02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.32 percent of residents in 02719 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 13.67 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fairhaven (ZIP Code 02719)

Fairhaven, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02719), a charming coastal community, presents a unique tapestry of transportation options for its residents, each impacting their access to crucial healthcare services. Understanding this landscape is critical, especially for individuals managing hypertension, a condition requiring regular medical attention and medication adherence. This write-up analyzes the transportation options available, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment to evaluate the ease with which residents can access healthcare, particularly primary care physicians and pharmacies, essential for managing hypertension. The score considers drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to empower individuals, especially those considering moving to Fairhaven, with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare access.

The foundation of healthcare access in Fairhaven often rests on the automobile. Driving times to medical facilities are a significant factor. The primary arterial routes are Route 6 and Route 240. Traveling to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, a major regional healthcare provider, typically involves navigating Route 6 East. During off-peak hours, the drive might take approximately 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hour, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons, congestion can significantly extend this time, potentially reaching 30-40 minutes. This delay can be a critical factor for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises or needing urgent medical attention.

Accessing primary care physicians and pharmacies located in Fairhaven itself is generally more convenient. Many practices and pharmacies are clustered along Route 6 and Main Street, offering relatively short drive times, often under 10 minutes, for residents living in the central areas of town. However, residents in the more remote areas of Fairhaven, particularly those closer to the coastline or near the borders of Mattapoisett or Acushnet, might face slightly longer drive times, potentially impacting their ability to maintain consistent medical appointments and medication refills.

Public transportation, while available, presents a more complex picture. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service to Fairhaven. Route 10, for instance, connects Fairhaven to New Bedford, offering a link to St. Luke's Hospital and other medical facilities. The bus route follows Route 6, providing a direct connection. However, bus schedules are less frequent than driving, and the travel time is considerably longer, often taking 45 minutes to an hour to reach New Bedford. This extended travel time, coupled with potential waiting periods, can be a significant deterrent for individuals managing hypertension who require timely access to healthcare.

Furthermore, the accessibility of public transit for individuals with mobility limitations is a crucial consideration. SRTA buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and designated seating areas. However, the availability of accessible bus stops and the overall ease of navigating the system can vary. For individuals using mobility aids or experiencing physical limitations, the reliance on public transit might pose significant challenges, potentially hindering their ability to attend medical appointments and access necessary medications.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. While the availability of these services in Fairhaven is generally good, particularly during peak hours, the cost can be a barrier for some individuals, especially those with fixed incomes or limited financial resources. The cost of a ride to New Bedford for a medical appointment, for instance, could range from $20 to $40 or more, depending on the time of day and demand. This expense can add up quickly, potentially impacting a person's ability to afford regular medical care.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedStar and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in the area. These services are often covered by insurance, including MassHealth (Medicaid), making them a more affordable option for some individuals. However, the availability of these services can vary, and scheduling appointments often requires advance notice. Delays in scheduling or transportation can disrupt the continuity of care, potentially impacting the management of hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" for Fairhaven (ZIP Code 02719) is calculated based on the following criteria:

* **Drive Time:** Score based on the average drive time to primary care physicians and pharmacies in Fairhaven (e.g., <10 minutes = Excellent; 10-20 minutes = Good; >20 minutes = Fair; >30 minutes = Poor).
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Score based on the frequency, route coverage, and ADA compliance of SRTA bus service (e.g., Frequent service, ADA compliant = Good; Infrequent service, limited ADA features = Fair; No service = Poor).
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Score based on the presence and cost of Uber/Lyft services (e.g., Readily available, affordable = Good; Limited availability, expensive = Fair; Unavailable = Poor).
* **Medical Transport Services:** Score based on the availability, insurance coverage, and scheduling efficiency of NEMT services (e.g., Readily available, insurance covered, efficient scheduling = Good; Limited availability, coverage limitations, scheduling delays = Fair; Unavailable = Poor).

Based on these criteria, the "Hypertension Score" for Fairhaven, considering the available transportation options, would likely fall into the "Good" to "Fair" range. Residents have relatively easy access to local healthcare providers and pharmacies via car. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the potential scheduling challenges of medical transport services can create barriers for some individuals, particularly those with limited mobility, financial constraints, or those living in more remote areas of town.

For individuals considering moving to Fairhaven, it is crucial to carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. If they rely on public transit, they should familiarize themselves with the SRTA bus routes and schedules. Those who depend on ride-sharing should factor in the potential costs. Individuals with mobility limitations should investigate the availability of accessible transportation options and medical transport services.

Ultimately, the ability to effectively manage hypertension in Fairhaven depends on a multifaceted approach, combining accessible transportation, readily available healthcare providers, and a proactive approach to healthcare management. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a tool to evaluate the ease of access to healthcare, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Further improvements in public transit, increased availability of affordable ride-sharing options, and enhanced medical transport services would significantly improve the "Hypertension Score" and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Fairhaven residents.