06359, North Stonington, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06359, North Stonington, Connecticut is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.12 percent of residents in 06359 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is William W Backus Hospital with a distance of 12.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in North Stonington, CT (ZIP Code 06359)

Considering a move to the charming town of North Stonington, Connecticut (ZIP code 06359)? Beyond the idyllic landscapes and close-knit community, a crucial factor to weigh is your **healthcare access**. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on the realities of **transportation** options available to access medical facilities. We will examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view of how easily you can reach the care you need.

The "Overall Health Score" is a subjective assessment based on the availability, efficiency, and accessibility of **transportation** options. It considers factors like travel time, convenience, cost, and the presence of services catering to individuals with disabilities. A higher score reflects better **healthcare access**, while a lower score indicates potential challenges.

**Driving Times and Road Networks:**

North Stonington, while offering a peaceful rural setting, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most medical appointments. The primary arteries for navigating the area are Route 2 and Route 49. Route 2, a major east-west thoroughfare, connects North Stonington to Norwich and New London. Route 49 runs north-south, linking the town to Voluntown and Westerly, Rhode Island.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination. The closest urgent care facility is approximately 15-20 minutes away in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, accessible via Route 2. For more specialized care, you'll likely travel to either Norwich or New London. The drive to Backus Hospital in Norwich typically takes 25-35 minutes via Route 2, depending on traffic. New London, home to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, is roughly a 30-45 minute drive, again utilizing Route 2. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact these times.

Residents considering **moving to North Stonington** should factor in these commute times, especially if they have frequent medical appointments or require specialized care. The convenience of driving is offset by potential delays and the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transportation** options in North Stonington are limited. The Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily serving the larger towns of Norwich, New London, and Groton. These routes are not designed to provide convenient access to medical facilities within a reasonable timeframe.

SEAT Route 1, for instance, connects Norwich and New London, passing through some areas near North Stonington. However, the limited frequency of this route, coupled with the need for transfers and potential delays, makes it a less-than-ideal option for medical appointments. Furthermore, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as ramps and audio-visual announcements, are available on SEAT buses, but the overall service is not designed to prioritize **healthcare access**.

The lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score." Individuals without access to a personal vehicle, or those unable to drive due to age or disability, face considerable challenges in reaching medical facilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can fluctuate. Availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Furthermore, the cost of a ride-share to a hospital or specialist appointment can be substantial, adding to the overall financial burden of **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer specialized options for individuals with mobility limitations. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but they are not typically used for routine appointments. NEMT providers, like MedTrans or CareRide, provide transportation for individuals who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments but do not require an ambulance.

While these services provide crucial support, they come with their own limitations. NEMT services often require advance booking, and availability may be restricted. The cost of these services can also be significant, and insurance coverage varies.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options in North Stonington (ZIP code 06359), the "Overall Health Score" is moderately low. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public **transportation** options create significant challenges for **healthcare access**. Drive times to medical facilities are manageable, but the lack of reliable and affordable alternatives presents a barrier for many residents.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** options provides some support, but these services are often expensive and may not always be readily available. Individuals considering **moving to North Stonington** must carefully evaluate their **healthcare access** needs and consider the implications of the limited **transportation** infrastructure.

The score reflects a need for improvement in **transportation** options to support the health and well-being of the community. Increased public **transportation** services, particularly those designed to serve medical appointments, would significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve **healthcare access** for all residents. Further, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical needs could also be beneficial.