01338, Buckland, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 01338, Buckland, Massachusetts is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

11.36 percent of residents in 01338 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baystate Franklin Medical Center with a distance of 10.57 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 01338**

The tranquil New England town of Buckland, Massachusetts, nestled in the heart of Franklin County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 01338, explores the multifaceted landscape of transportation options available to individuals seeking medical care, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential appointments. The score will consider drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services, all crucial elements in determining the overall healthcare accessibility within the community. The goal is to provide prospective residents, especially those considering moving to Buckland, with a clear understanding of the transportation realities they will face.

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Buckland is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The town's relatively rural setting necessitates reliance on roadways for reaching medical facilities. The primary arteries for travel include Route 2, a major east-west highway that connects Buckland to larger towns and cities, and Route 116, which offers a more scenic, though often slower, north-south route. Local roads like Conway Road and Ashfield Road provide access to neighboring communities and medical offices. Drive times, however, can vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day.

For individuals needing to reach the nearest hospital, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, the drive along Route 2 typically takes around 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours or adverse weather, this commute can easily extend to 30 minutes or more. The distance to larger medical centers in Springfield, such as Baystate Medical Center, can be a significant undertaking, requiring approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive via I-91 South. This longer travel time poses a challenge for those with hypertension, who may require frequent check-ups or experience sudden health events.

Public transportation options within Buckland are limited, but they do exist. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) provides bus service throughout Franklin County. The primary route serving Buckland is the B41 bus, which connects the town to Greenfield and other surrounding communities. The B41 operates on a fixed schedule, with limited frequency, especially on weekends and evenings. This can present difficulties for those with appointments outside of the bus schedule.

The B41 does offer ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating, making it a viable option for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the limited service frequency and the potential for longer travel times compared to driving can be a significant drawback for those managing hypertension, who may need to adhere to strict appointment schedules. The bus route does not directly serve all medical facilities, which may require a transfer or a walk from a bus stop.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Buckland area, but their presence is not as robust as in more urban areas. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative to driving, its reliability and affordability are essential considerations for residents with hypertension.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, are also available in the region. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance with transportation. Companies like Med-Ride and other local providers offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have associated costs, which can impact the overall accessibility of healthcare.

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 01338, therefore, reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While the presence of personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services provides options, each has its limitations. The drive times to medical facilities, especially during peak hours, can be a concern. The limited frequency of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services add to the challenges.

Considering these factors, the "Hypertension Score" for Buckland, MA (01338) would be a moderate rating. While residents have access to multiple transportation options, the constraints of drive times, public transit schedules, and ride-sharing availability present barriers to easy and timely healthcare access. For individuals with hypertension, this necessitates careful planning and consideration when scheduling appointments and ensuring reliable transportation. Moving to Buckland requires a comprehensive understanding of these transportation realities to maintain consistent healthcare access. The availability of medical transportation services, while helpful, adds to the overall cost and complexity of healthcare access. The town's rural character, while offering a desirable lifestyle, presents a transportation challenge that directly impacts healthcare access.