32953, Merritt Island, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 32953, Merritt Island, Florida is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.28 percent of residents in 32953 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Steward Rockledge Hospital with a distance of 5.09 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 32953 (Merritt Island, Florida)

The health and well-being of a community are intrinsically linked to its residents' ability to access necessary healthcare services. In the context of Merritt Island, Florida (ZIP Code 32953), this access is heavily influenced by the transportation infrastructure and available options. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, analyzing the commute to healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, ultimately impacting the desirability of **moving to Merritt Island**.

The "Overall Health Score" considers several factors, including the proximity of healthcare facilities, the efficiency and reliability of transportation options, and the accessibility of these options for individuals with disabilities. We evaluate the ease with which residents can reach primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and urgent care centers. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare commute landscape within 32953.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

For many Merritt Island residents, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare is the personal vehicle. The major thoroughfare serving the island is **SR-520**, a vital east-west artery connecting Merritt Island to the mainland. The **SR-528 (Beachline Expressway)** provides a faster route to Orlando and its larger medical centers, though incurring tolls. **North Courtenay Parkway** and **South Courtenay Parkway** offer access to the northern and southern portions of the island, respectively, providing access to local healthcare providers.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on location within 32953 and the destination. For example, a trip from the northern end of Merritt Island to a clinic in the southern area could take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Conversely, a drive to a hospital on the mainland, like **Wuesthoff Hospital** in Rockledge, could range from 15-25 minutes via **SR-520**, and up to 45 minutes to **Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital**. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact these drive times, potentially delaying access to critical care.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Present Option**

Public transportation options in Merritt Island, while available, are limited. The **Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT)** provides bus service throughout Brevard County, including routes that serve Merritt Island. However, the frequency of these routes and the geographic coverage are limited. The routes that service Merritt Island are the 9, 10, 11, and 20.

The **SCAT** buses are equipped with **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)** features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of extensive route coverage and the infrequent schedules can pose challenges for residents, particularly those without access to personal vehicles or those living in areas not directly served by bus routes. The reliance on public transit can increase commute times to healthcare appointments, potentially impacting the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in Merritt Island and offer an alternative transportation option. These services can provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, and the reliability of these services is not always guaranteed.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, also play a crucial role. Companies like **First Transit** and local providers offer specialized transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport. However, these services often require advance booking and may incur additional costs, which can impact accessibility for some residents.

**Healthcare Access: The Heart of the Matter**

The proximity of healthcare facilities within Merritt Island is a key factor influencing the overall health score. Merritt Island boasts several primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers, providing convenient access to basic medical services. However, access to specialized care, such as advanced cardiac care or specialized cancer treatment, often requires travel to mainland hospitals, extending commute times and potentially impacting the overall health score.

The availability of emergency medical services (EMS) is also critical. The **Brevard County Fire Rescue** provides emergency medical services, ensuring rapid response times in the event of medical emergencies. However, the effectiveness of EMS depends on several factors, including traffic conditions and the location of the emergency.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for the commute to healthcare in ZIP Code 32953 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While Merritt Island offers a degree of healthcare access through local providers, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the variability of ride-sharing services present challenges.

The score is further impacted by the need for many residents to travel to mainland hospitals for specialized care, increasing commute times and potentially impacting access to timely medical attention. The availability of medical transport services helps mitigate these challenges, but their cost and availability can be limiting factors.

For individuals considering **moving to Merritt Island**, the accessibility of healthcare should be a significant consideration. While the island offers a desirable lifestyle, the transportation infrastructure and the need to travel for specialized care should be carefully evaluated. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the need for continuous improvements in public transportation, ride-sharing options, and the expansion of healthcare services within the community to enhance healthcare access and improve the overall health and well-being of Merritt Island residents.