12958, Mooers, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12958, Mooers, New York is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.98 percent of residents in 12958 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 35.65 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Mooers, NY (ZIP Code 12958)

This assessment evaluates the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of Mooers, New York (ZIP Code 12958), considering various transportation options. It aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease with which individuals can reach necessary medical care. This score will incorporate drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access in this rural community. The goal is to inform potential residents about the realities of moving to Mooers.

Mooers, nestled in Clinton County, presents a unique challenge to healthcare access due to its rural nature and limited public transportation infrastructure. The primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Therefore, the condition of the roads and the distance to healthcare facilities are crucial factors. The “Overall Health Score” will reflect these realities.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

The most direct route to healthcare for Mooers residents typically involves driving. The primary thoroughfare is **New York State Route 11**, which runs north-south through the town. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience seasonal variations in driving conditions, particularly during winter months. Snow and ice can significantly impact travel times and safety.

The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Plattsburgh, approximately 20 miles south. This drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. To reach Plattsburgh, residents would primarily utilize **Route 11** and then connect to **Interstate 87 (The Northway)**. The Northway is generally well-maintained, but potential delays can occur during peak travel times or due to accidents.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel further. The drive to Burlington, Vermont, which offers a wider range of medical services, is approximately 70 miles and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and border crossing wait times. This journey involves traveling south on **Route 11**, then east on **Route 191**, and finally crossing the border into Vermont. Road conditions on these routes are generally good, but border crossing delays can be unpredictable.

The "Overall Health Score" will consider the reliability of these drive times, factoring in potential delays due to weather, traffic, and road conditions.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Mooers are extremely limited. Clinton County Public Transportation (CCPT) provides some service, but its routes and schedules are infrequent and may not directly serve the needs of healthcare access. CCPT operates a demand-response service, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance. This can be a significant barrier for those needing immediate or unscheduled medical attention.

The availability of public transit for healthcare access in Mooers is a significant weakness, directly impacting the "Overall Health Score." The lack of frequent, readily available public transportation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles or alternative arrangements.

The CCPT service does not offer specific ADA-accessible routes, but they do offer accessible vehicles. This is something potential residents should consider when moving to Mooers.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have limited presence in rural areas like Mooers. Availability is sporadic, and wait times can be significant, making them unreliable for urgent medical needs. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the limited utility of ride-sharing services in this context.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. Ambulance services are provided by local volunteer fire departments and are available for emergencies. NEMT services, which transport individuals to and from medical appointments, may be offered by private companies. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary.

Potential residents should be aware of the limitations of ride-sharing and the potential costs associated with medical transportation services. The "Overall Health Score" will account for the financial and logistical burdens associated with relying on these options.

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

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Mooers, NY (ZIP Code 12958) will be influenced by several key factors. Drive times to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, the unreliable nature of ride-sharing services, and the availability and cost of medical transportation will all contribute to the final score.

The score will reflect the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare, particularly those without personal vehicles or with limited mobility. The score will also consider the impact of seasonal weather conditions on travel times and safety. The final score will serve as a valuable tool for potential residents to understand the realities of healthcare access when moving to Mooers.

This assessment highlights the importance of careful consideration for those moving to Mooers. While the community may offer a peaceful rural lifestyle, access to healthcare requires careful planning and reliance on personal transportation. The "Overall Health Score" will provide a clear picture of the transportation challenges and the importance of healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" will be a composite measure, taking into account the following:

* **Drive Time Reliability:** The average drive time to Plattsburgh (30-40 minutes) and Burlington (1 hour 30 minutes) will be assessed, accounting for potential delays due to weather and traffic.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The limited frequency and coverage of CCPT services will be factored in, reflecting the challenges of relying on public transportation.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** The sporadic availability and potential wait times of ride-sharing services will be considered.
* **Medical Transportation Costs:** The cost and availability of NEMT services will be evaluated, recognizing the financial burden they may impose.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-accessible transportation options.

The "Overall Health Score" will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better healthcare access. This score will be a valuable resource for anyone considering moving to Mooers, providing a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in this rural community. It is important to be prepared for the transportation challenges when moving to Mooers.