21665, Sherwood, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21665, Sherwood, Maryland is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.93 percent of residents in 21665 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Center At Easton with a distance of 13.55 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Sherwood, Maryland (ZIP Code 21665)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Sherwood, Maryland (ZIP Code 21665) necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare access, particularly concerning transportation. The ability to reach medical facilities, whether for routine check-ups or emergency situations, significantly impacts individual and community well-being. This analysis delves into the complexities of commuting to healthcare, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities facing those seeking healthcare within and around this Eastern Shore community.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Sherwood is the geographical reality. The town is located in Talbot County, a predominantly rural area. This means that healthcare facilities are not always immediately accessible, necessitating travel. The most direct route to larger medical centers often involves navigating the roads.

For those relying on personal vehicles, the most direct route to Easton, the county seat and a hub for healthcare, involves utilizing Maryland Route 331 (Easton Parkway). This highway offers relatively smooth passage, but the drive can still take up to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Easton. Further afield, residents may need to travel to Annapolis or Baltimore for specialized care, requiring journeys on US Route 50, a major east-west artery, and potentially the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. These longer trips can easily exceed an hour, significantly impacting healthcare access, especially for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options are more limited. Talbot County does offer a public transit system, but its reach is restricted. The routes and schedules are designed to serve the broader county, and the frequency of service may not be sufficient for immediate healthcare needs. The system is not always ADA-compliant, which presents challenges for individuals with disabilities. This limited public transit landscape underscores the reliance on personal vehicles for most residents, further emphasizing the importance of accessible and reliable transportation for healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. However, their availability and affordability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Sherwood. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make these services prohibitively expensive, especially for those with limited financial resources. Furthermore, the reliability of ride-sharing services in terms of promptness and driver availability can be unpredictable, potentially delaying or disrupting healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a crucial role, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. These services are vital for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and the need for prior arrangements can pose challenges for those requiring immediate medical attention.

Healthcare access is a critical factor when considering moving to Sherwood. Prospective residents must carefully evaluate their transportation options and the proximity of healthcare facilities to ensure they can receive timely and appropriate medical care. The availability of reliable transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, directly impacts the overall health score of the community.

The overall health score for Sherwood, considering transportation to healthcare, is moderate. While the area benefits from proximity to Easton and its healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transport create barriers to healthcare access. The drive times, especially to more specialized medical centers, can be significant, potentially impacting the timeliness and quality of care.

Improving the health score requires targeted interventions. Enhancing public transit services, including expanding routes, increasing frequency, and ensuring ADA compliance, would be beneficial. Promoting ride-sharing options through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers could improve affordability and accessibility. Additionally, increasing the availability of medical transportation services and educating residents about their options would be vital.

Furthermore, investing in telehealth infrastructure, such as high-speed internet access, could help bridge the geographical gap by enabling remote consultations and monitoring, especially for those with chronic conditions. Encouraging the development of healthcare facilities within Sherwood or nearby communities would also reduce drive times and improve healthcare access.

Ultimately, improving the overall health score in Sherwood requires a multifaceted approach that addresses transportation challenges, promotes healthcare access, and fosters a healthier community. By prioritizing these initiatives, Sherwood can become a more attractive and supportive place to live, especially for those considering moving to the area.