04019, Cliff Island, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04019, Cliff Island, Maine is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 04019 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Mercy Hospital with a distance of 8.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare – ZIP Code 04019 (Cliff Island, Maine)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access within ZIP Code 04019, focusing specifically on Cliff Island, Maine. The score considers the unique challenges of island living, where transportation is paramount to healthcare access. This assessment encompasses drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Ultimately, the goal is to paint a clear picture for residents and prospective movers, informing their decisions regarding health and well-being.

Cliff Island, a small island community in Casco Bay, presents a unique set of circumstances when evaluating healthcare access. The absence of a bridge necessitates reliance on water transportation, primarily ferries, and limited road infrastructure. This inherent isolation significantly impacts the ease and speed with which residents can reach medical facilities. Therefore, the "Overall Health Score" for 04019 reflects these transportation realities.

**Drive Time and Road Infrastructure:**

The concept of "drive time" requires a significant adjustment when considering Cliff Island. The island itself has minimal road infrastructure, with most travel undertaken on foot, bicycle, or golf cart. The primary means of reaching healthcare facilities involves a ferry ride to the mainland.

The most direct route to mainland healthcare begins with a ferry from Cliff Island to Portland, Maine. The Casco Bay Lines ferry service is the primary connection. The ferry ride itself takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific route and weather conditions. Once ashore in Portland, the drive to various healthcare facilities becomes the determining factor for drive time.

From the Portland ferry terminal, accessing major hospitals and medical centers necessitates navigating city streets and highways. Maine Medical Center, a major regional hospital, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from the ferry terminal, depending on traffic. This route typically involves using Commercial Street, then merging onto I-295 North. Another option is to use Washington Avenue and then merge onto I-295 North.

Mercy Hospital, another prominent healthcare provider, is also readily accessible. The drive to Mercy Hospital from the ferry terminal is similar in time, also around 15-20 minutes, and usually involves using Commercial Street and then following signs.

Other specialized medical facilities, such as outpatient clinics and specialist offices, are dispersed throughout Portland and its surrounding areas. Drive times to these locations will vary based on their specific addresses and traffic conditions.

The condition of the roads on the mainland is generally good, with well-maintained highways and city streets. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times, especially on I-295. The absence of any road infrastructure on Cliff Island itself eliminates the need for any assessment of road quality.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options are limited for residents of Cliff Island. The primary mode of public transportation is the Casco Bay Lines ferry service. The ferry provides a reliable and regular connection to Portland, where residents can then access other public transit options.

The Casco Bay Lines ferry operates on a schedule, with multiple daily departures and arrivals. The frequency of service varies depending on the season, with more frequent runs during peak tourist seasons. The ferry provides a crucial link to the mainland for accessing healthcare, groceries, employment, and other essential services.

Once in Portland, residents can utilize the Greater Portland Metro bus system. The Metro offers a network of routes that cover the city and surrounding areas. However, the Metro system may not be ideal for those needing to reach healthcare facilities quickly, as bus routes can be circuitous and subject to delays.

The Metro bus system does offer some routes that serve major hospitals and medical centers. However, the time it takes to travel by bus to a healthcare appointment might be significantly longer than driving or using ride-sharing services.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Casco Bay Lines ferry service is ADA accessible, with ramps and elevators to accommodate passengers with disabilities. The ferry terminal in Portland also provides accessible facilities.

The Greater Portland Metro bus system is also ADA compliant, with accessible buses and stops. However, the accessibility of individual bus stops may vary, so it is essential to check for specific features.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Portland and can be utilized to travel from the ferry terminal to healthcare facilities. The availability of ride-sharing services can significantly improve the speed and convenience of reaching medical appointments. However, ride-sharing services may not always be readily available, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand.

Medical transport services are also available for residents of Cliff Island. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. Medical transport services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services can vary depending on the distance, time of day, and specific service provider. Residents should research and compare prices before scheduling transportation.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport providers serve the Portland area. These include, but are not limited to, Atlantic Ambulance, and others. These services offer various levels of care, from basic transportation to advanced life support. They can be crucial for those with mobility limitations or requiring specialized medical assistance during transport.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 04019 reflects the unique challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access on Cliff Island. The score is impacted by the reliance on ferry travel, the limited road infrastructure on the island, and the availability of transportation options on the mainland.

The score is weighed down by the inherent time commitment required for ferry travel and the potential for delays due to weather conditions. The limited public transit options on the island further complicate healthcare access. However, the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport providers in Portland provides some mitigation.

The score is also influenced by the accessibility of healthcare facilities in Portland, which offer a wide range of medical services. The ADA compliance of the ferry service and public transit options is a positive factor.

For residents of Cliff Island, careful planning is essential when accessing healthcare. This includes considering the ferry schedule, potential traffic delays, and the availability of transportation options. Those moving to Cliff Island should factor in the added travel time and cost associated with healthcare access. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about health and well-being. The "Overall Health Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is more than just the availability of medical facilities; it encompasses the ability to reach those facilities safely, efficiently, and affordably.