13652, Hermon, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13652, Hermon, New York is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.26 percent of residents in 13652 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gouverneur Hospital with a distance of 14.89 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Hermon, NY (ZIP Code 13652)

The journey to manage hypertension, a condition affecting millions, is often intertwined with the complexities of healthcare access. For residents of Hermon, New York (ZIP Code 13652), the availability and ease of transportation to medical facilities play a crucial role in their ability to receive timely and effective care. This write-up, a "Hypertension Score" analysis, explores the transportation landscape surrounding Hermon, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension.

The very fabric of healthcare access in Hermon is woven with the threads of transportation. A resident's ability to attend appointments, access medications, and receive necessary treatments directly correlates with the efficiency and availability of transportation options. This is particularly significant for individuals with hypertension, a condition demanding regular monitoring and medication adherence. The "Hypertension Score" considers these factors to assess the ease with which residents can navigate the healthcare system.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary roadways serving Hermon, and thus dictating drive times to healthcare facilities, are crucial components of our analysis. The most direct route to larger medical centers often involves navigating NY-11, a major north-south thoroughfare. Depending on the destination, travel times can vary significantly. For instance, a trip to Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, a common destination for specialized care, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, contingent on traffic and weather conditions.

Traveling to larger cities like Watertown, which offers a broader range of medical specialists and facilities, presents a longer commute. This journey often utilizes NY-11 and NY-3, potentially extending the drive time to an hour or more. The condition of these roads, particularly during the harsh winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety, adding an extra layer of complexity for individuals with hypertension, who might be more vulnerable to stress and physical exertion.

Smaller clinics and primary care physicians located in nearby towns like Gouverneur are often accessible via local roads such as County Route 24 and County Route 27. These routes, while shorter in distance, can be subject to varying road conditions and may not always be well-maintained, particularly during winter. The "Hypertension Score" must therefore consider the reliability and accessibility of these local routes.

**Public Transit: The Wheels of Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Hermon are limited, presenting a considerable challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider in the region is St. Lawrence County Public Transportation (SLCPT). While SLCPT offers routes that may serve some nearby towns, the frequency and coverage within Hermon itself are often restricted.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. The "Hypertension Score" must assess the percentage of SLCPT vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access transportation to their healthcare appointments. Precise route numbers and schedules are essential for accurate assessment. For example, understanding which SLCPT routes, if any, directly connect Hermon to Potsdam or Canton, and their frequency of service, is critical to evaluating healthcare access.

The lack of robust public transit can disproportionately affect those with hypertension who may also face financial constraints or be unable to drive due to health complications. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Pathways**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in Hermon. Their presence is often contingent on driver availability and demand. This inconsistency poses a significant challenge for individuals with hypertension who require scheduled medical appointments. The "Hypertension Score" must acknowledge the unreliability of ride-sharing as a primary transportation option.

Medical transport services, on the other hand, offer a more specialized solution. These services, often provided by private companies or healthcare facilities, are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. Companies like LifeLine Ambulance or local medical transport services may operate in the area, but their availability, cost, and the types of medical needs they can accommodate must be carefully evaluated. The "Hypertension Score" must consider the accessibility of these services, including their coverage area, insurance acceptance, and the types of medical conditions they can safely transport.

**The "Hypertension Score" and the Hermon Landscape**

The "Hypertension Score" for Hermon, NY (ZIP Code 13652) is a complex metric, reflecting the interplay of drive times, public transit limitations, and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing and medical transport. The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with the challenges of winter driving conditions, underscores the need for careful planning and consideration for residents managing hypertension.

For individuals considering moving to Hermon, the "Hypertension Score" should be a crucial element in their decision-making process. Understanding the transportation challenges and the available resources is essential for ensuring continued access to healthcare. Prospective residents should carefully research the availability of medical facilities, primary care physicians, and pharmacies within reasonable driving distances. They should also investigate the potential costs associated with medical transport services and explore options for assistance with transportation if needed.

The overall score will be impacted by the accessibility of healthcare facilities in neighboring towns. The proximity of Potsdam, Canton, and Gouverneur to Hermon is a positive factor, as these towns offer a range of medical services. However, the "Hypertension Score" must acknowledge the limitations of public transit and the inconsistency of ride-sharing services.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Accessibility**

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for Hermon, NY (ZIP Code 13652) highlights the need for improved transportation options to enhance healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. While the availability of medical facilities in nearby towns offers a degree of access, the limitations of public transit and the uncertainties of ride-sharing services create significant challenges.

To improve the "Hypertension Score," investment in public transportation infrastructure, including increased route frequency and ADA-accessible vehicles, is essential. Furthermore, partnerships between healthcare providers and medical transport services could help to ensure that residents have reliable access to appointments and medications. Ultimately, creating a more accessible transportation environment will contribute to better health outcomes for residents of Hermon and improve their ability to manage hypertension effectively. This is a crucial consideration for anyone moving to Hermon.