06751, Bethlehem, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06751, Bethlehem, Connecticut is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.10 percent of residents in 06751 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Waterbury Hospital with a distance of 9.52 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 06751 (Bethlehem, CT)**

Evaluating the health of a community necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its residents' ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. In Bethlehem, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06751), this access is significantly shaped by the available transportation options. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score," considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a picture of the ease or difficulty residents face in reaching medical care. This assessment is crucial for anyone considering moving to Bethlehem, CT, and needing to factor in healthcare access.

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Bethlehem is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The town's rural character and limited public transit options make driving the most practical choice for most residents. From the center of Bethlehem, accessing hospitals and specialist offices requires navigating a network of state roads and highways. Route 61, a major north-south artery, provides a direct route to the more developed areas of Woodbury and Watertown.

Travel times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. For example, a drive to Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, CT, a major regional hospital, typically takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes via Route 61 South and Route 8 South. This journey covers roughly 15 to 20 miles. Similarly, reaching Waterbury Hospital, also in Waterbury, involves a similar route and travel time.

Accessing specialized medical care often necessitates travel to larger cities like New Haven or Hartford. These trips involve longer drive times, typically exceeding an hour. Reaching Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, for instance, requires navigating Route 63 South, Route 8 South, and ultimately, the I-95 corridor. This journey, covering roughly 50 miles, can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to over 2 hours during peak traffic.

Public transportation options in Bethlehem are limited, posing a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The availability of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those unable to drive. The Greater Waterbury Transit District (GWTD) offers some bus routes, but their service area primarily focuses on the city of Waterbury and its surrounding suburbs.

While GWTD does not have direct routes that serve Bethlehem, residents can potentially utilize their services by driving to a park-and-ride location in a neighboring town, such as Woodbury or Watertown, and then transferring to a GWTD bus. This adds an extra layer of complexity and time to the journey. Furthermore, the frequency of bus service is limited, especially on weekends and evenings, further restricting healthcare access.

The GWTD does adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, ensuring that their buses are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. However, the lack of comprehensive route coverage in Bethlehem limits the practical utility of this ADA-compliant service for many residents. This is a significant factor to consider when evaluating the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another potential transportation option, although their availability in rural areas like Bethlehem can be inconsistent. The presence of ride-sharing services can be a crucial component of healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

The reliability of ride-sharing services in Bethlehem may also be a concern. The availability of drivers can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can make it difficult for residents to schedule and attend medical appointments, thus impacting their overall health.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs, including those requiring wheelchair-accessible transportation or stretcher services. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing specialized services for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments.

These services can be essential for individuals with disabilities or those who are medically fragile. However, medical transport services often come at a higher cost than other transportation options, potentially creating a financial burden for some residents. The availability of these services and their associated costs are critical factors in assessing healthcare access.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Bethlehem, CT (06751) is moderately challenging. While driving provides the most direct access to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the cost of medical transport services create barriers for certain segments of the population.

The drive times to regional hospitals are reasonable, but longer travel times to specialized care in larger cities can be a significant consideration. The lack of robust public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents.

For those considering moving to Bethlehem, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Individuals who cannot drive or have limited access to a vehicle may face challenges in accessing healthcare. Careful planning and consideration of transportation alternatives are essential for ensuring timely and convenient access to medical care.

In conclusion, while Bethlehem offers a peaceful and desirable living environment, the healthcare access landscape presents some challenges. The overall health score reflects the need for residents to rely primarily on personal vehicles for healthcare transportation, with limited alternatives available. This underscores the importance of individual planning and consideration of transportation needs when evaluating the overall health and well-being of the community.