04939, Garland, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04939, Garland, Maine is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.32 percent of residents in 04939 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Mayo Hospital with a distance of 10.92 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Garland, Maine (ZIP Code 04939)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Garland, Maine (ZIP Code 04939) necessitates a comprehensive examination of **healthcare access**, with a significant focus on **transportation** options. Garland's rural character presents unique challenges, demanding careful consideration of drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture for current residents and those considering **moving to Garland**, emphasizing the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape.

The most immediate factor impacting health access is the distance to medical facilities. Garland itself, a small town nestled in Penobscot County, lacks a hospital or major clinic within its borders. Residents rely on neighboring towns and cities for their healthcare needs. The primary routes for accessing healthcare involve driving, making personal vehicle ownership a virtual necessity.

The most direct route to a major medical center, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, is via Interstate 95 (I-95) South. This roughly 25-mile journey, depending on the specific location within Garland, typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, Maine winters can significantly impact this commute. Snow and ice can transform a routine drive into a treacherous undertaking, potentially extending travel times and increasing the risk of accidents.

Alternatively, residents can utilize Route 15, a more scenic but potentially slower route. Route 15 provides access to various healthcare providers in Dexter, a town closer to Garland. The drive to Dexter, depending on the starting point in Garland, can take between 15 and 25 minutes. Dexter offers a smaller hospital, Mayo Regional Hospital, and several clinics, providing a more immediate healthcare option. However, the scope of services offered is less comprehensive than those available at EMMC.

Another option involves traveling to Dover-Foxcroft, a town offering healthcare facilities. The drive to Dover-Foxcroft from Garland usually takes around 30 minutes, utilizing Route 15 and other local roads. This option provides access to a variety of clinics and healthcare providers, offering an alternative to Bangor or Dexter.

Public transportation options in Garland are extremely limited. The Penobscot County Transportation System (PCTS) provides some service in the region, but its routes and schedules are not designed to facilitate easy access to healthcare facilities. PCTS primarily serves the larger towns and cities within the county, with limited service to rural areas like Garland. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles and routes may be limited, posing a challenge for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments. The lack of robust public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a limited presence in rural Maine. While these services may be available, their reliability and availability are not guaranteed, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Residents cannot depend on ride-sharing as a consistent solution for healthcare transportation. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services are available in the region, primarily for patients requiring ambulance or non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations. For non-emergency transportation, several providers offer services to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services, however, often require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of NEMT services is a crucial component of healthcare access for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

The overall health score for Garland residents, considering the transportation factor, is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges. The lack of robust public transit, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services create barriers for some residents.

The impact of seasonal weather conditions on travel times and safety further complicates the picture. The remoteness of the area and the limited options for transportation make healthcare access a significant consideration for anyone considering **moving to Garland**.

The availability of specific healthcare providers, such as specialists or mental health professionals, also influences the overall health score. The need to travel to Bangor or other larger cities for specialized care can add to the time and expense of healthcare access. The availability of telehealth services, while growing, is not a complete substitute for in-person appointments.

The health score is also influenced by the socio-economic factors of the community. Residents with lower incomes may struggle to afford transportation costs, including vehicle maintenance, fuel, and the cost of medical transport. This can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially impacting health outcomes.

Garland’s health score is significantly impacted by the need for residents to travel to access healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to this. The drive times to healthcare facilities, while generally manageable, are subject to seasonal variations and the availability of specific healthcare services.

The lack of readily available public transit is a significant weakness in the healthcare access infrastructure. Addressing this deficiency would require investment in public transportation, potentially through increased funding for PCTS or the development of new routes and services. This would improve healthcare access for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

Improving the overall health score for Garland requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes addressing the transportation challenges, expanding access to healthcare services within the community, and promoting preventative care. Encouraging the use of telehealth services where appropriate can also improve healthcare access.

Ultimately, the health score for Garland residents is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, with transportation playing a pivotal role. While the community offers access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create significant challenges. Residents and those considering **moving to Garland** should carefully evaluate these factors when assessing their healthcare needs. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being in this rural Maine community.