01367, Rowe, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 01367, Rowe, Massachusetts is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.45 percent of residents in 01367 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Athol Memorial Hospital with a distance of 35.92 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 01367 (Rowe, MA)

The overall health score for residents of Rowe, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01367), concerning access to healthcare, is significantly impacted by the challenges inherent in its rural location. This write-up assesses the available transportation options and their associated limitations, providing a comprehensive overview of the commute to healthcare, ultimately impacting the health and well-being of those *moving to Rowe* or already residing there. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, offering a nuanced understanding of *healthcare access* in this picturesque, yet geographically isolated, community.

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Rowe is, unsurprisingly, personal vehicles. The town's remoteness necessitates reliance on cars for almost all medical appointments. The main arteries connecting Rowe to healthcare facilities are Massachusetts Route 2 (Mohawk Trail), a scenic but often winding two-lane highway, and the more local roads like Zoar Road, River Road, and the sections of Route 112 that traverse the town.

Drive times to the nearest healthcare facilities are a critical factor. The closest urgent care facility is in Greenfield, approximately a 25- to 35-minute drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Greenfield also offers a hospital, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, which could take between 30 and 45 minutes to reach. Further afield, the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a regional referral center, is a drive of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, a significant commitment for routine checkups or emergency situations. These drive times are substantial, especially considering potential delays caused by inclement weather, common in the region.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Rowe, posing a significant barrier to *healthcare access*. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) provides some service in the surrounding area, but its routes do not directly serve Rowe. The closest FRTA stops are in neighboring towns like Charlemont and Shelburne Falls, requiring residents to arrange their own transportation to these locations to access the public transit system. These services often have limited schedules, particularly on weekends and evenings, making them impractical for many medical appointments. Furthermore, the FRTA's ADA-accessible features, while present on some buses, do not alleviate the initial transportation hurdle for those with mobility limitations living in Rowe.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is inconsistent and availability can be unreliable, especially in a rural area like Rowe. The availability of drivers is often limited, and surge pricing can significantly increase the cost of a ride, making them a less-than-ideal solution for routine healthcare needs. Relying on ride-sharing for emergency situations is particularly risky, as response times may be delayed due to driver availability and the distance from the nearest drivers. This limitation impacts the overall *transportation* landscape.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as ambulance services, are available in the area. However, these services are primarily intended for emergencies. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are also available, but their availability and cost can vary. These services often require advance booking and may have limited service areas, making them less convenient for residents of Rowe. The cost of these services can also be a barrier for some individuals, further limiting their *healthcare access*.

The terrain and road conditions in Rowe can also impact access to healthcare. The town's hilly terrain and the often-winding roads can make driving difficult, especially during winter months when snow and ice are common. This can lead to increased travel times and potentially dangerous driving conditions, further exacerbating the challenges of accessing healthcare. The remoteness of Rowe also means that emergency services may take longer to arrive in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

The overall health score for residents of Rowe, MA, regarding access to healthcare, is therefore moderate to poor. While residents can access healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the unreliable ride-sharing services, and the potential challenges posed by weather and road conditions create significant barriers. The drive times to healthcare facilities are substantial, and the lack of readily available alternatives places a burden on residents, particularly those with limited mobility, those without access to a vehicle, or those who are unable to drive.

The limited public transportation options and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further restrict access to healthcare, particularly for those who cannot drive or who do not have access to a personal vehicle. The cost and availability of NEMT services can also be a barrier for some residents. These factors combine to create a situation where accessing healthcare is time-consuming, potentially costly, and often challenging for residents of Rowe.

The challenges in accessing healthcare in Rowe are significant for residents, particularly those who are *moving to Rowe*. Prospective residents should carefully consider the implications of the town's remoteness and the limited transportation options when making decisions about their healthcare needs. The lack of convenient and reliable *transportation* options necessitates careful planning and potentially impacts the overall health and well-being of residents.

To improve the health score, initiatives could focus on several areas. Exploring partnerships with the FRTA to extend service to Rowe, even on a limited basis, would be beneficial. Promoting and subsidizing NEMT services for residents would also improve *healthcare access*. Finally, increasing awareness of available ride-sharing options and encouraging the development of local driver networks could improve the reliability of this option. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that residents of Rowe have equitable access to the healthcare they need.