04413, Brookton, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04413, Brookton, Maine is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.37 percent of residents in 04413 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 38.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Calais Community Hospital with a distance of 34.29 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Brookton, Maine (ZIP Code 04413)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Brookton, Maine, requires a comprehensive look at their access to healthcare. A crucial element of this assessment is the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities, a factor heavily influenced by transportation options. This write-up will explore the landscape of healthcare accessibility in ZIP code 04413, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all while emphasizing the challenges and opportunities for residents.

Brookton, a small, rural community, presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The town's remoteness and limited infrastructure necessitate careful consideration of transportation alternatives. The ability to reach medical providers is a significant determinant of overall health, and residents' ability to navigate the transportation landscape directly impacts their well-being. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the existing resources and potential areas for improvement, offering insights for both current residents and those considering moving to Brookton.

**Drive Time and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Brookton is personal vehicles. The road network, however, presents some hurdles. The primary route connecting Brookton to larger towns with medical facilities is Route 1, a two-lane highway that can experience delays, especially during peak travel times or inclement weather. Route 1 provides access to the nearest hospitals and clinics, but the distances involved can be significant.

Driving to Houlton, the closest town with a hospital (Houlton Regional Hospital), is approximately a 45-minute drive under ideal conditions. This drive involves navigating Route 1, which, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to seasonal variations in road conditions. The drive to Bangor, a larger city with more extensive medical facilities, is approximately two hours via Route 1 and I-95. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, especially for those with mobility limitations or urgent medical needs.

The availability of reliable transportation is paramount, particularly for those without personal vehicles. Residents must factor in travel time, road conditions, and potential delays when planning medical appointments. The overall health score is directly impacted by the reliability and efficiency of this essential transportation link.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Brookton and the surrounding areas are limited. There is no dedicated public bus service that directly serves the town. This lack of public transit presents a considerable challenge for residents who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This deficiency significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

While there are no local bus routes, regional transportation options might be available through demand-response services, such as those offered by Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS). These services require advance booking and may have limited operating hours. The availability and accessibility of these services are crucial for those who depend on public transit for healthcare access. However, their limited scope and the need for pre-planning can create significant barriers to timely medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally unavailable in Brookton and the immediate surrounding areas. This absence further restricts transportation options for residents. The lack of these services compounds the challenges faced by those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The absence of readily available ride-sharing services significantly lowers the overall health score for residents.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available but come with their own set of considerations. Ambulance services are reserved for emergencies, while NEMT services cater to individuals requiring transportation to medical appointments. These services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access. The availability and affordability of medical transport services are essential factors in assessing the overall health score.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including LifeFlight of Maine, which provides air ambulance services for critical cases. For non-emergency transportation, providers such as North Star Ambulance and other local ambulance services may be available. It is essential for residents to understand the availability, coverage area, and associated costs of these services.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features on public transportation and in healthcare facilities. However, the limited public transit options in Brookton raise concerns about ADA compliance. The absence of accessible public transportation presents significant challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Healthcare facilities must also adhere to ADA guidelines, ensuring accessible entrances, waiting areas, and examination rooms. However, the remoteness of Brookton and the limited availability of specialized transportation services can still create barriers to healthcare access for individuals with disabilities.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for Brookton residents is significantly impacted by the transportation landscape. The remoteness of the town, the limited public transit options, and the absence of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for healthcare access. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles, which poses problems for those without them.

The drive times to medical facilities, the availability of medical transport, and the affordability of these services all contribute to the overall health score. Furthermore, the lack of accessible public transit and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities further impact the score.

**Moving to Brookton and Healthcare Access:**

Individuals considering moving to Brookton must carefully evaluate the healthcare access situation. Those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations should consider the challenges of relying on limited transportation options. Prospective residents should research the availability of medical transport services, the drive times to healthcare facilities, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The overall health score for Brookton can be improved by increasing public transportation options, expanding ride-sharing services, and improving the affordability and accessibility of medical transport. Investing in these areas would enhance the well-being of residents and make Brookton a more attractive place to live.

In conclusion, while Brookton offers a unique rural lifestyle, the transportation challenges significantly impact healthcare access. The overall health score reflects this reality, highlighting the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services to ensure that all residents can access the medical care they need.