14489, Lyons, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14489, Lyons, New York is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.04 percent of residents in 14489 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 5.46 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Lyons, NY (ZIP Code 14489)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape of Lyons, New York (ZIP Code 14489), assessing its impact on healthcare access and providing an overall health score for residents. Understanding the challenges and opportunities within this area is crucial for anyone considering moving to Lyons or for current residents seeking to optimize their health outcomes. This report examines the primary modes of transportation available, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, to determine the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities.

The foundation of healthcare access in Lyons lies in its road network. The primary thoroughfare is New York State Route 14, which runs north-south, connecting Lyons to neighboring towns and cities. Route 14 provides a direct route to Newark, approximately 10 miles south, where the Newark-Wayne Community Hospital offers a range of medical services. Heading north on Route 14 leads to the city of Geneva, roughly 20 miles away, offering a broader spectrum of specialized healthcare providers. The presence of Route 14 is a significant advantage, allowing for relatively quick access to essential medical facilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for this transportation presents challenges for those without access to a car.

Supporting Route 14 is New York State Route 31, which runs east-west, offering another route for accessing healthcare. Route 31 connects Lyons to the larger city of Rochester, approximately 40 miles to the west. While this provides access to a wider array of specialists and hospitals, the longer travel distance significantly increases the commute time, particularly during peak hours. This extended commute can be a barrier to accessing timely medical care, especially for urgent situations or those requiring frequent appointments. The roads are generally well-maintained, but winter weather conditions can create hazardous driving conditions, further complicating healthcare access.

Public transportation options in Lyons are limited. The Wayne County Public Transportation system operates a fixed-route service, but the coverage within Lyons and the surrounding areas is sparse. The routes are infrequent, and the schedules may not align with the operating hours of healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. The lack of robust public transportation options is a major disadvantage for residents who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle, severely limiting their ability to reach healthcare providers.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lyons area, but their presence is inconsistent. Availability is often dependent on the time of day and the demand for services. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for low-income individuals or those requiring frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a potential alternative to driving or public transportation, its reliability and affordability are significant concerns. These services are not always readily available, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services are available in Lyons, primarily through specialized providers. These services cater to individuals with specific medical needs, such as those requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles or assistance with mobility. However, these services often require prior arrangements and can be costly. The availability of medical transportation is a crucial component of healthcare access, especially for those with disabilities or chronic conditions. The efficiency and responsiveness of these services directly impact the ability of vulnerable populations to receive timely medical care.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Lyons, NY (14489) is moderate. While the presence of major roadways like Route 14 and Route 31 facilitates access to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns and cities, the reliance on personal vehicles presents a significant challenge for those without access to a car. The limited public transportation options, inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the cost of medical transportation further exacerbate these challenges.

The drive-time analysis reveals that residents can access Newark-Wayne Community Hospital within approximately 20 minutes via Route 14. Reaching Geneva requires a drive of about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The commute to Rochester, via Route 31, can take up to an hour, or longer during peak hours. These drive times highlight the importance of considering the distance and travel time when assessing healthcare access. The further the distance, the greater the potential for delays and increased stress, which can negatively impact health outcomes.

For individuals considering moving to Lyons, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the limitations of the existing services. The availability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transportation should also be factored into the decision-making process.

In conclusion, while Lyons offers access to healthcare facilities through its road network, the limitations in public transportation, ride-sharing availability, and the cost of medical transport create barriers to healthcare access for certain segments of the population. Improving public transportation, increasing the reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of accessible medical transportation are crucial steps towards enhancing the overall health score for residents of Lyons, NY (14489). Addressing these challenges is vital for creating a healthier and more equitable community for all.