04680, Steuben, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04680, Steuben, Maine is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.61 percent of residents in 04680 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Down East Community Hospital with a distance of 27.60 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04680

Understanding the accessibility of healthcare services is paramount when assessing the overall health of a community. This analysis focuses on the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 04680 (Steuben, Maine), evaluating the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. This is particularly relevant for those considering **moving to Steuben**, as the availability and convenience of **transportation** options directly impact **healthcare access**. We will delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for this area.

The geography of Steuben, situated along the rugged Maine coastline, presents unique challenges for healthcare access. Sparse population density and limited infrastructure contribute to the complexity of navigating to medical appointments. The “Overall Health Score” considers these factors, offering a nuanced perspective on the realities of healthcare access in this coastal community.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary route connecting Steuben to healthcare providers is via Route 1, a vital artery along the Downeast coast. Driving south on Route 1 leads to Ellsworth, the closest city with a hospital, Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital. The drive from the center of Steuben to Ellsworth typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the town.

Alternatively, heading north on Route 1 offers access to medical facilities in Cherryfield, approximately a 20-minute drive. While Cherryfield offers some primary care and specialized services, it doesn't have a full-service hospital.

Additional routes include secondary roads like Route 186, which offers access to more rural areas and potentially shorter travel times to certain clinics, but these roads are often less well-maintained and can be subject to seasonal closures. The condition of these roads, especially during winter, significantly impacts the reliability of **transportation** and can drastically increase drive times.

The drive times are further complicated by the seasonal influx of tourists, particularly during the summer months. This can lead to increased traffic congestion, especially on Route 1, adding considerable time to commutes. The "Overall Health Score" must account for these seasonal variations.

**Public Transit:**

Public transportation options in Steuben are limited. The Downeast Transportation Inc. (DTI) provides bus service throughout Hancock County, including routes that serve Steuben. However, these routes are infrequent, often operating on a limited schedule, and may not align with the schedules of medical appointments.

The DTI buses are generally equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the limited frequency and route coverage can pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require frequent medical appointments.

The availability of public **transportation** is a crucial factor in **healthcare access**, especially for those without personal vehicles. The current public transit options in Steuben, while present, are insufficient to meet the needs of all residents, impacting the "Overall Health Score."

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Ellsworth area but are not consistently available in Steuben itself. The availability of these services depends on driver availability, which can be unpredictable, particularly in rural areas.

Medical transport services are available in the region. Acadian Ambulance Service provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport. These services are crucial for patients who cannot drive themselves to appointments. The cost of these services, however, can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for some residents.

Other specialized medical transport services, such as those catering to dialysis patients or individuals requiring specialized care, may be available, but their availability and cost vary. These services contribute to the overall **transportation** landscape and influence the "Overall Health Score."

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP code 04680 must consider the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The primary reliance on personal vehicles for **transportation** creates a dependence on road conditions and the availability of a car.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** The infrequent and limited route coverage of DTI buses restricts **healthcare access** for many residents.
* **Ride-Sharing Inconsistency:** The lack of reliable ride-sharing services adds another layer of complexity to accessing healthcare.
* **Medical Transport Costs:** The cost of medical transport services can be prohibitive for some, limiting their ability to access necessary care.
* **Seasonal Variations:** The impact of tourism and winter weather on drive times and road conditions must be considered.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Steuben, Maine (ZIP code 04680), is moderate. While drive times to medical facilities in Ellsworth and Cherryfield are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** pose significant challenges. The sporadic availability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transport further complicate the landscape.

For those considering **moving to Steuben**, it is crucial to factor in these **transportation** limitations when assessing their ability to access healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" highlights the need for improved public transit options, increased ride-sharing availability, and affordable medical transport services to ensure equitable **healthcare access** for all residents. Further investment in infrastructure and community-based initiatives could significantly improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance the well-being of the Steuben community.