02872, Prudence Island, Rhode Island Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 02872, Prudence Island, Rhode Island is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 02872 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newport Hospital with a distance of 8.11 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 02872

ZIP Code 02872, encompassing the tranquil beauty of Prudence Island in Rhode Island, presents a unique challenge in accessing healthcare, especially for individuals managing hypertension. The island's isolation, coupled with limited transportation options, necessitates a detailed assessment of healthcare access. This write-up, a 'Hypertension Score' analysis, considers the critical factors impacting timely medical care, offering insights into the complexities faced by residents and those considering moving to Prudence Island.

The cornerstone of this analysis lies in understanding the transportation landscape. The primary mode of transportation to the mainland is the Prudence Island Ferry. This ferry service, while reliable, is a fixed schedule, meaning healthcare access is dictated by its timetable. The ferry terminal on Prudence Island is at the northern tip, requiring residents to navigate the island itself, often using personal vehicles or relying on neighbors for rides.

Once on the mainland, the journey to healthcare facilities commences. The most direct route involves navigating the narrow, winding roads of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. From the ferry terminal, drivers typically take **Boyd's Lane** to **East Main Road (Route 138)**. This route, while scenic, can experience congestion during peak hours. Further travel involves **Route 24**, providing access to major healthcare providers in Fall River, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island.

The drive times vary considerably depending on traffic and the destination. The journey to Newport Hospital, approximately 15 miles from the ferry terminal, can take around 30-45 minutes. Reaching Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, roughly 25 miles away, can take up to an hour, particularly during rush hour. Fall River, a similar distance, presents comparable travel times. These drive times are crucial for individuals with hypertension, where rapid access to medical care during a hypertensive crisis is paramount.

Public transportation options are extremely limited. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) does not directly serve Prudence Island. The closest RIPTA routes are accessible on the mainland, requiring a transfer from the ferry. This adds significant time and complexity to the journey. Furthermore, the ADA accessibility of the ferry and connecting bus routes must be verified. Individuals with mobility limitations face significant barriers to healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available on the mainland. However, their availability on Prudence Island is sporadic, and their response times can be significantly longer than in urban areas. This reliance on ride-sharing, even when available, adds to the overall cost of healthcare access. Medical transport services, such as ambulances and specialized transport providers, are available, but their response times can be impacted by the island's location and the need for ferry transport.

The 'Hypertension Score' must also consider the availability of healthcare providers on Prudence Island itself. The island may have limited access to primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies. This necessitates regular trips to the mainland for routine check-ups, medication refills, and specialized treatments. Telehealth options, while offering a potential solution, are dependent on reliable internet connectivity, which may be inconsistent on the island.

The cost of transportation is another critical factor. Ferry fares, gasoline costs, and ride-sharing expenses accumulate, potentially creating a financial burden for residents, especially those on fixed incomes. This financial strain can exacerbate existing health disparities and further limit healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Prudence Island, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and the available transportation options is essential. Those with uncontrolled hypertension should carefully evaluate the potential challenges in accessing timely medical care. Proximity to emergency services, reliable transportation, and the availability of specialized medical care are critical considerations.

The 'Hypertension Score' for ZIP Code 02872, therefore, is not simply a numerical value. It is a complex evaluation of the interplay between transportation, healthcare access, and the unique geographical constraints of Prudence Island. The score highlights the need for proactive planning, including the development of robust emergency response protocols, improved public transportation options, and the expansion of telehealth services.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that residents of Prudence Island, including those managing hypertension, have equitable access to the healthcare they need, when they need it. This requires a multifaceted approach, involving collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation agencies, and community stakeholders. This ensures that the beauty and tranquility of Prudence Island are not overshadowed by the challenges of healthcare access.