06259, Pomfret Center, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06259, Pomfret Center, Connecticut is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.68 percent of residents in 06259 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Day Kimball Hospital with a distance of 4.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 06259 (Pomfret Center, CT)

Assessing the overall health score for healthcare access in Pomfret Center, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06259) requires a multifaceted examination of transportation infrastructure and available healthcare resources. This rural community presents unique challenges and opportunities in navigating the complexities of accessing medical care. The score reflects the ease with which residents can reach essential healthcare services, considering drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport.

The primary mode of transportation for most residents in Pomfret Center is personal vehicles. The town's location in northeastern Connecticut necessitates reliance on roadways for accessing healthcare facilities. The primary arteries for travel include Route 44, which traverses the town, and Route 169, offering north-south connectivity. Secondary roads like Pomfret Street and Mashamoquet Road provide crucial access to local destinations and connect to the larger network.

Drive times to healthcare facilities significantly impact the overall health score. The closest hospitals are Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam (approximately 15-20 minutes via Route 44) and UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, Massachusetts (roughly 30-40 minutes via Route 44 and Route 197). These distances, while manageable, can be problematic in emergencies or for individuals with limited mobility. Specialized care facilities, such as those offering specific medical treatments or advanced diagnostic services, might necessitate longer drives, potentially exceeding an hour. This can impact the overall health score.

Public transportation options in Pomfret Center are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who cannot drive. The availability of bus routes is sparse, and frequency is limited. The lack of a comprehensive public transit network necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport.

The availability of public transportation, such as buses, is extremely limited in the area, and there are no direct routes to any of the major healthcare facilities. The lack of ADA-compliant buses poses a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities. The limited options and routes mean that residents will need to rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Pomfret Center, but their reliability and cost can vary. The availability of these services might be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for some residents, particularly those with frequent healthcare appointments. The overall health score is affected by the dependence on ride-sharing services.

Medical transport services are available in the area, providing specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, medical transport can be expensive and might require advance booking, which can be challenging in emergencies. The availability of medical transport is an important factor to consider.

Several medical transport providers serve the Pomfret Center area. Companies like American Ambulance Service and Life Star offer ambulance services for emergency situations. For non-emergency medical transportation, companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and local private providers offer scheduled rides to appointments. Understanding the services available and the associated costs is essential for residents.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Pomfret Center is moderately impacted by the limited transportation options. While drive times to nearby hospitals are reasonable, the lack of robust public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport pose significant challenges for some residents. The score is affected by the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential barriers to access for those without them.

The overall health score is further influenced by the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities within the community. While Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam provides a range of services, residents might need to travel further for specialized care. The presence of local primary care physicians and specialists, such as dentists and optometrists, within Pomfret Center or nearby towns is crucial for maintaining good health. The overall health score is influenced by the proximity of healthcare facilities.

The overall health score also considers the demographic characteristics of the population. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic health conditions within the community can influence healthcare needs and access requirements. The score reflects the ability of residents to navigate the transportation landscape and reach the necessary healthcare services, considering their individual circumstances.

For individuals considering moving to Pomfret Center, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. Prospective residents should assess their healthcare needs and consider the availability of transportation options. Those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the feasibility of relying on ride-sharing, public transit (if any), or medical transport. The overall health score can influence the decision to move to Pomfret Center.

Improving the overall health score for healthcare access in Pomfret Center requires strategic interventions. This includes advocating for expanded public transportation options, such as increased bus routes and ADA-compliant vehicles. Promoting partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services can help reduce transportation barriers. Supporting the development of telehealth services can also improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or living in remote areas.

In conclusion, the overall health score for healthcare access in Pomfret Center, CT (ZIP Code 06259) is moderate. While the proximity of hospitals and healthcare facilities is a positive factor, the limited public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. Addressing these transportation barriers and supporting the development of accessible healthcare services is essential for improving the overall health and well-being of the residents.