12810, Athol, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12810, Athol, New York is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.69 percent of residents in 12810 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Glens Falls Hospital with a distance of 16.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12810 (Athol, NY)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 12810 (Athol, NY), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. The score considers various modes of **transportation**, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options. Factors like drive times, route availability, and ADA compliance are meticulously examined to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access for those living in or **moving to Athol**. This assessment aims to inform residents and prospective newcomers about the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare accessibility in the area.

Athol, a rural community nestled in the Adirondack Park, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. Its geographical isolation and limited infrastructure necessitate a nuanced approach to evaluating the health score. The analysis considers the primary healthcare facilities serving the area, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical services. The objective is to determine how easily residents can reach these facilities, considering the constraints of their location.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The predominant mode of **transportation** in Athol is the private vehicle. Residents primarily rely on personal cars for commuting to healthcare appointments. Drive times are significantly impacted by the distance to healthcare facilities and the condition of the roadways. The primary routes used include NY-9, a major north-south artery, and NY-28, which runs east-west.

Accessing Glens Falls Hospital, the closest major hospital, involves a drive of approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Athol. This journey typically involves taking NY-9 south. The drive can be longer during peak hours or in inclement weather. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities in nearby towns like Lake Luzerne and Chestertown offer shorter drive times, typically ranging from 15-30 minutes, mainly via NY-9 and local roads.

Specialized medical services, such as those found in Albany or Saratoga Springs, necessitate significantly longer drive times. These trips can take up to 1.5-2 hours, primarily utilizing I-87 (the Northway) and other major highways. These extended travel times can pose a considerable burden, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, can further exacerbate these challenges.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Athol are limited. The Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) provides some service in the broader region, but its routes and schedules may not directly serve Athol or offer convenient access to healthcare facilities. The availability of GGFT routes and their frequency are crucial factors in determining the overall health score.

Information regarding ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility for GGFT routes and vehicles is essential. Ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit is a critical component of healthcare access. The absence of readily available, accessible public transit significantly diminishes the health score for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs areas. However, their availability in Athol is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments may not be reliable, as wait times and service availability can be unpredictable.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are a vital component of healthcare access. These services, provided by companies like MEDICAR or private ambulance services, offer specialized **transportation** for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. The availability, cost, and responsiveness of these services are crucial factors in the overall health score.

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

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 12810 is moderately impacted by the limitations in **transportation** options. The reliance on private vehicles, coupled with longer drive times to major healthcare facilities, presents a challenge. The limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate access.

The availability of medical **transportation** services offers a crucial lifeline for individuals with specific needs, but the cost and availability of these services must be considered. The overall health score is further influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within the community. The presence of local clinics and urgent care facilities can mitigate the impact of longer drive times to major hospitals.

**Moving to Athol and Healthcare Considerations:**

For individuals **moving to Athol**, healthcare access should be a significant consideration. The need for a personal vehicle is almost essential. Prospective residents should research the availability of healthcare providers in the area and familiarize themselves with the drive times to various facilities. Assessing the potential reliance on medical **transportation** services and their associated costs is also crucial.

Individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations should pay particular attention to the availability of accessible **transportation** options and the proximity of healthcare facilities. Researching the GGFT routes and their ADA compliance is essential. Understanding the limitations of ride-sharing services in the area is also vital.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations can be made. Expanding public transit options, including routes that directly serve Athol and provide convenient access to healthcare facilities, would be beneficial. Ensuring ADA compliance for all public transit vehicles and stops is paramount. Promoting the availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** options can also enhance healthcare access.

Encouraging the establishment of additional healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians and specialists, within the Athol community would significantly reduce drive times and improve access. Implementing programs that assist residents with the cost of medical **transportation** could also alleviate financial burdens.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 12810 reflects the challenges inherent in a rural community. While the reliance on private vehicles is a primary factor, the limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. The availability of medical **transportation** services provides a crucial lifeline for individuals with specific needs.

By considering the factors outlined in this analysis, residents and prospective newcomers can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Addressing the limitations in **transportation** options and promoting the availability of healthcare services within the community can significantly improve the overall health score and enhance the quality of life for all residents of Athol.