04643, Harrington, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04643, Harrington, Maine is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.07 percent of residents in 04643 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Down East Community Hospital with a distance of 18.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Harrington, Maine (ZIP Code 04643)

The picturesque coastal town of Harrington, Maine, nestled within ZIP code 04643, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, the idyllic setting presents a significant challenge: accessing healthcare. This assessment delves into the intricate web of transportation options available to residents, evaluating their impact on the overall health score, a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Harrington. The score reflects the ease, efficiency, and affordability of reaching essential medical services.

The primary concern revolves around the distance to healthcare facilities. Harrington itself houses limited medical resources, necessitating travel to neighboring towns and cities. This immediately places a premium on transportation. The overall health score is inextricably linked to the efficacy of commuting options.

**Driving: The Dominant Mode**

For residents of 04643, personal vehicles are the most prevalent mode of transportation to healthcare. The reliance on cars, however, introduces several variables that affect the health score. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are Route 1, the coastal highway, and Route 187, which provides a more direct inland route.

The nearest hospitals are in Machias, approximately 15 miles away, and Ellsworth, about 60 miles distant. A drive to Machias via Route 1 typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Ellsworth, offering a wider range of specialized care, requires a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The condition of these roads, especially during the harsh Maine winters, can significantly impact travel times and safety. Snow and ice can transform a routine commute into a hazardous journey, potentially delaying or even preventing access to critical medical care. The overall health score is thus affected by the reliability of these roads.

Fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and the potential for accidents further contribute to the financial and physical burdens associated with driving. These factors, particularly for residents with limited financial resources or mobility challenges, can create significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Harrington are severely limited, posing a significant challenge to the overall health score. The primary public transit provider is Downeast Transportation, which operates a demand-response system. This means that riders must schedule their trips in advance, often requiring a day or two of notice.

Downeast Transportation offers service throughout Washington County, including Harrington. However, the frequency of service and the routes available are limited, particularly for accessing healthcare facilities outside of Machias. The system is generally not designed for spontaneous trips or emergencies.

While Downeast Transportation vehicles are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including wheelchair lifts, the limited service area and scheduling requirements can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments or those needing immediate medical attention. The overall health score suffers due to the limitations of public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Partial Solution**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are virtually nonexistent in Harrington and the surrounding areas. This leaves residents with limited alternatives for transportation, especially those without access to a personal vehicle. This absence significantly impacts the overall health score.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by ambulance providers and specialized medical transportation companies, provide a critical lifeline for individuals with medical needs. These services are primarily used for emergency situations or for transporting patients to and from scheduled appointments.

The availability of medical transport services is generally good in the area, but their cost can be prohibitive for some residents. The overall health score is positively impacted by the availability of these services, but the financial burden can still create a barrier to access.

**Impact on the Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for accessing healthcare in Harrington, Maine, is negatively impacted by the following factors: the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the absence of ride-sharing services, and the potential for weather-related disruptions. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the challenges of transportation, creates a significant hurdle for residents seeking medical care.

The overall health score is also influenced by the demographics of the community. An aging population, which is common in rural Maine, often requires more frequent medical attention and may have mobility limitations. This demographic reality further exacerbates the challenges of accessing healthcare.

**Recommendations for Improving the Health Score**

To improve the overall health score for accessing healthcare in Harrington, several key improvements are needed.

* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Expanding the frequency, routes, and hours of operation of Downeast Transportation is crucial. This could include implementing fixed-route services to key healthcare facilities and improving the ease of scheduling.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing Partnerships:** Investigating partnerships with ride-sharing services or exploring the feasibility of local transportation cooperatives could provide alternative transportation options.
* **Promote Medical Transport Awareness:** Educating residents about the availability and affordability of medical transport services is essential.
* **Address Road Infrastructure:** Investing in road maintenance and snow removal efforts, particularly on Route 1 and Route 187, would improve the safety and reliability of travel.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Promoting telehealth services, where possible, could reduce the need for in-person visits and improve access to care, especially for residents in remote areas.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for accessing healthcare in Harrington, Maine (ZIP code 04643), reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the town offers a peaceful and attractive lifestyle, the limited transportation options and the distance to healthcare facilities pose significant challenges. Improving public transportation, exploring alternative transportation solutions, and addressing infrastructure issues are crucial steps towards enhancing the overall health score and ensuring that all residents can access the medical care they need. The health score is a crucial consideration for anyone moving to Harrington.