12980, Saint Regis Falls, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12980, Saint Regis Falls, New York is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.08 percent of residents in 12980 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 19.14 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12980 (Saint Regis Falls, NY)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Saint Regis Falls, New York (ZIP code 12980), requires a deep dive into the critical element of healthcare access. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of transportation options, encompassing drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. The ability to reach medical facilities efficiently and reliably is paramount to the well-being of any community. This analysis will provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing individuals seeking healthcare within and beyond the borders of Saint Regis Falls.

Saint Regis Falls, nestled in the Adirondack region, presents unique transportation challenges. The area's rural nature and limited infrastructure directly influence the ease with which residents can access healthcare. The primary mode of transportation is personal vehicles, with drive times significantly impacting healthcare access. The availability of alternative transportation options is considerably limited, further exacerbating these challenges. This write-up will explore these factors, providing an overall health score based on the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of 12980.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary roads serving Saint Regis Falls are State Route 458 and State Route 192. These routes connect the community to larger towns and cities where healthcare facilities are located. Drive times to essential healthcare providers are a crucial component of the overall health score. The nearest hospital, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, is approximately a 30-minute drive via State Route 458. This drive, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the harsh winters common in the Adirondacks.

Specialist medical services often necessitate longer journeys. For instance, accessing specialists in Plattsburgh, approximately a 90-minute drive via State Route 458 and Interstate 87 (the Adirondack Northway), presents a considerable time commitment. This extended travel time can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. The reliance on personal vehicles also poses challenges for those without access to a car, further impacting healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Saint Regis Falls are extremely limited. The Franklin County Public TransportationPublic Transportation system provides some bus services, but their routes and schedules are infrequent, especially to more specialized healthcare facilities. These buses are not always equipped with ADA-compliant features, making them inaccessible for some individuals with disabilities. The lack of robust public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The limited public transit options highlight the need for alternative transportation solutions. The current infrastructure makes it difficult for residents to seek timely medical attention. The lack of reliable public transit severely impacts the overall health score for residents of 12980.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally unavailable in the Saint Regis Falls area. This leaves residents with few options beyond personal vehicles or the limited public transit. Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are crucial for those with mobility limitations or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary.

Medicaid-approved NEMT providers may be available, but scheduling and availability can be a challenge. The cost of private medical transport can be prohibitive for many residents, further restricting their healthcare access. The absence of readily available ride-sharing and the complexities of medical transport significantly affect the overall health score.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Saint Regis Falls:**

The overall health score for Saint Regis Falls, NY (12980) is impacted by the limited transportation options. The dependence on personal vehicles and the scarcity of public transit and ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access. Individuals considering moving to Saint Regis Falls must consider these factors, particularly if they have pre-existing medical conditions or require frequent medical appointments.

While the community offers a tranquil environment, the challenges related to transportation and healthcare access need careful consideration. Prospective residents should thoroughly research the availability of healthcare services and the practicality of transportation options to ensure their medical needs can be met. The limited availability of transportation options significantly impacts the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for residents of Saint Regis Falls, NY (12980) is moderate. The primary factors influencing this score are the limited transportation options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the scarcity of public transit and ride-sharing services. Drive times to healthcare facilities are generally manageable, but they can be significantly impacted by weather conditions.

The absence of robust public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Medical transport services are available but can be costly and may require advance scheduling. The overall health score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare, particularly for those with mobility limitations or limited financial resources.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the overall health score for Saint Regis Falls, several interventions are recommended. Expanding public transit routes and schedules, particularly to healthcare facilities in Malone and Plattsburgh, would significantly improve healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services or local transportation providers could also enhance accessibility.

Investing in ADA-compliant transportation options and increasing the availability of affordable medical transport services would benefit residents with disabilities or those with limited mobility. Community initiatives to promote carpooling or shared transportation could also provide valuable solutions. These improvements would enhance healthcare access and contribute to a healthier community for residents of 12980.

The overall health score for Saint Regis Falls reflects the interplay between transportation infrastructure and healthcare access. Improving transportation options is essential to ensure that all residents can access the medical care they need. This is a critical factor for those considering moving to Saint Regis Falls. The community's well-being hinges on addressing these transportation challenges.