06351, Jewett City, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06351, Jewett City, Connecticut is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.88 percent of residents in 06351 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is William W Backus Hospital with a distance of 7.32 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Jewett City, CT (ZIP Code 06351)

Jewett City, nestled within the town of Griswold, Connecticut (ZIP code 06351), presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, particularly concerning **healthcare access**. This analysis delves into the complexities of **transportation** options available for residents seeking medical care, offering a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" that considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. The score reflects the ease or difficulty individuals face in reaching essential healthcare providers, a critical factor influencing overall well-being. For those **moving to Jewett City**, understanding these nuances is crucial for informed decision-making.

The foundation of healthcare access in Jewett City rests upon the availability and efficiency of **transportation**. The primary mode of travel is by personal vehicle, necessitating an understanding of drive times to various healthcare facilities. The town's location, while offering a sense of rural tranquility, also presents challenges in terms of distance to specialized medical services.

Driving south on Route 12, the main thoroughfare, provides direct access to the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, approximately a 20-minute drive under normal traffic conditions. This hospital offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, specialized medical departments, and surgical facilities. The journey involves navigating a mix of residential and commercial areas, with potential for delays during peak hours.

Alternatively, heading north on Route 12 leads to Plainfield, where access to primary care physicians and urgent care facilities is readily available. The drive is generally shorter, taking around 10-15 minutes, depending on the specific destination. The roads are well-maintained, but the potential for traffic congestion exists during school drop-off and pick-up times.

For specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, residents often travel to larger medical centers in New London or Hartford. The drive to New London involves taking Route 2 west, a major highway, and then navigating city streets, resulting in a travel time of approximately 30-45 minutes. This journey offers scenic views but can be impacted by traffic, particularly during the summer months due to increased tourist activity.

Reaching Hartford necessitates a longer commute, typically around an hour and 15 minutes, involving a combination of Route 2 and Interstate 395. This route provides access to a wider array of specialized medical centers, including those affiliated with the University of Connecticut Health Center. However, the longer travel time can be a significant barrier for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring frequent appointments.

Public transit options in Jewett City are limited. The Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) provides bus service, but the routes serving the area are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. The primary route, Route 12, offers limited service with buses running on hourly schedules. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities, and SEAT does provide this feature on select routes, though it is recommended to confirm accessibility details when planning a trip.

Public transit is less than ideal for **healthcare access** in Jewett City. The infrequent service and potential for lengthy travel times make it a less viable option for urgent medical needs or regular appointments. While the SEAT bus system offers a cost-effective alternative for those without personal vehicles, the limited routes and schedules pose significant challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, providing a potential alternative to personal vehicles or public transit. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services are often utilized by individuals with mobility limitations or those who are unable to drive themselves. The availability of NEMT services can vary depending on insurance coverage and the specific needs of the individual.

The Overall Health Score for **healthcare access** in Jewett City, CT (06351) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to primary care and urgent care facilities is relatively good, the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized medical services and the limited public transit options pose challenges. Ride-sharing services offer a potential alternative, but their availability and cost can be significant factors. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net for individuals with mobility limitations.

For those **moving to Jewett City**, understanding the **transportation** landscape is paramount. The need for a personal vehicle is almost a necessity, given the limitations of public transit. The potential for longer drive times to specialized medical facilities should be considered when evaluating healthcare needs.

The Overall Health Score for **healthcare access** in Jewett City is moderately positive, with the score being influenced by the availability of local primary care and the accessibility of hospitals in nearby towns. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential for longer drive times to specialized facilities, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services contribute to a slightly lower score.

The score is also influenced by the socio-economic factors of the population. The affordability of vehicles, insurance, and fuel, as well as the availability of financial assistance for medical transport, play a significant role in determining the ease with which residents can access healthcare.

The Overall Health Score for **healthcare access** in Jewett City, CT (06351) can be improved by:

* Increasing the frequency and reach of public transit services, with a focus on connecting to key healthcare facilities.
* Promoting ride-sharing programs and subsidies to improve affordability and accessibility.
* Expanding the availability of medical transport services, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations.
* Supporting initiatives that improve the affordability of vehicles, insurance, and fuel.
* Encouraging the establishment of additional specialized medical services within the local area.

By addressing these factors, Jewett City can enhance its Overall Health Score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. The quality of life for those **moving to Jewett City** will be enhanced by a proactive approach to improving **transportation** and **healthcare access**.