12978, Redford, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12978, Redford, New York is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.42 percent of residents in 12978 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Ctr with a distance of 17.49 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12978 (Redford, NY)

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount to overall well-being, especially when considering a move to a new area. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 12978 (Redford, NY), focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation, offering a comprehensive view of the available resources.

Redford, nestled in the Adirondack region, presents unique challenges and opportunities in terms of healthcare access. The area's rural nature influences the availability and accessibility of medical facilities. Therefore, this report examines the transportation landscape, providing insights into the practicality of reaching essential healthcare services.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation in Redford is undoubtedly personal vehicles. Assessing drive times to healthcare facilities is crucial. The closest major hospital is the University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, approximately 20 miles away. Driving to Malone typically involves navigating Route 374, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, particularly during peak hours. The drive usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Another important healthcare destination is the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh, roughly 35 miles from Redford. This journey requires traveling on Route 374, merging onto Route 22, and then onto the Northway (I-87). While the Northway provides a faster route, the overall drive time can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic congestion, especially around Plattsburgh.

Smaller clinics and physician offices are scattered throughout the region. Accessing these facilities, like the Adirondack Medical Home in Saranac Lake, requires driving on Routes 3 and 374. This drive is approximately 25 miles and takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. These travel times highlight the importance of reliable transportation for residents of Redford.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Redford are limited. The primary provider is Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT). CCPT offers demand-response service, which requires advance booking. This service is designed to serve individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those without access to other forms of transportation.

CCPT operates within Clinton County, but its routes may not directly serve Redford with frequent schedules. Residents needing to reach healthcare facilities outside of the immediate area must plan their trips carefully, considering the need for advance booking and potential wait times. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a crucial factor for individuals with mobility challenges.

The limitations of public transit underscore the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential challenges for those who cannot drive or do not own a car. This reliance necessitates careful consideration of transportation needs when evaluating healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the Plattsburgh area, but their availability in Redford is less consistent. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares due to the rural location. The reliability of ride-sharing services for urgent medical needs is, therefore, a factor.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Local providers may offer services to transport patients who cannot drive themselves. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities, those recovering from surgery, or those requiring specialized medical assistance during transport.

The availability and cost of medical transportation services vary. It's crucial for residents to research and identify the available options and understand their insurance coverage for these services. This is a vital consideration for ensuring consistent access to healthcare.

**Overall Health Score: Assessing the Landscape**

The "Overall Health Score" for Redford (ZIP Code 12978) reflects a mixed picture. The area's rural setting presents challenges in terms of healthcare access, primarily due to the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public transit.

Drive times to major hospitals in Malone and Plattsburgh are reasonable, but the distances require careful planning and consideration of traffic and weather conditions. Public transportation options are limited, with demand-response services requiring advance booking. Ride-sharing services may be less reliable in Redford compared to more urban areas. Medical transportation services offer a valuable alternative, but their availability and cost must be carefully considered.

**Recommendations for Moving to Redford**

For individuals considering a move to Redford, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is essential. Those reliant on public transit or ride-sharing should research the availability and reliability of these services. Individuals with mobility challenges should inquire about the availability of ADA-accessible transportation options.

Understanding the drive times to healthcare facilities and the potential impact of traffic and weather conditions is crucial. Researching and identifying medical transportation services and understanding insurance coverage for these services is also recommended.

**Conclusion**

Healthcare access in Redford presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the area offers access to essential healthcare services, the transportation landscape requires careful consideration. By understanding the drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure their overall well-being. This assessment provides a valuable framework for evaluating the "Overall Health Score" and making informed decisions about moving to Redford.