04777, Stacyville, Maine Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 04777, Stacyville, Maine is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.34 percent of residents in 04777 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 30.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Houlton Regional Hospital with a distance of 33.75 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stacyville, Maine (ZIP Code 04777)

Understanding healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, is crucial when considering a move to a new community. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape of Stacyville, Maine (ZIP Code 04777), assessing its impact on healthcare access and providing a “Hypertension Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical appointments. The score will consider drive times, public transportation options, and ride-sharing availability, vital factors for those prioritizing their cardiovascular health.

Stacyville, a rural community nestled in Aroostook County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding transportation and healthcare access. The town’s remote location influences the available modes of transportation, which in turn impacts the ability of residents, especially those with hypertension, to consistently attend medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, and receive necessary care.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Transportation**

The primary mode of transportation in Stacyville is the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a significant factor in the Hypertension Score. The nearest hospital, Millinocket Regional Hospital, is approximately 40 miles south, a drive primarily along **Interstate 95 (I-95)**, the major north-south artery of Maine. Under ideal conditions, the drive takes about an hour. However, weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Maine winters, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially impacting adherence to medication schedules and follow-up appointments.

Specialty care may require travel to Bangor, roughly 100 miles south, a journey of approximately two hours via I-95. This extended travel time poses a greater challenge, especially for individuals with hypertension who may experience fatigue or other health issues that could be exacerbated by long drives. The condition of the roads, particularly secondary roads like **Route 11** and **Route 159**, can also affect travel times and safety.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Stacyville are extremely limited. Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) offers some services within Aroostook County, but the frequency and routes are restricted. There are no regularly scheduled bus routes that directly serve Stacyville. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts individuals without personal vehicles, making healthcare access considerably more difficult.

The absence of robust public transit particularly affects those with mobility limitations or those who are unable to drive due to health conditions. For individuals managing hypertension, consistent access to healthcare is essential. Without reliable transportation, attending appointments and picking up medications becomes a major hurdle. The lack of public transportation also hinders the ability of family members or caregivers to assist with medical appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not readily available in Stacyville. This lack of ride-sharing options further restricts transportation choices, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of these services compounds the transportation challenges faced by residents, particularly those with chronic health conditions like hypertension.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. However, these services are primarily for emergencies or for individuals who meet specific medical criteria. NEMT services, which often require pre-booking, can be an option for some appointments, but availability can be limited, and costs can be a factor.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

Healthcare access in Stacyville is a complex issue, influenced by the interplay of transportation, availability of medical professionals, and the individual's health status. The distance to healthcare facilities, the limited public transportation options, and the absence of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for individuals managing hypertension.

Regular medical check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle modifications are critical components of hypertension treatment. The transportation challenges in Stacyville can hinder adherence to these essential elements of care. This can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased risk of complications, and a diminished quality of life for those living with hypertension.

**Hypertension Score for Stacyville (04777): A Calculated Assessment**

Considering the transportation factors discussed, a “Hypertension Score” can be formulated. This score, on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most accessible and 1 being the least), reflects the ease of accessing healthcare in Stacyville for individuals with hypertension.

* **Drive Times:** The relatively long drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialty care, negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transportation:** The near absence of public transportation severely limits access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The unavailability of ride-sharing services further restricts transportation choices.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical transport provides some support, but it is limited by eligibility criteria and potential costs.

Based on these factors, the Hypertension Score for Stacyville (04777) is a **3 out of 10**. This low score highlights the significant transportation barriers that residents with hypertension face. The score underscores the importance of careful consideration of transportation needs when moving to Stacyville, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions.

**Moving to Stacyville: A Consideration for Health**

For individuals considering moving to Stacyville, the Hypertension Score serves as a crucial piece of information. Understanding the transportation limitations is essential for planning healthcare management. Those with hypertension should carefully assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to assist with transportation, and the potential costs of medical transport services.

Before making a move, it is advisable to research the availability of local medical providers, pharmacies, and support services. Contacting the local healthcare facilities to inquire about transportation assistance programs or community resources is highly recommended. Exploring telehealth options, if available, can also help mitigate some of the transportation challenges.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Road to Healthcare**

Healthcare access in Stacyville presents significant challenges for individuals with hypertension. The lack of public transportation, the absence of ride-sharing services, and the long drive times to healthcare facilities create barriers to consistent medical care. While medical transport services offer some support, they are not a universal solution.

The Hypertension Score of 3 out of 10 reflects the difficulties residents face in accessing healthcare. Individuals considering a move to Stacyville must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and plan accordingly. Proactive planning, including researching local resources and exploring alternative healthcare options, is essential for managing hypertension effectively in this rural community. This comprehensive understanding of transportation and healthcare access is paramount for making informed decisions about relocating to Stacyville and ensuring continued well-being.