10917, Central Valley, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 10917, Central Valley, New York is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.73 percent of residents in 10917 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Keller Ach (West Point) with a distance of 9.23 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 10917

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 10917 necessitates a deep dive into their access to healthcare, heavily influenced by the transportation options available. This analysis considers drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing services, and medical transport provisions, offering a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities within this community. The goal is to understand how easily residents can reach medical appointments, emergency services, and essential healthcare facilities, impacting their overall well-being.

The primary artery for vehicular transportation in and out of 10917 is **Interstate 87 (I-87)**, commonly known as the New York State Thruway. This major highway provides a direct route to healthcare facilities located further south, including those in Rockland County and potentially even into northern New Jersey. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times, potentially delaying access to crucial medical care. Secondary roads like **Route 17** and **Route 208** offer alternative routes, but these roads often experience heavy traffic, especially during the morning and evening commutes.

Driving times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor. Residents of 10917 likely face a range of drive times depending on their specific location within the zip code and the destination. The closest hospitals, such as Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, may be accessible within a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. More specialized care, such as that offered at hospitals in New York City or major medical centers in the Hudson Valley, can require drives of an hour or more, especially during rush hour. These extended drive times can pose a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options in 10917 are limited, presenting a challenge for residents who do not own a car or cannot drive. The **Short Line Bus** provides service to various destinations, including New York City, with stops within the zip code. However, the frequency of service may be limited, and the travel time to healthcare facilities in NYC can be extensive. Furthermore, the Short Line Bus does not offer direct routes to many local hospitals or medical offices.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. While the Short Line Bus is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring accessible features such as ramps and designated seating, the overall public transit infrastructure in the area may not fully meet the needs of all residents. The availability of accessible sidewalks, curb cuts, and accessible parking at healthcare facilities is also a factor.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in 10917, offering an alternative transportation option, particularly for those who do not drive or need a more convenient mode of transport. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the zip code. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes or frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services play a vital role in ensuring healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized transportation. Several medical transport companies operate in the area, including **Ambu-Lift** and **Care Ride**, offering services such as wheelchair-accessible vans and stretcher transportation. However, the availability of these services may be limited, and scheduling can be a challenge, particularly for urgent medical needs. The cost of medical transport can also be substantial, adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

The impact of transportation challenges on healthcare access is particularly significant for vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. These groups may face greater difficulties in accessing healthcare due to limited mobility, financial constraints, and reliance on public transportation or medical transport services. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

The overall health score for 10917 is also influenced by the availability of healthcare facilities within the zip code. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care centers, and pharmacies directly impacts residents' ability to receive timely and convenient medical care. A lack of local healthcare providers necessitates longer travel times and increased reliance on transportation, further exacerbating the challenges of healthcare access.

The decision to move to Central Valley, NY, (within 10917) requires careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access. Potential residents should assess their individual healthcare needs, considering the frequency of medical appointments, the need for specialized care, and their ability to drive or utilize alternative transportation options. Researching the availability of healthcare providers, the accessibility of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport is crucial.

The future of healthcare access in 10917 depends on several factors. Investments in public transportation infrastructure, including increased service frequency, expanded routes, and improved accessibility, can significantly improve healthcare access for all residents. Partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services, such as subsidized ride-sharing programs or dedicated medical transport services, can also help to address the transportation challenges.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of 10917 is influenced by the complexities of transportation and healthcare access. While the presence of major highways offers some advantages, the limitations of public transit, the potential for traffic congestion, and the cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant challenges. Addressing these challenges through infrastructure improvements, innovative transportation solutions, and community-based initiatives is essential to ensuring that all residents of 10917 have equitable access to the healthcare they need.