04617, Brooksville, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04617, Brooksville, Maine is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.89 percent of residents in 04617 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Blue Hill Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.70 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04617

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Brooksville, Maine (ZIP Code 04617) necessitates a deep dive into the intricacies of healthcare access. A critical component of this assessment is the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities, a factor heavily influenced by the available **transportation** options. This write-up will explore the realities of commuting to healthcare within and from this rural community, providing insights into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

The geographical isolation of Brooksville presents a significant challenge. Situated on the Blue Hill Peninsula, it is surrounded by water and limited roadways. This remoteness directly impacts healthcare access, making it essential to consider the time and effort required to reach medical appointments. The overall health score is thus inextricably linked to the efficiency and availability of **transportation** options.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Brooksville are Route 175, Route 176, and local roads that connect to the neighboring towns of Blue Hill and Castine. Driving to the nearest hospitals and specialist offices in Ellsworth or Bangor involves a considerable time commitment. The journey to Ellsworth, the closest town with a hospital (Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital), typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Ellsworth. This trip involves navigating Route 175, which can be winding and, in winter, prone to hazardous conditions.

Traveling to Bangor, a larger city with more extensive medical facilities, requires a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This journey involves Route 175, Route 1, and potentially I-395, depending on the specific route taken. The longer distance to Bangor translates into increased travel time, fuel costs, and potential for delays. This can significantly impact the ability of residents to access specialized care, especially for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

The condition of the roads, particularly during the winter months, can further complicate healthcare access. Snow and ice can lead to delays, cancellations, and increased risk of accidents, making it even more challenging for residents to reach medical appointments. This highlights the need for reliable **transportation** alternatives.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options in Brooksville and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. There is no established local bus service within the town itself. The Hancock County **transportation** system offers some limited services, but these are primarily focused on providing rides to seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services often require advance booking and have limited operating hours.

The absence of a robust public transit system poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a car, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the costs associated with private **transportation**. This underscores the need for alternative solutions, such as ride-sharing or medical transport services. The lack of readily available public transit significantly lowers the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Brooksville. The limited demand and geographical isolation make it economically unfeasible for these companies to operate in the area. This further restricts the **transportation** choices for residents.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) providers, play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but they are not a practical solution for routine medical appointments. NEMT providers offer scheduled **transportation** to and from medical appointments, but their availability and coverage can vary.

The cost of medical transport services can be a significant financial burden for residents, especially those with limited incomes or without adequate insurance coverage. The availability of these services is also dependent on the provider's capacity and scheduling, which can lead to delays and inconvenience.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The lack of accessible public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services raise concerns about the accessibility of healthcare for individuals with disabilities. The Hancock County **transportation** system strives to provide ADA-compliant services, but the limited scope of these services may not fully meet the needs of all residents.

The need for accessible **transportation** options is particularly important for individuals with mobility limitations, visual impairments, or other disabilities. Without adequate access to healthcare, these individuals may experience poorer health outcomes and reduced quality of life.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access:**

The closest primary care physicians and specialists are located in Blue Hill, Ellsworth, and Bangor. The distance to these facilities, coupled with the limited **transportation** options, can create significant barriers to healthcare access.

The availability of specialized medical services in the area is also a concern. Residents may need to travel to Bangor or even further to access certain types of care, such as specialized surgery, cancer treatment, or mental health services. This further exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for Brooksville residents is significantly impacted by the challenges of accessing healthcare. The remoteness of the community, the limited public transit options, and the lack of readily available ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access.

The availability of medical transport services and the condition of the roadways, especially during the winter months, also influence the overall health score. The absence of readily available **transportation** options can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, which can have a negative impact on health outcomes.

**Moving to Brooksville:**

For individuals considering **moving to Brooksville**, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is essential. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their **transportation** needs and consider the potential challenges of reaching medical facilities.

Individuals with chronic conditions, mobility limitations, or other healthcare needs should pay particular attention to the availability of medical transport services and the distance to specialized medical facilities. The overall health score for Brooksville is influenced by the ability of residents to access the care they need when they need it.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of Brooksville (ZIP Code 04617) is significantly impacted by the challenges of accessing healthcare. The remoteness of the community, the limited public transit options, and the lack of readily available ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access. The availability of medical transport services and the condition of the roadways also influence the overall health score. Addressing these challenges through improved **transportation** infrastructure, expanded public transit options, and increased availability of medical transport services is crucial to improving the overall health and well-being of Brooksville residents.