04772, Saint Agatha, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04772, Saint Agatha, Maine is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.02 percent of residents in 04772 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Maine Medical Center with a distance of 12.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04772

The health of a community hinges on numerous factors, but readily available healthcare access is paramount. This report delves into the accessibility of medical services for residents of ZIP Code 04772 (Saint Agatha, Maine), evaluating the transportation landscape and its impact on overall health. Our analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility. For those considering moving to Saint Agatha, this score provides crucial insight into the practicalities of maintaining good health.

The primary challenge for healthcare access in 04772 stems from its rural location. The vast, sparsely populated landscape necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most transportation needs. This dependence significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for individuals without reliable transportation, the elderly, and those with disabilities. The rugged terrain and harsh winters further complicate matters, potentially hindering access to timely medical care.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of our assessment. The nearest hospitals, such as Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent, necessitate a drive along US Route 1. This major artery provides the most direct route, but the distance, approximately 25 miles, translates to a drive time of around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Other healthcare providers, including smaller clinics and specialist offices, may require travel on secondary roads, such as Main Street and local connector roads, which can add significantly to travel time, especially during inclement weather.

Public transportation options in 04772 are limited. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system significantly diminishes the overall health score. The primary public transit option is the Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS). ARTS provides limited service within the county, including routes to and from Fort Kent. However, service frequency and route coverage are limited, particularly for those living in Saint Agatha.

ARTS buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating, to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequency of routes and the distance to major medical facilities present a barrier to healthcare access for those reliant on public transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in 04772. This lack of ride-sharing options further exacerbates the transportation challenges. Residents are primarily reliant on personal vehicles, informal arrangements, or the limited public transit options. The absence of readily available ride-sharing services significantly lowers the overall health score.

Specialized medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a vital role in healthcare access, especially for individuals requiring assistance. Ambulance services are available in the area, but response times can be impacted by distance and weather conditions. NEMT services, which provide transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, are available, but their availability and coverage may be limited.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 04772 is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the transportation challenges significantly impact accessibility. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the absence of ride-sharing services create barriers to timely medical care. The long distances to healthcare facilities and the potential for adverse weather conditions further complicate matters.

For individuals considering moving to Saint Agatha, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. The ability to drive and maintain a reliable vehicle is essential for accessing healthcare. Those without reliable transportation may face significant challenges in attending medical appointments and accessing necessary care.

The local community and healthcare providers are continually working to improve healthcare access. Initiatives to expand public transit options, promote ride-sharing programs, and enhance medical transport services could significantly improve the overall health score. Furthermore, community-based programs that provide transportation assistance to vulnerable populations could help to mitigate the transportation challenges.

Improving the health score requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, particularly routes that connect Saint Agatha with major healthcare facilities, is critical. Promoting the use of telehealth services can also help to reduce the need for in-person visits.

The availability of healthcare access is a critical determinant of community health. The transportation challenges in 04772 significantly impact the overall health score. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, community-based programs, and telehealth initiatives is essential to improve healthcare access and promote the well-being of Saint Agatha residents.