08059, Mount Ephraim, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08059, Mount Ephraim, New Jersey is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.61 percent of residents in 08059 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Virtua Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital with a distance of 3.52 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08059 (Mount Ephraim, NJ)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Mount Ephraim, New Jersey (ZIP code 08059), requires a deep dive into the crucial intersection of transportation and healthcare access. This analysis considers the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach essential medical services, a vital component of overall well-being. The availability of diverse transportation options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the accessibility of these resources for all residents, including those with disabilities, are key determinants of this score.

Mount Ephraim, a charming borough in Camden County, offers a relatively compact layout, but its health score is significantly shaped by its location within the broader South Jersey region. While the town itself boasts a small-town feel, residents often need to venture beyond its borders to access a comprehensive range of medical specialists and facilities. This necessitates a reliable and efficient transportation infrastructure.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and out of Mount Ephraim are the major roadways that crisscross the region. Route 47 (Delsea Drive) forms a significant commercial corridor, offering direct access to local businesses and services. However, it also experiences heavy traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours. Route 130, a more substantial highway, provides a faster route to larger medical centers and hospitals located further afield.

For residents needing to reach Cooper University Hospital in Camden, the drive typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Virtua Voorhees Hospital, a more distant but highly regarded facility, requires a drive of around 25-35 minutes, often involving travel on the heavily trafficked Route 295. These drive times can be significantly impacted by rush hour congestion, potentially adding substantial delays to the journey.

The availability of parking at these healthcare facilities is another critical factor. While most hospitals offer ample parking, the cost and convenience of securing a spot should be considered. The ability to navigate these roads and find parking becomes a critical component of healthcare access.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation plays a crucial role in healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. The New Jersey Transit (NJT) system provides bus service within the area. The primary bus routes serving Mount Ephraim are the 400 and 403 lines, which offer connections to surrounding towns and cities, including Camden.

The 400 bus route, in particular, provides access to Cooper University Hospital, making it a vital link for residents needing medical care. However, the frequency of these bus routes can vary, and the travel time can be considerably longer than driving, especially during off-peak hours.

The accessibility of public transportation for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. NJT strives to ensure that its buses are ADA-compliant, meaning they are equipped with features such as ramps or lifts for wheelchair users. However, the availability of accessible routes and the reliability of these features can vary. The journey from a home in Mount Ephraim to a healthcare facility via public transit can be complicated by the need to change buses, and this can be a significant challenge for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an increasingly popular alternative to driving or relying on public transportation. These services provide on-demand transportation, offering a convenient option for reaching healthcare appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available in the area. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during their journey. Companies like SeniorCare Transportation and FirstLight Home Care provide specialized transportation options. These services offer a crucial safety net for those who cannot drive themselves or rely on public transportation.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

* **SeniorCare Transportation:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transportation.
* **FirstLight Home Care:** Offers transportation assistance as part of its home care services, often including rides to medical appointments.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Operates emergency and non-emergency medical transport services, including ambulance and wheelchair transport.
* **CareRide:** Specializes in non-emergency medical transportation, including door-to-door service and assistance with appointments.
* **Medicaid Transportation Providers:** Several providers offer transportation services for individuals eligible for Medicaid, often covering the cost of rides to medical appointments.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for Mount Ephraim residents is influenced by the interplay of these transportation options. The availability of multiple transportation choices, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation services, is a positive factor. However, the drive times to major healthcare facilities, the frequency and reliability of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services all impact the overall score.

The accessibility of these transportation options for individuals with disabilities is a particularly important consideration. The availability of ADA-compliant public transit, wheelchair-accessible ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transportation services directly impacts the ability of all residents to access necessary medical care.

The proximity of healthcare facilities is another critical factor. While Mount Ephraim itself does not have a large hospital, its location near major medical centers in Camden and Voorhees is a significant advantage. However, the drive times to these facilities can be a challenge, particularly during peak hours.

**Moving to Mount Ephraim:**

For individuals considering moving to Mount Ephraim, the availability of healthcare access should be a key factor in their decision. Prospective residents should consider their transportation needs and preferences, as well as any specific medical needs they may have.

The proximity to major hospitals and medical specialists is a definite advantage. However, the reliance on driving or public transportation for accessing these facilities should be factored into the equation. For those who rely on public transportation, the frequency and reliability of bus service are critical considerations.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can also be a significant benefit, particularly for those who cannot drive or who require assistance with their transportation. The cost of these services should be factored into the overall cost of living in Mount Ephraim.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for Mount Ephraim residents is a complex calculation. While the borough's location near major healthcare facilities is a positive attribute, the drive times, the reliability of public transit, and the cost of transportation services all impact the overall score. The accessibility of these transportation options for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. By carefully evaluating these factors, residents and prospective residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare access and overall well-being. The ability to efficiently and affordably reach medical care is a foundational element of a healthy community, and Mount Ephraim's score reflects the strengths and weaknesses of its transportation and healthcare access systems.