05146, Grafton, Vermont COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 05146, Grafton, Vermont is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.45 percent of residents in 05146 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Springfield Hospital with a distance of 10.30 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Grafton, Vermont (ZIP Code 05146)

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), access to timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. The ability to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and support services directly impacts quality of life and disease management. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in Grafton, Vermont (ZIP Code 05146), to assess its suitability for COPD patients, focusing on commute times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. We will evaluate the “COPD Score” for this area, considering the challenges inherent in transportation for those with respiratory limitations.

Grafton, nestled in the Green Mountains, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. Its rural setting, while offering scenic beauty, often translates to limited public transit and reliance on personal vehicles. The topography, with its winding roads and potential for inclement weather, further complicates matters for individuals with COPD, who may experience shortness of breath or fatigue. Healthcare access, therefore, becomes a critical consideration for anyone moving to Grafton or already residing there.

The primary access point for healthcare in the region is the Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital in Townshend, approximately 10 miles from Grafton. Reaching this facility by car is the most common mode of transportation. From Grafton, the journey typically involves traveling south on **Vermont Route 35**, a winding two-lane road that meanders through the countryside. Drive times can vary significantly depending on traffic and weather conditions, but generally, the trip takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

The **Vermont Route 35** route is relatively well-maintained, but it can be subject to snow and ice during the winter months, potentially extending travel times and posing safety risks. Alternative routes exist, but they often involve navigating even more rural and less-maintained roads. The **Grafton-Athens Road** offers a more direct route to the south, but it is primarily a local road and may not be plowed or sanded as frequently as the state highways.

For individuals without personal vehicles, public transportation options are extremely limited in Grafton. There is no established public bus system that directly serves the town. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the COPD Score, as it restricts healthcare access for those unable to drive or who lack access to a car. This is a major hurdle for anyone considering moving to Grafton.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also not readily available in Grafton. The rural nature of the area and the low population density make it economically unfeasible for these services to operate regularly. This absence further exacerbates the transportation challenges for COPD patients, leaving them with limited options for non-emergency medical transport.

Medical transportation services, however, offer a potential solution. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to individuals with disabilities or medical needs. These services typically require advance booking and may involve a fee. Companies like **American Medical Response (AMR)** and local private providers may service the Grafton area. However, the availability and cost of these services should be carefully investigated.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of these medical transport services is crucial. They are required to provide accessible vehicles for individuals with mobility impairments, which can also be beneficial for COPD patients who may require assistance getting in and out of vehicles or need to transport oxygen tanks. Inquiring about ADA-compliant vehicles is a critical step in securing transportation.

The nearest major airport, **Albany International Airport (ALB)**, is approximately 100 miles away, requiring a drive of roughly two hours. This distance presents a significant challenge for individuals with COPD who may need to travel for specialized medical care or to visit family. The journey involves traveling on **Interstate 91** and **Interstate 87**, which are generally well-maintained but can be congested during peak travel times.

In summary, the COPD Score for Grafton, Vermont (ZIP Code 05146), is relatively low due to the limited transportation options. While the Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital is accessible by car, the lack of public transit, ride-sharing, and readily available medical transportation services creates significant barriers to healthcare access for COPD patients. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for inclement weather, further complicates matters.

For those considering moving to Grafton with COPD, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and the availability of medical transportation services is essential. Planning for potential weather-related delays and ensuring access to reliable transportation is crucial for managing their condition effectively. The decision to move to Grafton should be weighed carefully against the potential challenges of healthcare access.