Overall Health Score

03904, Kittery, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 03904, Kittery, Maine

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03904, Kittery, Maine is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.75 percent of residents in 03904 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is York Hospital with a distance of 5.13 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 03904, Kittery, Maine

Overall Health Score 71
People Score 71
Provider Score 36
Hospital Score 58
Travel Score 57

Closest Hospital - YORK HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 03904 Kittery Maine
No Cars 1.36 1.36 2.13
1 Car 20.96 20.96 18.39
2 Cars 55.91 55.91 45.49
3 or More Cars 21.77 21.77 34.00

Vehicular Access in 03904, Kittery, Maine

Travel Score Review of 03904, Kittery, Maine

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03904 (Kittery, Maine)

This comprehensive assessment examines the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of Kittery, Maine (ZIP Code 03904), focusing on the vital component of transportation. A high Overall Health Score hinges on efficient and reliable access to medical care, encompassing various modes of transportation and their respective challenges and benefits. Understanding these nuances is crucial for current residents and those considering moving to Kittery, ensuring informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

The primary concern in evaluating healthcare access is the time and effort required to reach medical facilities. This analysis considers the primary modes of transportation available to residents of 03904, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. Each mode presents unique advantages and disadvantages, influencing the Overall Health Score.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The most common method of reaching healthcare in Kittery is by personal vehicle. The town’s location, nestled at the southern tip of Maine, necessitates navigating several key roadways. Access to major healthcare facilities in the region often involves travel along the Interstate 95 (I-95), a crucial artery for north-south travel. However, I-95 can be subject to heavy traffic, especially during peak commuting hours and seasonal tourism, potentially extending drive times significantly.

Local roads like Route 1, a scenic but often congested thoroughfare, provide alternative routes to various medical offices and clinics. Route 1 is particularly important for accessing healthcare facilities located within Kittery itself. The smaller, less-trafficked roads, such as Route 236 and various local streets, offer further options, though they may be less direct and require more time.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably depending on the destination and the time of day. For example, a trip to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, might take 15-20 minutes in off-peak hours via I-95, but could easily double during rush hour. Similarly, reaching York Hospital in York, Maine, via Route 1, could take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

**Public Transit: The Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Kittery are limited, which significantly impacts the Overall Health Score. The primary provider is the COAST (Coastal Transportation) system, offering bus routes that connect Kittery to neighboring towns and cities. While COAST provides a vital service for those without personal vehicles, its reach and frequency are limited.

Route 1, a primary COAST route, offers some access to medical facilities within Kittery and surrounding areas. However, the frequency of buses, particularly during evenings and weekends, may not align with the needs of individuals requiring urgent or scheduled medical appointments. Furthermore, the distance between bus stops and healthcare facilities can necessitate additional walking or the use of other transportation methods, adding to the overall travel time and potentially creating challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical factor. COAST buses are equipped with features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including ramps and designated seating. However, the availability of these features does not negate the challenges of navigating routes with limited frequency and potential for long wait times.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Kittery, offering a more flexible transportation option than public transit. They can provide door-to-door service, eliminating the need to walk from a bus stop. However, the availability of ride-sharing services, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, cannot be guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially those with frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those provided by companies like American Medical Response (AMR) or local ambulance services, are available for individuals requiring non-emergency medical transportation. These services are crucial for patients who are unable to drive or use other forms of transportation due to their medical condition. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive, further influencing the Overall Health Score.

**Overall Health Score: A Multifaceted Assessment**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 03904 is moderately affected by the availability of transportation. While residents have access to a variety of transportation methods, each presents its own set of challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, subject to traffic congestion, can create delays and stress. The limited public transit options, with their infrequent routes and potential for long travel times, create difficulties for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services offer flexibility but may be unreliable or expensive. Specialized medical transport provides a vital service but can be costly and require pre-planning. The combination of these factors results in a score that reflects a need for improved transportation options to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents of Kittery.

**Impact on Moving to Kittery**

For individuals considering moving to Kittery, the availability and accessibility of healthcare should be a key consideration. The assessment reveals that while healthcare facilities are accessible, the transportation options present certain limitations. Potential residents, particularly those with chronic health conditions or limited mobility, should carefully evaluate the available transportation options and their potential impact on their ability to access medical care.

Future developments in transportation infrastructure, such as increased public transit frequency, expanded ride-sharing availability, or the implementation of community-based transportation programs, could significantly improve the Overall Health Score and enhance the quality of life for residents of Kittery. Planning for these improvements should be a priority for local authorities to ensure that Kittery remains a healthy and welcoming community for all.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 03904 reflects a need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation options. By addressing the limitations of existing transportation systems and exploring innovative solutions, Kittery can ensure that all residents have timely and reliable access to the medical care they need. This commitment to improving healthcare access will not only enhance the well-being of current residents but also make Kittery an even more attractive destination for those considering moving to the area. Investing in transportation infrastructure is an investment in the health and future of the community.

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Health Scores Near 03904, Kittery, Maine

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