04686, Wesley, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04686, Wesley, Maine is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 04686 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Down East Community Hospital with a distance of 18.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04686

The overall health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report assesses the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 04686, encompassing the town of Wesley, Maine, can reach essential medical services. This analysis considers various modes of **transportation**, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport, providing a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” based on **healthcare access**. The remoteness of Wesley presents unique challenges, necessitating a nuanced understanding of available options.

Wesley, Maine, is a rural community in Washington County. The primary artery for vehicular **transportation** is Route 9, also known as the Airline Road. This road connects Wesley to larger towns and cities, offering the most direct route to healthcare facilities. Secondary roads, like Route 191, provide access to other areas but often involve longer travel times. The availability of reliable private vehicle **transportation** is crucial for residents, as public **transportation** options are limited.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the health score. The closest hospital, Calais Regional Hospital, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive via Route 9. This drive time can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Maine winters. Other essential medical services, such as specialist appointments or emergency care at larger hospitals like Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, require a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, primarily via Route 9 and Interstate 95. This extended travel time can pose a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for those with chronic conditions or urgent medical needs.

Public **transportation** options in Wesley are extremely limited. The Downeast Transportation Inc. (DTI) provides bus service in the region. However, the frequency of routes and the geographical coverage are limited, making it a less viable option for many residents. DTI Route 12, for example, might offer a connection to Calais, but the schedule often necessitates long waits and may not align with medical appointment times. The absence of readily available public **transportation** significantly impacts the health score, particularly for individuals without access to private vehicles or those unable to drive. The buses are equipped with ADA features.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in the Wesley area. This lack of ride-sharing options further exacerbates the **transportation** challenges. Residents are therefore heavily reliant on personal vehicles, family members, or friends for **transportation** to medical appointments. This dependence can create significant logistical and financial burdens, especially for those with limited mobility or financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services are available, but their availability and cost must be considered. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but the cost can be substantial. Non-emergency medical **transportation** services, such as those provided by local companies, offer a more affordable option for scheduled appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for appointments outside of regular business hours. The reliability and affordability of these services are crucial factors in determining the health score.

The remoteness of Wesley and the limited **transportation** options present significant challenges to **healthcare access**. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services create barriers for many residents. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, especially for specialized care, can delay or deter individuals from seeking necessary medical attention. The availability and cost of medical **transportation** services are critical, but these options may not always be readily accessible or affordable.

To improve the “Overall Health Score” and enhance **healthcare access** for residents of Wesley, several interventions are needed. Expanding public **transportation** options, including increasing the frequency of bus routes and extending service to cover more areas, would be beneficial. Exploring the feasibility of implementing a community-based ride-sharing program, perhaps through partnerships with local organizations, could also improve **transportation** options.

Furthermore, promoting the use of telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for routine check-ups and follow-up care. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas who face challenges in accessing healthcare facilities. Supporting the development of local healthcare providers, such as clinics and primary care physicians, could also improve **healthcare access** by reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for routine care.

The health score for Wesley, Maine (ZIP Code 04686) reflects the current state of **healthcare access**. The score is negatively impacted by limited **transportation** options, long drive times, and the absence of readily available ride-sharing services. While medical **transportation** services are available, their cost and availability must be considered. The score could be improved by implementing strategies to enhance **transportation** options, promote telehealth services, and support the development of local healthcare providers.

For anyone **moving to Wesley**, this analysis is a critical consideration. The ability to access timely and convenient healthcare is a fundamental aspect of quality of life. Understanding the **transportation** challenges and the available resources is essential for making an informed decision about **healthcare access** in this rural community. The success of Wesley's health hinges on its residents' ability to reach the care they need.