04002, Alfred, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04002, Alfred, Maine is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.57 percent of residents in 04002 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Spring Harbor Hospital with a distance of 19.88 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Alfred, Maine (ZIP Code 04002)

The tapestry of health within Alfred, Maine (ZIP Code 04002), is intricately woven with threads of accessibility, convenience, and the ever-present influence of *transportation*. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach necessary healthcare services is paramount to assessing their overall well-being. This analysis delves into the practicalities of commuting to healthcare within and from this rural community, offering an “Overall Health Score” based on available *healthcare access* options. For those *moving to Alfred*, this information proves invaluable in evaluating the practicalities of maintaining health.

Alfred, a town characterized by its tranquil, wooded landscapes, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The town’s relative remoteness necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport for most appointments. The overall score, therefore, reflects the efficiency and availability of these options, alongside the presence of local medical facilities.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Access**

The primary artery for *transportation* within and beyond Alfred is Route 202, a vital thoroughfare connecting the town to larger population centers. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially near intersections with Route 111 and Route 4. Traveling to Sanford, the nearest town with a significant concentration of medical providers, typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Portland, a journey of approximately 45 to 60 minutes via the Maine Turnpike (I-95). The Turnpike offers a relatively direct route, but tolls and potential traffic, particularly during the morning and evening commutes, must be factored into travel time. Route 111, a secondary road, provides an alternative route to the Turnpike but adds to the travel time.

The condition of local roads also plays a role. Winter weather, with its potential for snow and ice, can significantly impact drive times and the safety of travel. Residents must be prepared for potential delays and adjust their schedules accordingly. The availability of reliable vehicles and the ability to navigate adverse conditions are crucial components of *healthcare access* in Alfred.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Impact**

Public transit options in Alfred are extremely limited, impacting the overall score. York CountyYork County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) operates a demand-response service, offering transportation to medical appointments and other essential destinations. However, this service requires advance booking and may have limited availability, especially during peak times. The YCCAC service does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring *healthcare access* for individuals with disabilities.

The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. The reliance on demand-response services can create logistical challenges and potentially delay access to critical care. The absence of fixed-route bus services further compounds these difficulties.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Alfred area, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as MedTransport, offer specialized transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can be invaluable for those unable to drive or utilize other forms of *transportation*. However, these services come at a cost and require advance booking.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services improves the overall health score, providing additional options for accessing healthcare. However, their availability and affordability remain key considerations.

**Local Healthcare Landscape: A Foundation of Care**

Alfred benefits from the presence of a local medical clinic, providing primary care services and offering a convenient option for routine appointments. This clinic serves as a crucial point of *healthcare access*, reducing the need for travel for many residents. The availability of local pharmacies further enhances convenience.

However, the limited availability of specialized medical services within Alfred necessitates travel to larger towns and cities for certain types of care. This reliance on external providers underscores the importance of efficient *transportation* options.

**Overall Health Score: A Holistic Assessment**

Considering the factors discussed, the Overall Health Score for *healthcare access* in Alfred, Maine (ZIP Code 04002) is moderate. The town’s rural nature presents challenges, primarily related to *transportation*. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public transit and ride-sharing services can create barriers to *healthcare access* for some residents.

The presence of a local medical clinic and the availability of medical transport services mitigate some of these challenges. However, the need to travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care, coupled with the potential for traffic delays and adverse weather conditions, impacts the overall score.

For those *moving to Alfred*, a thorough understanding of these *transportation* and *healthcare access* considerations is crucial. While the town offers a peaceful and attractive living environment, the practicalities of reaching medical appointments must be carefully evaluated.

The score reflects the balance between the convenience of local services and the limitations imposed by the town's location and the availability of alternative *transportation* options. Continued investment in public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services could significantly improve the overall health score and enhance the well-being of Alfred residents. The overall health score is a dynamic assessment, influenced by changes in service availability, road conditions, and the needs of the community.