08758, Waretown, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08758, Waretown, New Jersey is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.62 percent of residents in 08758 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus with a distance of 19.43 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08758 (Waretown, NJ)

This assessment provides an overall health score for residents of Waretown, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08758), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. It analyzes transportation options, drive times, and public transit availability, crucial factors in determining the ease with which residents can access medical care. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Waretown, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Waretown, nestled in Ocean County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town's relative remoteness and reliance on personal vehicles significantly impact the overall health score. The availability of convenient and efficient transportation options is paramount, especially for those with mobility limitations or those without personal vehicles.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Waretown are the Garden State Parkway and Route 9. Accessing healthcare facilities often necessitates navigating these thoroughfares. Drive times are heavily influenced by traffic conditions, especially during peak hours and seasonal influxes of tourists.

Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township, approximately 15 miles north, is a major regional hospital. A drive to Ocean Medical Center typically takes 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic on the Garden State Parkway or Route 9. This journey can be longer during summer weekends or inclement weather.

Community Medical Center in Toms River, roughly 20 miles north, presents another option. The drive to Community Medical Center usually takes 30-50 minutes, again contingent on traffic flow. Both facilities offer a comprehensive range of medical services, making them critical for Waretown residents.

Smaller, specialized clinics and urgent care centers are scattered throughout the region. However, reaching these facilities still requires navigating the same roadways, and drive times can vary significantly. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of reliable transportation for maintaining good health.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Waretown are limited. The Ocean Ride (Ocean County Transportation) provides some bus services, but routes and schedules may not always align with healthcare appointments. The availability of public transportation is a significant factor in determining the overall health score.

Ocean Ride Route 559, for instance, offers service along Route 9, potentially providing a connection to healthcare facilities in Toms River or Manahawkin. However, the frequency of service and the distance between stops can make this option inconvenient for many residents.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of Ocean Ride buses is a crucial consideration. Ensuring that the buses are equipped with ramps or lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities is essential for equitable healthcare access. The availability of accessible transportation directly impacts the overall health score.

The lack of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant challenge for residents who cannot drive or prefer not to. This highlights the need for alternative transportation solutions to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potential solution for transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist individuals with mobility limitations.

Several medical transportation companies operate in the region, including MedRide and Atlantic Ambulance. These services can be more expensive than ride-sharing, but they offer a higher level of support and are often better equipped to handle patients with specific medical needs.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services contribute significantly to the overall health score. These options provide crucial support for those who cannot drive or do not have access to public transportation.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and healthcare access, the overall health score for Waretown (ZIP Code 08758) is moderate. While residents have access to several healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges.

The drive times to major hospitals and clinics can be significant, especially during peak hours. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some relief, but these options may not be affordable or readily available for everyone.

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations are offered. First, expanding and improving the frequency and coverage of public transit, particularly Ocean Ride, is essential. This could include adding more routes, increasing service frequency, and ensuring that all buses are ADA-compliant.

Second, promoting and subsidizing ride-sharing and medical transportation services could make these options more accessible and affordable for residents. Partnering with local healthcare providers to offer transportation assistance programs could also be beneficial.

Third, encouraging the development of more healthcare facilities within Waretown or in close proximity would reduce drive times and improve healthcare access. This could involve attracting new clinics or urgent care centers to the area.

Finally, educating residents about the available transportation options and healthcare resources is crucial. Providing clear and concise information about public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation companies can empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for Waretown is influenced by the interplay of various factors, including transportation, healthcare access, and the needs of the community. By addressing the challenges related to transportation and healthcare access, Waretown can improve its overall health score and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives. For those considering moving to Waretown, careful consideration of these factors is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs and well-being. The availability of reliable transportation is a cornerstone of healthcare access, and addressing this need is paramount for the health and wellness of the community.