes specifically designed to serve Moriah Center and surrounding areas, would significantly improve healthcare access.
* **Partnerships with Medical Transport Providers:** Collaborations between local healthcare providers and medical transport companies could help reduce costs and improve access for patients.
* **Telemedicine Initiatives:** Expanding telemedicine services could reduce the need for frequent travel to distant medical facilities, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Community Education and Support:** Raising awareness about breast cancer and providing support services within Moriah Center could empower residents and improve their overall well-being.

Moving to Moriah Center offers a unique lifestyle, but prospective residents must understand the challenges associated with healthcare access. This Breast Cancer Score analysis provides a critical perspective on the transportation infrastructure, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.