06247, Hampton, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06247, Hampton, Connecticut is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.18 percent of residents in 06247 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Windham Community Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.51 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 06247

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 06247, Hampton, Connecticut, necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access. This includes an in-depth examination of transportation options, as the ability to reach medical facilities directly impacts health outcomes. Factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options all play a crucial role in determining the ease with which residents can obtain necessary care. This write-up provides a detailed analysis, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking healthcare in this rural area.

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Hampton is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The town's relative isolation and limited public transit options make driving the most practical choice for many residents. Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and the time of day. The primary arteries for travel include Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare, and Route 66, which offers a more direct route to Middletown and other regional centers. Smaller roads, such as Route 169 and Route 42, provide access to local medical offices and clinics.

Driving to Windham Hospital, a significant healthcare provider, typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic. This facility offers a range of services, including emergency care, specialized medical treatments, and various outpatient clinics. Reaching Hartford Hospital, a more comprehensive medical center with advanced specialties, can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour, especially during peak commuting hours. This longer travel time can pose a significant challenge for individuals requiring urgent care or specialized treatments not available locally.

Public transportation options in Hampton are limited, presenting a substantial hurdle for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) operates bus routes in the region, but their frequency and coverage are not extensive. Route 913, for instance, serves some areas near Hampton, but its schedule might not align with typical medical appointment times. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses, such as ramps and designated seating, is crucial for individuals with disabilities. Checking the CTDOT website for specific route details and ADA accessibility information is vital.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another potential transportation solution. However, their availability in rural areas can be inconsistent, and surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these services expensive. Residents should assess the reliability of these services in advance of needing them, especially for scheduled appointments. Medical transport services, like CareLine and American Medical Response (AMR), cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

Healthcare access is a critical factor for anyone **moving to Hampton**. Prospective residents should carefully consider the transportation challenges and plan accordingly. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of reliable transportation, and the potential for unexpected delays all contribute to the overall health score. Families with young children, elderly individuals, and those with chronic health conditions may find the transportation limitations particularly challenging.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 06247 is influenced by the interplay of transportation and healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and ride-sharing options, creates a situation where healthcare access can be difficult. While the presence of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net for some, the overall picture reveals potential barriers to timely and convenient healthcare for many residents.

The distance to major medical centers in the region, such as Hartford Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital, can significantly impact the health score. While local clinics and Windham Hospital provide essential services, the need for specialized care often necessitates longer travel times. This is particularly relevant for individuals requiring urgent care, specialized treatments, or complex medical procedures. The ability to quickly access these facilities can be a matter of life and death.

The availability of healthcare providers within Hampton itself is another crucial factor. The presence of local doctors' offices, clinics, and pharmacies improves the health score by reducing travel times and increasing the convenience of accessing routine medical care. Conversely, a scarcity of local healthcare providers necessitates longer travel distances and potentially increases the burden on residents.

The financial implications of transportation also affect the overall health score. The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing services can add up, particularly for low-income individuals. These expenses can create a barrier to healthcare access, forcing residents to delay or forgo necessary medical care. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, can help mitigate these costs, but awareness of these programs and ease of enrollment are crucial.

The mental health aspect of transportation also plays a role. The stress of navigating traffic, the anxiety of relying on unreliable transportation, and the isolation associated with limited social interaction can negatively impact mental well-being. This is especially relevant for those who are elderly, disabled, or have chronic health conditions.

To improve the overall health score for ZIP Code 06247, several strategies could be implemented. Expanding public transportation options, increasing the frequency of bus routes, and ensuring ADA accessibility would be beneficial. Promoting ride-sharing programs and subsidizing transportation costs for low-income residents could also improve healthcare access. Encouraging the establishment of more local healthcare providers, including specialists, would reduce travel times and improve convenience.

Furthermore, educating residents about available medical transport services and financial assistance programs is essential. Collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation agencies, and community organizations is crucial to developing and implementing these strategies. The goal is to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all residents of Hampton.

In conclusion, the overall health score for ZIP Code 06247 is influenced by the complex interplay of transportation infrastructure, the availability of healthcare providers, and the financial and emotional burdens associated with accessing care. While the presence of local clinics and medical transport services provides some support, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create significant challenges. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in transportation, healthcare infrastructure, and community support programs is essential to improving the health and well-being of all residents. This will make **moving to Hampton** a more appealing prospect for those concerned about their healthcare access.