07460, Stockholm, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07460, Stockholm, New Jersey is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

26.98 percent of residents in 07460 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chilton Medical Center with a distance of 19.94 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 07460

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis, focusing on ZIP Code 07460, assesses the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on various transportation options. This evaluation considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access.

Our assessment reveals a landscape shaped by suburban sprawl, demanding a nuanced understanding of transportation challenges. The score reflects the reality that while some healthcare options are readily available, others present significant hurdles, impacting the overall health and well-being of the community.

**Driving to Healthcare: Navigating the Roads**

For many residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The efficiency of this approach hinges on the road network, which, in 07460, is dominated by the Garden State Parkway and Route 208. These major arteries provide the backbone for travel, but their effectiveness is often compromised by peak-hour congestion.

Traveling to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, a major regional hospital, typically involves navigating Route 208 South, a journey that can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Similarly, accessing Valley Health System in Ridgewood, a well-regarded facility, requires navigating local roads and potentially the Garden State Parkway, with drive times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.

Smaller, local practices and urgent care facilities are generally more accessible, often reachable within a 10-15 minute drive. However, the reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of car ownership and its associated costs, potentially creating barriers for those with limited financial resources.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in 07460, while present, is not a robust solution for healthcare access. The primary service provider is New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), offering bus routes that connect the area to surrounding towns and cities.

The most relevant routes include the 161, 163, and 164 buses, which offer service to Paterson, Ridgewood, and other areas with medical facilities. However, these routes often have limited frequency, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends. Travel times can be significantly extended compared to driving, making public transit less appealing for urgent medical needs.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features, such as ramps and designated seating, is crucial for individuals with disabilities. NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, but the practicalities of navigating bus schedules and potential transfer points can still present challenges. The limitations of public transit highlight the need for alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an increasingly popular alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, offering convenience and flexibility. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

For individuals with specific medical needs, specialized medical transport services are available. These services, often provided by companies like MedStar and American Medical Response, offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. They are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport.

While these services can be invaluable, they often come with higher costs and require advance booking. Their availability and affordability are crucial considerations in assessing overall healthcare access.

**The Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

Considering all factors, the Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in 07460 is **Moderate**. The presence of major roadways allows for relatively quick access to healthcare facilities for those with personal vehicles. However, the limitations of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the specialized needs of some residents create significant challenges.

The score reflects a community where healthcare access is variable, influenced by individual circumstances and transportation choices. This situation underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve public transit, promote affordable ride-sharing options, and ensure the availability of specialized medical transport services.

**Implications and Recommendations**

Improving healthcare access in 07460 requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transit infrastructure, including increased frequency and expanded routes, is essential. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of available medical transport services and ensuring their affordability are critical. Addressing the transportation challenges faced by residents is not just about improving healthcare access; it is about fostering a healthier and more equitable community.

**A Vision for the Future**

Imagine a future where residents of 07460 have seamless access to healthcare, regardless of their transportation limitations. Picture a robust public transit system, affordable ride-sharing options, and readily available medical transport services. This vision, while ambitious, is achievable through strategic planning and collaborative efforts.

The journey towards this vision is not dissimilar to the considerations one might have when moving to Stockholm, Sweden, a city renowned for its commitment to public transportation and healthcare accessibility. Just as Stockholm prioritizes efficient and equitable transportation, 07460 must strive to create a healthcare landscape where transportation barriers are minimized, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive. The ultimate goal is to build a healthier community, where access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege.