05858, North Concord, Vermont COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 05858, North Concord, Vermont is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.41 percent of residents in 05858 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with a distance of 13.52 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in North Concord (ZIP Code 05858)

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the simple act of accessing healthcare can be a significant challenge. This write-up, a "COPD Score" assessment, examines the transportation landscape in North Concord, Vermont (ZIP Code 05858), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare facilities. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering moving to this area, as readily available and reliable transportation directly impacts quality of life and disease management.

The COPD Score considers factors like drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. Each aspect is evaluated to determine the ease with which residents can reach essential medical appointments, therapies, and emergency care. This score aims to provide a realistic understanding of the transportation challenges and opportunities within this rural Vermont community.

**Driving Times and Road Conditions:**

North Concord, nestled in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, is characterized by its rural setting. The primary artery connecting North Concord to larger towns and healthcare providers is **US Route 2**. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months. Expect drive times to vary significantly based on the season and time of day.

The nearest major healthcare hub is **Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH)** in St. Johnsbury, approximately a 20-minute drive via US Route 2. This drive is generally straightforward, but snow and ice can make it treacherous during winter. Other healthcare options, such as specialists or more comprehensive facilities, may necessitate longer journeys.

Traveling to the **University of Vermont Medical Center** in Burlington, for instance, requires a drive of roughly two hours, predominantly via **Interstate 91 (I-91)** and **US Route 2**. This longer distance presents a considerable challenge for individuals with COPD, who may experience exacerbations during extended travel. The condition of I-91 is generally good, but traffic, especially around Burlington, can add to the travel time.

Smaller roads, such as **Vermont Route 122**, provide alternative routes, but they are often narrower, winding, and can be poorly maintained, particularly during the winter months. These routes are generally not recommended for those with COPD due to the potential for increased stress and travel time.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in North Concord are limited. The primary provider is **Rural Community Transportation (RCT)**, which offers demand-response services. This means residents must schedule rides in advance, often with a 24-hour notice. RCT operates a network of routes throughout the region, but service frequency and availability are limited, especially on weekends and evenings.

RCT does offer **ADA-accessible vehicles**, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the need for advance booking can be a significant barrier for those with unpredictable health needs, such as COPD patients experiencing acute respiratory distress. The reliability of RCT services can also be impacted by weather conditions and driver availability, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

The closest bus route to North Concord is **RCT Route 80**, which travels between St. Johnsbury and Montpelier. This route, however, does not directly serve North Concord. Individuals would need to arrange transportation to a stop along Route 80, further complicating the journey.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are **extremely limited** in North Concord and the surrounding areas. The availability of these services is sporadic and cannot be relied upon for regular healthcare appointments. This lack of ride-sharing options significantly restricts the transportation choices for those without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services are available but may require prior arrangements. **Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH)** offers patient transport services for those needing assistance getting to and from appointments. However, these services may be limited in scope and availability.

Specialized medical transport companies, such as **Care Ride** and **MedTrans**, operate in Vermont. These companies typically provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, these services often require pre-booking and may involve higher costs compared to other transportation options.

**Overall COPD Score and Considerations for Moving:**

Based on the assessment of transportation options, North Concord presents significant challenges for individuals with COPD seeking healthcare access. The limited public transportation, the absence of reliable ride-sharing services, and the potential for long drive times to specialized care contribute to a **lower COPD Score**.

The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for seasonal road closures create additional barriers. For those considering moving to North Concord with COPD, careful consideration of these transportation limitations is crucial.

Individuals should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, or the feasibility of relying on medical transport services. Planning for potential weather-related delays and the need for advance booking of transportation services is essential.

The COPD Score for North Concord reflects the need for proactive planning and a strong support network to successfully manage healthcare needs. While the area offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the transportation challenges should be carefully weighed against the benefits of relocating. This analysis aims to inform potential residents about the reality of healthcare access and the importance of considering transportation as a vital component of their health management strategy.