05839, Glover, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05839, Glover, Vermont is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.58 percent of residents in 05839 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Country Hospital And Health Center with a distance of 18.18 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commuting to Care in Glover, Vermont (ZIP Code 05839)

The crisp air of Vermont, the rolling hills, and the close-knit community of Glover – a picture of bucolic charm. But beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape lies a crucial consideration for anyone, especially women, contemplating a move: **healthcare access**, specifically the availability of timely and convenient breast cancer screening and treatment. This write-up, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the **transportation** landscape of ZIP code 05839, aiming to illuminate the realities of commuting to healthcare for those facing a potential breast cancer diagnosis.

The very essence of a good Breast Cancer Score hinges on the ease with which a person can access essential medical services. This includes routine mammograms, diagnostic imaging, consultations with oncologists, and, if needed, treatment like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The ability to reach these services quickly and reliably is paramount, particularly in a situation where time is of the essence.

Glover, Vermont, is a rural community, and the realities of **transportation** in such areas are often starkly different from those in urban centers. The primary mode of transport is, inevitably, the personal vehicle. For residents of Glover, the journey to comprehensive breast cancer care necessitates a drive. The closest facilities offering these services are located in the larger towns and cities of the Northeast Kingdom and beyond.

Let's consider the drive times. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer services are in St. Johnsbury, about 25 miles south, and in Burlington, approximately 90 miles west. The drive to St. Johnsbury, primarily via **Vermont Route 16** and **U.S. Route 2**, typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Burlington, a significantly longer journey, involves navigating **Interstate 91** south to **U.S. Route 2** west. This trip can easily consume two to three hours, a considerable time commitment, particularly when factoring in potential delays.

The condition of the roads is also a factor. Vermont winters can be harsh, with snow and ice significantly impacting travel times and safety. The maintenance of **Route 16** and **U.S. Route 2** is generally good, but even well-maintained roads can become treacherous during inclement weather. This necessitates careful planning and flexibility, especially for those undergoing treatment, which can often leave individuals feeling fatigued and vulnerable.

Public **transportation** options in Glover are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus service in the Northeast Kingdom, but service frequency and routes are limited. The primary route that might be relevant is the **Route 89** bus, which runs from Newport to St. Johnsbury. However, this route has limited stops and schedules, and the connection to Glover would require a significant detour and may not be feasible for many appointments.

The **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)** accessibility of the GMT buses is a crucial consideration. All GMT buses are equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. However, the limited service frequency and the potential need for transfers could still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, especially those undergoing treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the larger cities, but their presence in Glover is sporadic at best. Relying on these services for regular medical appointments is not a viable option. The lack of readily available ride-sharing options further underscores the dependence on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients, offer an alternative. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transport, including transportation to and from medical appointments. These services can be particularly valuable for individuals who are unable to drive themselves or who require assistance with mobility. However, these services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, especially in rural areas.

The Breast Cancer Score for Glover, Vermont, reflects these realities. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potentially long drive times to specialized care, the limited public **transportation** options, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score than would be found in a more urban environment.

For someone **moving to Glover** and considering their breast cancer care needs, the following factors should be carefully weighed: the distance to comprehensive healthcare facilities, the reliability of their personal vehicle, their ability to drive, and their financial resources to cover the cost of medical **transportation**. It is also important to consider the availability of support networks, such as family or friends, who can assist with **transportation** and provide emotional support.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a static measure. It can be improved by proactive measures. These include advocating for expanded public **transportation** options, supporting initiatives that bring mobile mammography units to the area, and exploring opportunities for telemedicine consultations.

The challenge for residents of Glover, and other rural communities, is to find creative solutions to bridge the gap in **healthcare access**. This requires a collaborative effort from individuals, healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers. The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, has timely and convenient access to the breast cancer care they need. The journey to healthcare may be longer in Glover, but with careful planning, resourcefulness, and community support, the destination – optimal health – remains within reach.