06712, Prospect, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06712, Prospect, Connecticut is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.13 percent of residents in 06712 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 4.56 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 06712 (Prospect, CT)

Prospect, Connecticut, nestled within the 06712 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for residents navigating the vital journey to healthcare. This analysis assesses the overall health score for this community, focusing on the accessibility of medical services, considering various transportation options, and their inherent challenges. Evaluating these factors provides a comprehensive understanding of the ease with which residents can access the care they need, a crucial element in determining the overall well-being of a community. This write-up is particularly relevant for those **moving to Prospect**, seeking to understand the practicalities of healthcare access.

The primary concern when evaluating healthcare access is the time and effort required to reach medical facilities. In Prospect, the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The town’s location, while offering a degree of rural charm, also necessitates travel to surrounding areas for comprehensive medical care. This dependence on **transportation** infrastructure becomes a pivotal factor in the overall health score.

Driving times are heavily influenced by the local road network. The main arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are Route 69, Route 68, and Route 69. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially extending travel times, particularly for those needing urgent care. The drive to Waterbury Hospital, a major regional medical center, typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Similarly, access to Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury requires a similar drive time.

Further afield, Yale New Haven Hospital, a nationally recognized facility, is approximately a 45-60 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions on Route 8 and the Merritt Parkway. This longer travel time necessitates careful planning for appointments and potential emergencies. Residents also often utilize healthcare facilities in nearby towns like Cheshire, accessible via Route 68, and Naugatuck, accessible via Route 63.

Public transit options are limited in Prospect. While the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) provides some bus service in the greater Waterbury area, direct routes serving Prospect are scarce. This lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts those without personal vehicles, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of accessible public transit, especially routes with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, further compounds the challenges for vulnerable populations.

The absence of a comprehensive public transit system necessitates exploring alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a degree of flexibility. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for some residents, particularly for frequent medical appointments. Medical transportation services, such as those offered by Care Ride and MedTrans, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often cater to those requiring non-emergency medical transport, offering door-to-door service and assistance with mobility.

The availability of these services is a positive aspect of healthcare access in Prospect, yet they are not a complete solution. The reliability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, and medical transportation services often require advance booking, which may not always be feasible in urgent situations.

Evaluating the overall health score requires considering the availability of different types of healthcare providers within a reasonable distance. Prospect itself has a limited number of primary care physicians and specialists. This means residents often need to travel to Waterbury or other surrounding towns to access a full range of medical services. The proximity to Waterbury is a significant advantage, as it provides access to a wide array of specialists, hospitals, and urgent care facilities.

The presence of urgent care centers in Waterbury offers a convenient option for non-life-threatening medical needs, providing an alternative to emergency room visits. The availability of these facilities reduces the strain on hospitals and provides quicker access to care for many residents. However, the drive time to these centers remains a factor, particularly for those experiencing acute symptoms.

Telehealth services have become increasingly prevalent, offering a valuable alternative to in-person visits. Many healthcare providers in the region offer telehealth appointments, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations, reducing the need for travel. The adoption of telehealth technologies is a positive development, improving **healthcare access** for Prospect residents.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in ZIP code 06712 is moderate. While the proximity to Waterbury provides access to a wide range of medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public **transportation** options present challenges. The drive times to major medical facilities, the cost of ride-sharing services, and the limited availability of public transit all contribute to potential barriers to care.

For those **moving to Prospect**, it is essential to consider these factors when evaluating the community's suitability. Individuals who rely on public transit or have limited mobility may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. While the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some relief, the costs and booking requirements must be considered.

The health score can be improved by increasing public **transportation** options, particularly routes with ADA features, and promoting the use of telehealth services. Enhancing the availability of primary care physicians and specialists within Prospect would also significantly improve the community's overall health score.

Furthermore, community initiatives that support transportation assistance programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities can help bridge the gap in **healthcare access**. Such programs can provide financial assistance for ride-sharing services or subsidize medical transportation costs.

In conclusion, while Prospect offers access to a range of healthcare services, the community's reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** create challenges for residents. The overall health score is moderate, reflecting the need for continued efforts to improve **healthcare access** through expanded **transportation** options, telehealth adoption, and community support programs. The evaluation of these factors is crucial for those **moving to Prospect** to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.