07480, West Milford, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07480, West Milford, New Jersey is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.71 percent of residents in 07480 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chilton Medical Center with a distance of 9.32 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in West Milford, NJ (ZIP Code 07480)

West Milford, New Jersey, nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Highlands, presents a unique challenge when it comes to accessing healthcare. The town's relative remoteness and sprawling geography, coupled with a limited public transportation network, significantly impact residents' ability to receive timely and comprehensive medical care. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering various transportation options and their influence on healthcare access within and around ZIP Code 07480. The score reflects the ease, efficiency, and affordability of reaching medical facilities, ultimately impacting the overall well-being of the community.

The most prevalent mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in West Milford is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The town's layout necessitates driving, with distances to medical facilities often exceeding several miles. This reliance on cars introduces complexities, including traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, and the associated costs of fuel, maintenance, and parking. The main arteries serving West Milford, including **New Jersey Route 23** and **New Jersey Route 287**, can experience significant delays, especially during rush hour. These delays can be critical in emergency situations, potentially impacting patient outcomes.

The time it takes to reach healthcare providers is a crucial factor in our "Overall Health Score" calculation. Drive times vary depending on the destination and time of day. For example, a trip to St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital, a major regional healthcare provider, could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions on **Route 23** and **Route 287**. Closer options, such as urgent care facilities in Butler or Pompton Plains, may be reached in 15 to 30 minutes. These drive times can be particularly challenging for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to a personal vehicle.

Public transportation options in West Milford are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for many residents. The primary public transit provider is New Jersey Transit (NJT), offering bus routes that connect West Milford to surrounding towns and cities. However, these routes are infrequent, and the service area is limited, restricting the ability to reach many healthcare facilities directly. The routes serving West Milford include the **197** and **198** buses. These routes provide service to Wayne, Paterson, and New York City.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on these buses is a critical consideration. NJT strives to provide accessible service on all its routes. However, the availability of accessible buses on each run can vary. Furthermore, the long travel times and potential for transfers can pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical equipment. The lack of comprehensive public transit significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," especially for those who cannot drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, but their availability and affordability in West Milford can be inconsistent. The presence of ride-sharing services depends on driver availability, which can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. The cost of these services can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited financial resources. The reliance on ride-sharing adds another layer of uncertainty to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the West Milford area, including, but not limited to, AmeriCare and First Transit. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges or medical needs. However, these services can be costly, and prior arrangements are typically required. This adds another layer of complexity and expense to healthcare access, particularly for those with chronic conditions or frequent medical appointments.

The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within West Milford itself. While the town has some primary care physicians, specialists are often located in neighboring communities or further afield. This necessitates longer travel times and increases the reliance on transportation. The limited availability of specialized medical services within the town exacerbates the challenges associated with transportation.

Considering all these factors, the "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in West Milford, NJ (ZIP Code 07480) is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create significant challenges for many residents. The long travel times to reach healthcare facilities, the potential for traffic delays, and the associated costs of transportation can negatively impact the overall well-being of the community.

For individuals considering moving to West Milford, understanding these transportation challenges is essential. Careful consideration should be given to the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of transportation options, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care. Planning for healthcare access should be a priority when making decisions about relocation.

Improving the "Overall Health Score" in West Milford would require a multi-faceted approach. This could include expanding public transportation options, increasing the frequency of bus routes, and ensuring ADA accessibility on all vehicles. Encouraging the development of telehealth services could also reduce the need for in-person visits. Furthermore, promoting ride-sharing and medical transportation services and providing financial assistance to those in need could significantly improve healthcare access.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and convenient for all residents of West Milford. By addressing the transportation challenges and investing in innovative solutions, the community can improve its "Overall Health Score" and enhance the quality of life for all its members. The availability of reliable transportation is a crucial element in ensuring that residents can receive the medical care they need, when they need it, without undue hardship or delay. The journey to healthcare should not be a barrier to good health.