04675, Seal Harbor, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04675, Seal Harbor, Maine is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.22 percent of residents in 04675 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Down East Community Hospital with a distance of 47.34 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04675 (Seal Harbor, Maine)

This assessment provides a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” for residents of Seal Harbor, Maine (ZIP code 04675), focusing on their access to healthcare services. A critical element of well-being, healthcare access is intricately tied to transportation options. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, offering a nuanced perspective for those considering moving to Seal Harbor and assessing their health needs.

The score considers several factors: proximity to various medical facilities, the efficiency of transportation options, the availability of specialized care, and the accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of healthcare access, empowering residents and prospective movers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Seal Harbor’s location on Mount Desert Island presents a unique transportation landscape. While offering stunning natural beauty, it also necessitates careful consideration of travel times to healthcare facilities. The primary artery connecting Seal Harbor to the mainland and other medical centers is **Route 3**. This road, though scenic, can experience increased traffic during peak tourist seasons, potentially impacting drive times.

Heading west on Route 3, residents can access the **Mount Desert Island Hospital** in Bar Harbor, a critical care facility. The drive typically takes around 15-20 minutes, contingent on traffic conditions. This hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, primary care, and specialized treatments. Further afield, the drive to Bangor, the nearest city with more comprehensive medical facilities, involves a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, primarily via Route 3 and then **Interstate 95**.

The drive to Bangor presents a more considerable challenge, particularly for urgent medical needs. This distance highlights the importance of local resources and efficient transportation planning. Secondary roads, such as **Route 198** and local roads within Seal Harbor, offer alternative routes, but these typically add to travel time and may not be suitable for emergency situations.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation in the area offers limited options for accessing healthcare. The **Island Explorer**, a free bus service operating seasonally on Mount Desert Island, provides some transportation within the region. However, the service's routes and schedules are primarily geared towards tourism, and its frequency is reduced during the off-season.

The Island Explorer does offer routes that connect to Bar Harbor and other key locations, potentially providing access to Mount Desert Island Hospital. The bus system includes ADA-accessible features, such as ramps and designated seating. However, the reliance on a seasonal schedule and limited routes means that public transit may not be a reliable option for regular healthcare appointments or emergency situations. The lack of year-round, frequent service significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their availability is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours and in the off-season. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare transportation requires careful planning and advance booking, especially for appointments scheduled outside of typical business hours.

Medical transport services are available, offering a more specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. **Acadia Ambulance Service** provides emergency medical services and non-emergency transport within the region. These services are crucial for those unable to drive themselves or utilize public transportation.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Acadia Ambulance Service:** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport.
* **Other Local Ambulance Services:** May be available depending on the specific needs and insurance coverage.
* **Air Ambulance Services:** For more critical needs, air ambulance services are available.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The geographical isolation of Seal Harbor presents challenges to healthcare access. While the Mount Desert Island Hospital offers essential services, the distance to more specialized facilities in Bangor necessitates careful planning and reliance on various transportation options. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides crucial support, but their limitations must be acknowledged.

The reliance on personal vehicles is significant. Individuals without access to a car may face considerable difficulties accessing healthcare. The seasonal nature of public transit further exacerbates this issue. For those considering moving to Seal Harbor, assessing their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services is paramount.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of Seal Harbor (04675) is **moderate**. While the proximity to Mount Desert Island Hospital provides a crucial resource, the limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distance to more comprehensive medical facilities in Bangor pose significant challenges.

The score reflects the need for careful planning and proactive management of healthcare needs. Individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring specialized care may find the transportation limitations particularly challenging. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides a safety net, but their limitations must be considered.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize preventative care:** Regular check-ups and screenings are essential to mitigate potential health risks.
* **Plan transportation in advance:** Schedule appointments with ample time for travel, considering traffic and weather conditions.
* **Explore medical transport options:** Familiarize yourself with available medical transport services and their coverage.
* **Consider the impact of seasonal changes:** Be aware of the reduced public transit availability during the off-season.
* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Support initiatives aimed at expanding public transportation options.
* **Evaluate your healthcare needs:** Assess your healthcare requirements and determine if the available resources and transportation options meet your needs.

This assessment provides a foundation for understanding healthcare access in Seal Harbor. By considering these factors, residents and prospective movers can make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ensuring they have access to the care they need. The importance of transportation in this context cannot be overstated.