05851, Lyndonville, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05851, Lyndonville, Vermont is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.44 percent of residents in 05851 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with a distance of 8.29 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lyndonville, Vermont (ZIP Code 05851)

The quaint village of Lyndonville, nestled in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, offers a tranquil lifestyle, but its rural setting presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing vital healthcare services, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 05851, assessing the ease and accessibility of reaching crucial medical appointments. Understanding these transportation realities is paramount for anyone considering moving to Lyndonville or currently residing there, especially those with pre-existing health concerns.

The score considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, evaluating their efficiency, reliability, and suitability for individuals undergoing treatment. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of healthcare access, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their well-being and the logistical demands of managing breast cancer.

**The Geographic Challenge:**

Lyndonville, with its population of around 1,000, is geographically isolated. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Burlington, Vermont, and Lebanon, New Hampshire, both requiring significant travel. The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, especially during the long Vermont winters, further complicate transportation.

**Driving the Distance:**

For most residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The most direct route to Burlington, home to the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), involves a drive of approximately 120 miles. This journey typically takes between two and two-and-a-half hours, depending on traffic and weather. The primary route involves taking **Interstate 91 (I-91)** south to **Interstate 89 (I-89)** north. The drive itself is scenic, but the time commitment and potential for delays, especially during snowstorms, are significant.

Alternatively, for those heading to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the drive is roughly 80 miles and takes about one hour and 45 minutes. This route involves taking **US Route 5** south to **Interstate 91 (I-91)** south, then **Interstate 89 (I-89)** south. While shorter in distance, the drive still requires careful planning and consideration of potential road conditions.

Local roads, like **Vermont Route 114** and **Vermont Route 5**, provide alternative routes, but they are generally slower and more prone to closures during inclement weather. These roads also have limited shoulder space, making them less safe for disabled individuals.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Lyndonville are extremely limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus service within the Northeast Kingdom, but routes and schedules are infrequent, and coverage is sparse. The primary bus route that serves Lyndonville is the **GMT Route 89**, which runs between St. Johnsbury and Newport. This route offers limited connections to other towns and cities, but it does not directly connect to major medical centers like Burlington or Lebanon.

The buses are generally equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating. However, the infrequent schedules and the need for multiple transfers make public transit an impractical option for most individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, especially those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing fatigue from treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their availability is inconsistent, especially in rural areas. Waiting times can be long, and the cost can be prohibitive for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable alternative. Several companies operate in the region, including:

* **Northeast Kingdom Transportation:** This company provides non-emergency medical transportation to various medical facilities, including those in Burlington and Lebanon. They offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.
* **Care Ride:** Care Ride is a transportation service that provides non-emergency medical transportation for individuals who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. They offer a variety of services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **Lyndon Ambulance:** While primarily focused on emergency medical services, Lyndon Ambulance may provide transportation for non-emergency medical appointments on a case-by-case basis.

These services, while offering a valuable lifeline, can be costly, and availability may be limited, particularly during peak hours or in inclement weather. Booking appointments well in advance is crucial.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Synthesis:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Lyndonville, Vermont (ZIP code 05851) reflects a complex picture of healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the lack of readily available transportation to specialized cancer care centers presents a significant challenge.

* **Driving:** The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates long travel times, increasing the burden on patients and their caregivers. Weather conditions and road closures can further exacerbate these challenges.
* **Public Transit:** The limited public transit options make it an impractical solution for most patients.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The inconsistent availability and potential high cost of ride-sharing services add to the transportation burden.
* **Medical Transportation:** While medical transportation services provide a crucial lifeline, they can be expensive, and availability is not always guaranteed.

**Recommendations:**

For individuals considering moving to Lyndonville or currently residing there, especially those with a history of breast cancer or a high risk of developing it, careful consideration of transportation needs is essential.

* **Pre-planning:** Before moving to Lyndonville, assess the availability and cost of medical transportation services.
* **Support Network:** Establish a strong support network of family, friends, or community members who can assist with transportation to appointments.
* **Financial Planning:** Factor in the costs of transportation when budgeting for healthcare expenses.
* **Advocacy:** Advocate for improved public transportation options and increased availability of medical transportation services in the region.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Lyndonville highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the challenges in accessing specialized cancer care underscore the need for careful planning and proactive measures. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for ensuring that residents can receive timely and effective breast cancer treatment. Moving to Lyndonville requires a comprehensive understanding of these logistical realities. The journey to healthcare, in this instance, is a long one, and requires careful consideration of all available transportation options.