04292, Sumner, Maine Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 04292, Sumner, Maine is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.15 percent of residents in 04292 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Stephens Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.24 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Sumner, Maine (ZIP Code 04292)

Considering a move to the charming town of Sumner, Maine (ZIP Code 04292)? This assessment delves into the critical aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on managing hypertension. For individuals with this condition, reliable transportation is paramount to ensure timely appointments, medication refills, and overall well-being. This analysis examines the transportation landscape within and around Sumner, evaluating its impact on healthcare access, and providing a "Hypertension Score" to gauge its suitability for residents managing high blood pressure.

Sumner, nestled in Oxford County, offers a tranquil rural setting. However, its location presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located in neighboring towns and cities, necessitating transportation. This write-up explores these transportation options, considering their efficiency, reliability, and accessibility for individuals with hypertension. We'll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, ultimately painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in Sumner.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Foundation of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of transportation in Sumner is the personal vehicle. The town is strategically positioned near major roadways that provide access to essential healthcare services. The most direct route to the nearest hospital, **Stephens Memorial Hospital** in Norway, Maine, typically involves driving on **Route 219** and then connecting to **Route 26**. This journey spans approximately 10 miles and takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers. **Central Maine Medical Center** in Lewiston, Maine, is a significant healthcare provider. The drive from Sumner to Lewiston involves navigating **Route 219**, merging onto **Route 202**, and then accessing **Interstate 95**. This trip covers approximately 30 miles and can take 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic, particularly during peak hours.

Further afield, **Maine Medical Center** in Portland, a major tertiary care facility, is another option. This journey requires traveling on **Route 219** to **Route 26**, then connecting to **Route 4** and finally merging onto **Interstate 95 South**. This commute is approximately 60 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

The reliability of these drive times is crucial for individuals with hypertension. Unexpected delays due to traffic, weather conditions, or vehicle malfunctions can be detrimental. Therefore, residents should factor in potential delays and plan accordingly, especially when scheduling appointments or seeking urgent care.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Potential Challenges**

Public transportation options in Sumner are limited. Oxford County does offer a public transportation service, but its routes and schedules are not designed to address healthcare access. This service is not a viable option for regular medical appointments.

The lack of robust public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. For those who rely on public transit, healthcare access becomes significantly more difficult, requiring careful planning and reliance on alternative transportation methods.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be sporadic, particularly in rural areas like Sumner. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **CareLine Ambulance Service** and **LifeFlight of Maine** provide non-emergency and emergency medical transportation. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, providing a reliable and accessible option for those who need it. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be subject to scheduling constraints.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

For individuals with disabilities, accessibility is paramount. The availability of accessible transportation options, including vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts, is crucial. When evaluating healthcare access, it is essential to consider the accessibility of both public transit and medical transport services.

**Hypertension Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in Sumner**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, we can assign a "Hypertension Score" to assess the suitability of Sumner for individuals managing high blood pressure. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport options.

* **Drive Times:** Relatively short drive times to Stephens Memorial Hospital (15-20 minutes) are a positive factor. Longer drive times to Lewiston and Portland (40-50 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, respectively) are a concern, particularly for urgent care needs.
* **Public Transit:** The absence of reliable public transit significantly limits healthcare access. This is a negative factor.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent, and medical transport services can be costly. These factors are neutral to slightly negative.
* **Accessibility:** Accessibility of transportation options is a critical consideration.

**Overall, the Hypertension Score for Sumner, Maine (ZIP Code 04292) is a 6 out of 10.**

This score reflects the mixed bag of healthcare access. While the proximity to Stephens Memorial Hospital provides a readily accessible option, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport pose challenges.

**Recommendations for Residents with Hypertension**

For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Sumner, several recommendations are essential:

* **Maintain a Reliable Vehicle:** A personal vehicle is the primary mode of transportation for healthcare access. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and reliable.
* **Plan for Potential Delays:** Factor in potential delays due to traffic, weather, or vehicle malfunctions when scheduling appointments.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical transport services in advance.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** Evaluate the proximity of healthcare providers and pharmacies to your residence.
* **Establish a Support Network:** Build a support network of friends, family, or neighbors who can provide transportation assistance when needed.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape of Healthcare Access**

Moving to Sumner, Maine, offers a peaceful lifestyle. However, individuals with hypertension must carefully consider the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. While the proximity to Stephens Memorial Hospital is a positive factor, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing or medical transport services present challenges. By understanding these factors and taking proactive steps to address them, individuals with hypertension can successfully navigate the healthcare landscape and enjoy the tranquility of life in Sumner.