12916, Brushton, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12916, Brushton, New York is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.45 percent of residents in 12916 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 10.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Brushton, NY (ZIP Code 12916)

The picturesque town of Brushton, New York, nestled within the embrace of Franklin County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, the serene beauty of the Adirondack foothills also presents unique challenges when considering **healthcare access**. This comprehensive analysis assesses the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 12916, focusing on the critical element of **transportation** to medical facilities. Understanding the intricacies of getting to and from healthcare is paramount for anyone **moving to Brushton**, ensuring they can maintain optimal health and well-being.

The overall health score is determined by evaluating the accessibility of healthcare services, considering factors such as travel time, mode of transportation, and availability of specialized medical care. This assessment considers the geographic realities of the area, including its rural character and the distances to larger medical centers.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

For many Brushton residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments. The primary route to larger medical facilities involves navigating the network of roads that crisscross the region. The most direct route to the nearest significant healthcare provider, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, typically involves traveling along **New York State Route 11** (NY-11). The drive is approximately 15 miles and takes around 20-25 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

The journey can also involve utilizing **County Route 27**, which offers an alternative path to Malone, often used by those residing in the southern parts of the ZIP code. The drive time along County Route 27 is comparable to NY-11, but it can be subject to seasonal variations due to weather conditions.

Further afield, residents may need to travel to Plattsburgh, a larger city with a more comprehensive range of medical services. This journey would typically involve taking NY-11 north to US Route 11, and then onto Interstate 87 (I-87), also known as the Adirondack Northway. The drive to Plattsburgh, approximately 60 miles, can take between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact drive times and safety. Snow and ice can make travel challenging, potentially delaying or even preventing access to healthcare. Residents should be prepared for these seasonal challenges and ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter driving.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Brushton are limited. Franklin County operates a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are infrequent and primarily serve the more populated areas of the county. The system's coverage within ZIP code 12916 is minimal, offering limited accessibility to healthcare facilities.

The primary public transit route serving the region is the **Franklin County Public Transportation System**, which provides demand-response service. This means that residents must schedule their rides in advance. The service is available to all residents, but the limited hours of operation and the need for advance booking can pose challenges for accessing healthcare, especially for urgent or unscheduled appointments.

The accessibility of public transportation for individuals with disabilities is an important consideration. The Franklin County Public Transportation System is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that the system should have accessible vehicles and provide services to individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency of service and the requirement for advance booking may still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

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

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Brushton is extremely limited. These services are typically more prevalent in urban areas and may not be readily available in this rural setting. This lack of readily available ride-sharing options further compounds the challenges of accessing healthcare for those without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services, are available in Brushton. These services are typically used for emergency situations and for transporting patients between healthcare facilities. However, the use of medical transport services can be costly and may not be the most practical option for routine appointments.

**Specialized Healthcare Considerations:**

The availability of specialized healthcare services within Brushton is limited. Residents may need to travel to larger medical centers in Malone or Plattsburgh to access specialists such as cardiologists, oncologists, or neurologists. This necessitates longer travel times and can create additional barriers to care.

The availability of mental health services is also a crucial consideration. Access to mental health professionals can be a challenge in rural areas, and residents may need to travel significant distances to receive these services. Telehealth services can provide an alternative means of accessing mental health care, but the availability of reliable internet access is essential for these services.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The overall health score for Brushton residents, specifically those in ZIP code 12916, is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. While the drive to Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone is relatively short, the lack of public transportation and limited ride-sharing options pose significant barriers for those without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. The need to travel to Plattsburgh for specialized care further increases travel times and can create additional challenges.

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations can be considered. Expanding the frequency and coverage of the Franklin County Public Transportation System could significantly improve access to healthcare. Encouraging the use of telehealth services, particularly for mental health and specialist consultations, can reduce the need for travel. Promoting community-based transportation programs, such as volunteer driver programs, could also help to bridge the transportation gap.

Furthermore, attracting more healthcare providers to the Brushton area, including specialists, would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care. Supporting initiatives that improve internet access would also be essential for expanding telehealth services.

In conclusion, while Brushton offers a peaceful and beautiful environment, the challenges of **transportation** to **healthcare** must be carefully considered by anyone **moving to Brushton**. Addressing these transportation barriers is crucial to ensuring that all residents have equal **healthcare access** and can maintain their health and well-being. The implementation of the recommendations outlined above would significantly enhance the overall health score for the community.