06756, Goshen, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06756, Goshen, Connecticut is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.77 percent of residents in 06756 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Charlotte Hungerford Hospital with a distance of 6.41 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Goshen, CT (ZIP Code 06756)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Goshen, Connecticut (ZIP code 06756), requires a nuanced understanding of healthcare access, heavily influenced by transportation options. Goshen, a rural community nestled in Litchfield County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to reaching medical facilities. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Goshen and evaluating their healthcare needs.

The primary mode of transportation for Goshen residents is the personal vehicle. The town's geographical layout necessitates reliance on cars for accessing healthcare. Direct access to major highways is limited, adding time to any journey. Route 63 serves as a critical north-south artery, connecting Goshen to nearby towns like Litchfield and Torrington, where significant medical facilities are located. Route 4, running east-west, provides another essential link, although it can experience heavier traffic during peak hours.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant factor. The closest hospital, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Route 63. This is generally considered a reasonable commute. However, for specialized care or emergency situations, the drive time becomes more critical. Yale New Haven Hospital, a major tertiary care center, is roughly an hour and 15 minutes away, requiring travel on Route 8 and the Merritt Parkway, or Interstate 84. This distance underscores the importance of considering the types of healthcare needs and the potential for extended travel.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Goshen. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, or who are unable to drive. There is no local bus service directly serving Goshen. The closest public transit option is the Northwest Connecticut Transit District (NWCTD), which provides limited bus routes in the Torrington area. These routes, however, do not extend into Goshen, making them impractical for most residents.

The lack of public transit highlights the importance of ride-sharing services. Uber and Lyft operate in the area, offering a potential alternative for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle. However, ride-sharing availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Surge pricing, a common practice during periods of high demand, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option, especially for frequent healthcare appointments.

Medical transport services are another crucial element in the healthcare access equation. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, but for non-emergency medical transportation, options are more limited. Several private medical transport companies operate in the region, offering services for appointments, dialysis, and other medical needs. These services typically require advance booking and can be costly, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

For individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations, the challenges are even greater. The lack of accessible public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant barriers. Ride-sharing services often have limited capacity for accommodating wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Medical transport companies, while offering specialized services, may have limited availability or require advance notice. The need for accessible transportation is a critical consideration for residents with disabilities.

Evaluating healthcare access also requires considering the availability of primary care physicians and specialists within a reasonable distance. Goshen itself has limited medical facilities. Residents typically rely on healthcare providers in neighboring towns. The concentration of medical professionals in Torrington, approximately a 15-20 minute drive, makes it a primary destination for healthcare services. Litchfield, a slightly shorter drive via Route 63, also offers some medical offices. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and oncologists, is a crucial aspect of healthcare access, often requiring travel to larger hospitals like Charlotte Hungerford Hospital or even Yale New Haven Hospital.

The overall health score for Goshen residents, considering transportation and healthcare access, is moderate. While the proximity to Torrington provides reasonable access to primary care and basic medical services, the lack of public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distance to specialized care centers create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some alternatives, but these options come with limitations in terms of cost, availability, and accessibility.

For individuals considering moving to Goshen, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs is essential. Those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical appointments should carefully evaluate the transportation options and potential commute times. Individuals without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations should give special consideration to the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The overall health score for Goshen residents is also impacted by the town's demographics and socioeconomic factors. The town has a relatively older population, which may increase the demand for healthcare services. The median household income is above the state average, which can mitigate some of the financial burdens associated with transportation costs. However, healthcare costs, combined with transportation expenses, can still pose a significant challenge for some residents.

The future of healthcare access in Goshen will likely be influenced by technological advancements. Telemedicine, for example, offers the potential to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine consultations or follow-up care. The expansion of broadband internet access in the area is crucial for supporting telemedicine services. The development of innovative transportation solutions, such as on-demand shuttle services or partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies, could also improve healthcare access for Goshen residents.

In conclusion, healthcare access in Goshen, CT (ZIP code 06756) is largely dependent on personal vehicle transportation. While the proximity to Torrington provides reasonable access to basic medical services, the lack of public transit, the distance to specialized care, and the limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services create challenges. For those considering moving to Goshen, a careful assessment of their healthcare needs, transportation options, and the potential for extended commute times is essential. The overall health score reflects a moderate level of access, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve transportation options and ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.