08072, Quinton, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08072, Quinton, New Jersey is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.38 percent of residents in 08072 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Medical Center with a distance of 4.96 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08072 (Quinton, NJ)

The overall health score for residents of Quinton, New Jersey (ZIP code 08072), concerning healthcare access, is significantly influenced by transportation infrastructure and options. Evaluating this score requires a nuanced understanding of drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview, considering the unique challenges and opportunities facing individuals seeking medical care in this rural community.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Quinton's location in Salem County, New Jersey, presents both advantages and disadvantages for healthcare access. The primary arteries for reaching medical facilities are the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Route 49, and Route 40. The speed of travel, however, is often dependent on traffic, especially during peak hours, and the condition of the roads.

For residents needing specialized care, the drive times can be substantial. Driving to major hospitals in Philadelphia, such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania or Jefferson Hospital, can take upwards of an hour, depending on traffic and the chosen route. Similarly, accessing hospitals in Wilmington, Delaware, requires traversing the Delaware Memorial Bridge, adding to the commute time.

Local healthcare options include the Inspira Medical Center in Elmer, which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive. This facility offers a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized treatments. Other smaller clinics and urgent care centers may be available within a 15-20 minute radius, offering convenient options for routine medical needs.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Quinton is extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transit option is the NJ Transit bus system. However, the routes serving this area are infrequent, and the coverage is sparse.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor in assessing the accessibility of public transit for individuals with disabilities. While NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, the limited frequency of routes and the potential for long wait times can create significant challenges for those relying on public transportation.

The lack of robust public transit options underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This limitation impacts the overall health score, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Quinton area, offering a potential alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, making it a less viable option for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation providers specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several medical transportation companies serve the Quinton area, providing a valuable resource for individuals who require assistance with transportation.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for Quinton residents is impacted by the interplay of transportation options, the availability of healthcare facilities, and the socioeconomic factors that influence healthcare access. The drive times to major hospitals and specialized medical centers, coupled with the limited public transit options, present significant challenges.

The availability of local healthcare facilities, such as the Inspira Medical Center in Elmer, helps mitigate some of these challenges. However, residents may still need to travel significant distances for specialized care or services not available locally.

The presence of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers offers additional options for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. These services can improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations, but the cost and availability of these services can still be a barrier.

**Moving to Quinton and Healthcare Considerations:**

Individuals considering moving to Quinton should carefully evaluate the healthcare access situation. Factors to consider include the availability of local healthcare facilities, the drive times to major hospitals, the availability of public transit, and the cost and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

For individuals with chronic health conditions or those who require frequent medical appointments, access to reliable and affordable transportation is crucial. Potential residents should assess their transportation needs and ensure that they have a viable plan for accessing healthcare services.

The overall health score for Quinton reflects the community's commitment to providing healthcare services and the challenges associated with transportation infrastructure. Improving healthcare access requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhancing public transit, supporting ride-sharing services, and promoting the availability of medical transportation providers.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of ZIP code 08072, Quinton, NJ, concerning healthcare access, is moderate. While local healthcare options exist, the drive times to specialized medical centers and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers offers some relief, but the cost and availability can be barriers. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, transportation agencies, and community organizations to ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare services they need. The health of the community depends on it.