06243, East Killingly, Connecticut Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 06243, East Killingly, Connecticut is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.77 percent of residents in 06243 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Day Kimball Hospital with a distance of 6.97 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 06243

This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within ZIP code 06243, encompassing East Killingly, Connecticut, focusing on its impact on healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to transportation, ultimately informing a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical care. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to East Killingly, especially those with pre-existing health conditions like hypertension.

The ability to consistently and reliably access healthcare is paramount for managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits are crucial. Transportation limitations can significantly hinder this process, leading to poorer health outcomes. This analysis examines various transportation options available within and around 06243, considering factors like travel time, cost, and accessibility, to determine the ease with which residents can reach healthcare providers.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary roadways serving East Killingly are Interstate 395 (I-395) and Route 6. I-395 offers a direct north-south connection, while Route 6 provides an east-west artery. Traveling to healthcare facilities often involves navigating these roadways. For example, accessing Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, a major healthcare provider, typically requires a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes via Route 6. This is a relatively short and manageable commute, representing a positive aspect of healthcare access.

However, drive times can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. Morning and evening commutes can experience congestion, potentially extending travel times. Furthermore, residents in more remote areas of 06243 might face longer drives to reach these main arteries, adding to the overall travel time. The condition of local roads, such as Kennedy Drive and Wauregan Road, can also affect drive times and the safety of transportation, particularly during inclement weather.

**Public Transit Considerations:**

Public transportation options in 06243 are limited. The availability of public transit is a critical factor in healthcare access, especially for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. The lack of extensive public transportation poses a significant challenge for residents.

The Northeast Transportation Company (NETC) provides some bus services in the region. However, the routes and frequency are limited, and they may not directly serve all healthcare facilities or residential areas within 06243. Route 905, for instance, might offer some connectivity, but its schedule and coverage must be carefully evaluated to determine its usefulness for medical appointments. Accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, such as wheelchair lifts and audio-visual announcements, are crucial, and the availability of these features on NETC buses needs to be confirmed.

The absence of robust public transportation necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, potentially increasing the burden on individuals managing hypertension. The availability of public transit is a critical factor in healthcare access, especially for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. However, their availability and affordability in 06243 can be variable. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized transportation providers, are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport. While these services can be invaluable, they often come with a higher cost compared to other transportation options.

The availability of these services and their associated costs are crucial considerations when assessing healthcare access. The reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation can significantly impact the overall "Hypertension Score" due to the increased financial burden and potential scheduling complexities.

**Healthcare Facility Proximity and Options:**

The proximity of healthcare facilities to residential areas is a critical factor. The closer a resident lives to a healthcare provider, the easier it is to access care. Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam is the primary hospital serving the area, offering a range of services, including cardiology and primary care. Several medical practices and clinics are also located within 06243 and nearby towns, providing additional options for healthcare.

The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology services, is also important for individuals managing hypertension. The distance to specialists and the ease of scheduling appointments are crucial factors influencing healthcare access. The presence of multiple healthcare providers in the area increases the likelihood of finding a suitable provider and reduces the potential for long wait times.

**ADA Accessibility and Considerations:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and healthcare facilities. Ensuring that transportation options, including buses and ride-sharing services, are ADA-compliant is critical for individuals with mobility limitations. Healthcare facilities must also be accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible examination rooms.

The availability of accessible transportation and healthcare facilities is a crucial factor in determining the "Hypertension Score." The ability to access care regardless of physical limitations is paramount for ensuring equitable healthcare access.

**The "Hypertension Score" and Conclusion:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options in 06243, the "Hypertension Score" would reflect a mixed picture. The presence of relatively short drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly Day Kimball Hospital, is a positive factor. However, the limited public transportation options and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation services present challenges.

The lack of consistent and affordable transportation options can significantly impact healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. Those moving to East Killingly need to carefully consider their transportation needs and plan accordingly. The "Hypertension Score" would need to account for these factors, highlighting the need for improved public transportation, increased ride-sharing availability, and potentially subsidized medical transportation services to enhance healthcare access for all residents. Further research should include surveying residents to assess their actual transportation experiences and identify specific barriers to care.