06752, Bridgewater, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06752, Bridgewater, Connecticut is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.86 percent of residents in 06752 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Danbury Hospital with a distance of 9.56 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 06752 (Bridgewater, CT)**

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access vital healthcare services. This analysis, focused on the Bridgewater, CT ZIP code of 06752, meticulously examines the landscape of healthcare accessibility, considering the critical element of transportation. Understanding the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities is paramount for anyone considering moving to Bridgewater or for current residents seeking to optimize their health management. This report provides a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' based on commute times, transportation options, and the availability of medical transport services.

Bridgewater, a charming New England town, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural character, while contributing to its appeal, can complicate the logistics of reaching medical providers. The 'Overall Health Score' will reflect this reality, offering a nuanced perspective on the healthcare accessibility within the community.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Bridgewater residents is the personal vehicle. The drive-time to healthcare facilities is a crucial factor in our health score assessment. The most significant medical centers are located in nearby towns.

To reach the well-regarded Danbury Hospital, a journey typically involves navigating Route 67, a two-lane road that winds through the scenic countryside. During peak hours, traffic can be moderately congested, adding to the commute time. The distance is approximately 15 miles, and the drive can take between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Another essential healthcare destination is New Milford Hospital, situated about 10 miles away. The route primarily involves Route 67 and Route 202. The drive is generally shorter, averaging 20 to 30 minutes. However, road conditions and traffic can still impact the travel time.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. Yale New Haven Hospital, a major tertiary care center, is located approximately 60 miles away. The journey involves a combination of local roads and major highways, including Route 67, Route 8, and the Merritt Parkway. The drive can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation in Bridgewater is limited. The availability of public transit significantly impacts the 'Overall Health Score' for residents without personal vehicles or those who prefer alternative modes of transportation.

The Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBTA) offers some bus services in the region, but these routes do not directly serve Bridgewater. Residents would need to rely on ride-sharing services or private transportation to reach the nearest bus stops.

The lack of robust public transportation presents a challenge for healthcare access, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of frequent and accessible bus routes can create significant barriers to attending medical appointments and accessing essential healthcare services.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation systems provide accessible services for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited public transit options in Bridgewater mean that ADA-compliant transportation is not readily available. This further diminishes the 'Overall Health Score' for residents with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Bridgewater may vary, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can increase costs.

Medical transport services provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

Several medical transport providers serve the Bridgewater area. These include:

* **Careline Medical Transport:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **American Ambulance Service:** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **MediRide:** Specializes in transportation for medical appointments and dialysis treatments.

While these services provide a valuable resource, their cost can be a barrier for some residents. The availability of medical transport services positively contributes to the 'Overall Health Score,' but the financial implications must be considered.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Bridgewater:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for the 06752 ZIP code reflects a mixed picture. While Bridgewater offers a desirable quality of life, the healthcare access presents some challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transport services all contribute to the score.

For individuals considering moving to Bridgewater, it is essential to carefully assess their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Those who are reliant on public transportation or have mobility limitations may find healthcare access more challenging. However, the availability of medical transport services and the proximity to hospitals in neighboring towns provide some reassurance.

The 'Overall Health Score' is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive-time to healthcare facilities:** The average drive-time to hospitals and medical centers.
* **Public transit availability:** The frequency and accessibility of public transportation options.
* **ADA compliance:** The availability of ADA-compliant transportation services.
* **Ride-share and medical transport services:** The availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Conclusion:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for healthcare access in Bridgewater (06752) is moderately positive. While the town offers a high quality of life, the healthcare access is somewhat limited by transportation. Residents with personal vehicles have reasonable access to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns. However, the lack of robust public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport services can create challenges for some residents.

For those contemplating moving to Bridgewater, a thorough evaluation of their healthcare needs and transportation options is recommended. The availability of medical transport services and the proximity to hospitals in neighboring towns provide a degree of reassurance. The 'Overall Health Score' highlights the importance of considering transportation as a crucial element of healthcare access.