08555, Roosevelt, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08555, Roosevelt, New Jersey is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.79 percent of residents in 08555 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Centrastate Medical Center with a distance of 8.78 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08555

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Roosevelt, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08555) requires a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. This includes evaluating the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, considering factors like transportation options, travel times, and the availability of specialized care. The following analysis paints a comprehensive picture of healthcare access, specifically focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with getting to and from healthcare appointments.

The primary challenge for Roosevelt residents lies in its relative isolation. Nestled within a rural area, the town lacks direct access to major urban centers, influencing healthcare access. While the community itself is tight-knit, the nearest hospitals and specialist practices are located in surrounding towns, necessitating reliable transportation. This geographical reality directly impacts the overall health score, potentially limiting timely access to critical medical interventions.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in 08555 is personal vehicle. The drive times to various healthcare facilities are crucial for the overall health score. Residents typically rely on several key roadways. Traveling to larger hospitals and specialist practices requires navigating the network of highways and roads.

For instance, accessing the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro, a major regional healthcare provider, necessitates a drive primarily via Route 130 North. The journey, depending on traffic conditions, can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. This drive time, while manageable, can become problematic during peak hours or in inclement weather.

Other healthcare facilities, such as those located in Freehold or Trenton, require navigating a combination of roads, including Route 524, Route 33, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Travel times to these locations can vary significantly, potentially extending the commute to an hour or more, particularly during rush hour. The reliability of the transportation infrastructure, including road maintenance and traffic flow, directly impacts the overall health score, influencing the efficiency of healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options for healthcare access in 08555 are limited, posing a significant challenge to residents who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The New Jersey Transit (NJT) bus system offers some routes that serve the area, but their frequency and coverage are restricted. The primary bus route serving Roosevelt is the 139, which offers limited service to and from Trenton.

However, the 139 is not specifically designed for healthcare access, and its schedule may not align with the appointment times of medical facilities. Moreover, the bus route does not directly serve the major hospitals or specialist practices located in surrounding towns. This limitation significantly impacts the overall health score for individuals reliant on public transportation.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on the bus routes is crucial for residents with disabilities. NJT is committed to providing accessible services, but the reliability and functionality of these features must be consistently maintained to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents. The availability of public transit, while present, is not a strong point for the overall health score in Roosevelt.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for healthcare access in 08555. These services can provide door-to-door transportation, potentially reducing travel times and eliminating the need for parking. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services can vary, especially in rural areas. The overall health score is influenced by the reliability and affordability of these services, particularly for residents with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance with transportation, are also available in the region. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, potentially creating a barrier to healthcare access for some residents. The availability and affordability of medical transport services directly impact the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations.

**Healthcare Access and the Decision to Move to Roosevelt:**

For individuals considering moving to Roosevelt, the accessibility of healthcare services should be a key consideration. The relative isolation of the town, coupled with the limited public transportation options, necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation services. Potential residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and assess the availability and affordability of the various options.

The overall health score for Roosevelt residents is intricately linked to the ease with which they can access healthcare services. The distance to medical facilities, the availability of reliable transportation, and the cost of accessing healthcare all contribute to the overall health score. Individuals with chronic health conditions or mobility limitations may face greater challenges in accessing timely and appropriate medical care.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement:**

Improving the overall health score for residents of 08555 requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing public transportation options, including increasing the frequency and coverage of bus routes, could significantly improve healthcare access. Collaborating with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for low-income residents could also help.

Additionally, promoting the development of telehealth services and establishing partnerships with local healthcare providers to offer mobile medical clinics could bring healthcare services directly to the community. The overall health score in Roosevelt is ultimately a reflection of the community's commitment to ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need.

The journey to healthcare in 08555, while challenging, can be improved through strategic investments in transportation and healthcare resources. The overall health score can be enhanced by focusing on these key areas, ultimately fostering a healthier and more vibrant community for all residents, especially those considering moving to Roosevelt. The commitment to improving healthcare access is a crucial factor in the overall well-being of the community.