04290, Peru, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04290, Peru, Maine is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.35 percent of residents in 04290 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rumford Hospital with a distance of 7.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04290

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 04290, focusing specifically on the accessibility of healthcare services via various transportation options. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing the overall well-being of the community and for those considering a move, perhaps even dreaming of **moving to Peru**, but first needing to understand their local healthcare landscape. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

The health score is calculated based on a weighted system. Drive times, representing the most common mode of transport, receive the highest weight. Public transit, while less prevalent in this area, is also important. Ride-sharing and medical transport, offering specialized solutions, contribute to a lesser degree. The final score reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach necessary medical care.

**Drive Times and Road Network**

The primary factor impacting healthcare access in 04290 is the road network. The ability to quickly reach medical facilities is paramount. The analysis reveals that residents in this area are primarily reliant on personal vehicles. The major thoroughfare is Route 202, which provides access to Lewiston and Auburn.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and the destination. For example, a resident in the southern part of 04290 might face a 20-minute drive to St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, a major healthcare provider. However, those in the northern reaches could face a drive of up to 30 minutes, especially during peak traffic hours.

The road conditions, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact drive times. Snow and ice can slow travel, potentially delaying access to critical medical care. The presence of alternative routes, such as local roads and secondary highways, offers some flexibility, but these are often less well-maintained and can add to travel time.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit plays a limited role in healthcare access within 04290. The Greater Portland Transit District (GPTD) does not directly serve the area. However, the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) provides some bus services, albeit with limited frequency and coverage.

The ATRC routes serving nearby areas, such as Lewiston and Auburn, offer a potential connection to healthcare facilities. However, the schedules are not designed to accommodate frequent medical appointments, and the routes may not directly serve all healthcare providers. The ATRC buses are ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The limited public transit options highlight a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This can create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The lack of convenient public transportation is a considerable factor in the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, provide a crucial service for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those requiring specialized assistance.

Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including local ambulance services and private companies. These services typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options. Their availability is essential for ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for 04290 reflects a mixed picture. While the road network offers reasonable access to healthcare facilities for those with personal vehicles, the limitations in public transit and the potential challenges posed by ride-sharing and medical transport services significantly impact the score.

The score is also influenced by the proximity of healthcare providers. The presence of St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and other medical facilities in nearby Lewiston and Auburn is a positive factor. However, the distance and potential travel times, particularly for residents in the more remote areas of the ZIP code, can create challenges.

The score also considers the availability of specialized healthcare services, such as mental health clinics, dental offices, and urgent care centers. The presence of these services within a reasonable distance is crucial for comprehensive healthcare access.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations are in order. Expanding public transit options, including increased frequency and coverage, would be beneficial. This could involve partnering with the ATRC to extend routes or exploring alternative transit solutions.

Promoting ride-sharing services and ensuring their availability in all areas of the ZIP code is also important. Subsidizing ride-sharing costs for low-income residents could help address affordability concerns.

Investing in road maintenance and snow removal, particularly during winter months, is critical for ensuring safe and efficient travel to healthcare facilities. This would minimize delays and improve the overall health score.

Furthermore, increasing the availability of medical transport services and ensuring their affordability and accessibility is essential for vulnerable populations. This could involve partnering with local healthcare providers to offer subsidized transport options.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for 04290 reflects a community where healthcare access is largely dependent on personal vehicles. While the road network provides reasonable access for those with cars, the limitations in public transit and the potential challenges posed by ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers for some residents.

Improving healthcare access requires a multi-faceted approach, including expanding public transit options, promoting ride-sharing services, investing in road maintenance, and increasing the availability of medical transport. Addressing these issues will significantly improve the overall health score and ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. The goal is to create a healthier community, one where access to healthcare is not a barrier, but a readily available resource. The health of the community is paramount, even when considering the allure of **moving to Peru**.