05342, Jacksonville, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05342, Jacksonville, Vermont is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.68 percent of residents in 05342 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Brattleboro Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.13 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05342**

The journey to breast cancer care in ZIP Code 05342, a region that includes Wilmington, Vermont, presents a complex tapestry woven with threads of geography, transportation, and healthcare access. Understanding this intricate web is crucial for residents navigating their health needs, particularly those facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering various transportation options and their impact on healthcare accessibility.

The primary challenge in this area is the relative remoteness of specialized medical facilities. While Wilmington offers essential services, advanced breast cancer care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers. This geographical reality significantly influences the "Breast Cancer Score," as the ease and efficiency of transportation directly affect a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The score reflects the combined impact of drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation options.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Care**

The backbone of transportation in 05342 is the road network. The primary routes for accessing breast cancer care are the scenic but sometimes winding roads. Driving to larger medical centers in Brattleboro, Vermont, or even further afield in Albany, New York, or Lebanon, New Hampshire, is often the default mode of transportation.

To reach Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, a common destination for specialized care, the journey typically involves traveling on Vermont Route 9, a vital east-west artery. The drive, covering approximately 20 miles, can take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. During winter months, the potential for snow and ice can significantly extend this commute, adding to the stress and inconvenience.

For more advanced treatment options, patients may need to travel to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. This drive, a more significant undertaking, involves navigating Vermont Route 9 and then connecting to Interstate 91 North. The total distance, roughly 80 miles, translates to a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

The journey to Albany Medical Center in New York presents another option. This trip involves using Vermont Route 9 and then transitioning to New York State Route 7. The distance, approximately 100 miles, results in a drive time of around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic congestion, especially near Albany.

These drive times are critical components of the "Breast Cancer Score." Longer commutes can lead to increased fatigue, especially for patients undergoing treatment. They also pose logistical challenges, such as coordinating appointments, arranging transportation, and managing the financial burden of travel expenses.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in 05342 is limited. The availability of buses or trains is minimal, making it a less viable option for many residents, particularly those requiring frequent medical appointments. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," as it restricts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some regional bus services, but routes and schedules may not align with the specific needs of breast cancer patients. Access to these services might require a connection or a significant walk, especially for those with mobility limitations. Furthermore, the frequency of service can be infrequent, making it challenging to reach appointments on time.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transit systems provide accessible services. However, even with ADA compliance, the limited scope of public transit in 05342 presents a significant barrier to healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their presence in 05342 might be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. This uncertainty adds to the challenges faced by breast cancer patients.

Medical transportation services play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access. Several companies specialize in providing transportation for medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, ensuring patients can reach their appointments safely and comfortably.

Companies like Senior Solutions and other private medical transport providers may serve the 05342 area. These services are often equipped to handle patients with mobility limitations and can provide assistance with boarding and disembarking. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, impacting the overall "Breast Cancer Score."

**The "Breast Cancer Score" and Moving to Jacksonville**

The "Breast Cancer Score" in 05342 reflects a complex interplay of factors. The score considers the drive times to specialized care facilities, the limitations of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing, and the presence of medical transportation options. The score is lower due to the geographical challenges and limited transportation infrastructure.

For individuals considering moving to Jacksonville, Florida, the "Breast Cancer Score" would likely be significantly higher. Jacksonville boasts a more robust healthcare infrastructure, with numerous hospitals and specialized cancer centers. Transportation options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, are more readily available. This improved access to care would translate to a higher "Breast Cancer Score."

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for 05342 highlights the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting. While dedicated healthcare professionals and support services exist, the limitations of transportation pose a significant hurdle for breast cancer patients. Understanding these challenges is crucial for residents and policymakers alike, as they strive to improve healthcare accessibility and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to receive timely and effective care.