14513, Newark, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14513, Newark, New York is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.33 percent of residents in 14513 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 0.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14513 (Newark, NY)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Newark, NY (ZIP code 14513) requires a comprehensive look at their ability to access healthcare. A critical component of this access is transportation, and the ease or difficulty of navigating the roads, public transit, and alternative options directly impacts a resident's health outcomes. This analysis delves into the specific transportation landscape, evaluating drive times, public transit availability, and other relevant services, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access in this community. Considering the factors impacting a potential move to Newark, this score provides crucial insight.

The primary challenge for healthcare access in Newark lies in its relative isolation. While the town offers essential services, specialized care often necessitates travel to larger regional centers. This geographic reality significantly influences the transportation options available and, consequently, the overall health score. The score will reflect the degree to which residents can readily reach the necessary medical attention.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The backbone of transportation in Newark is the road network. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare. The primary thoroughfare is **NY-88**, which runs east-west, connecting Newark to neighboring towns and cities. Traveling east on NY-88 provides access to healthcare facilities in Lyons, NY, approximately a 15-minute drive. This relatively short commute is a positive factor in the overall health score.

However, the drive to larger healthcare hubs, such as Rochester, NY, significantly increases travel time. The most direct route involves taking **NY-14** north to **I-490** west. This journey can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. The time commitment is a significant barrier, especially for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. This longer commute negatively impacts the overall health score.

Southward travel on **NY-14** connects to Watkins Glen and the Southern Tier. While less directly related to Newark's immediate healthcare needs, this route provides access to additional medical resources and is a consideration for residents seeking specialized care. The time to these locations is a factor in the score.

The condition of the roads is also a factor. Well-maintained roadways improve travel times and reduce the risk of accidents, contributing positively to the health score. Conversely, potholes, inadequate lighting, and congestion can hinder access and negatively impact the score.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options in Newark are limited, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The **Wayne Area Transportation System (WATS)** provides some bus services within the county. However, the frequency and coverage of these routes, particularly those connecting to healthcare facilities, are limited.

For residents with disabilities, the availability of accessible public transit is crucial. The **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)** mandates accessibility features on public transportation. Evaluating the availability of wheelchair lifts, ramps, and audio-visual announcements on WATS buses is a key factor in assessing the health score. The score is negatively impacted if ADA-compliant services are insufficient.

The lack of robust public transit options places a greater burden on individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. This highlights the need for alternative transportation solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access. The public transit component of the score will reflect the limitations and potential for improvement in this area.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, but their availability and affordability in Newark are critical. The presence of these services can improve healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for low-income individuals, and the availability may be limited during certain hours or in certain areas. The score will reflect the practicality of these services.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, play a vital role in healthcare access. Several companies specialize in this service, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Assessing the availability, cost, and reliability of these services in Newark is crucial. The score will consider the presence of reputable NEMT providers and their ability to meet the needs of the community.

The presence of specialized medical transportation options, like ambulances, is also a factor, although primarily relevant in emergency situations. The ability to quickly transport patients to emergency care facilities is a critical component of the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Newark:**

Based on the above analysis, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 14513 is moderate. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Positive:** Relatively short drive times to healthcare facilities in Lyons.
* **Negative:** Longer drive times to Rochester and other regional centers. Limited public transit options. The potential limitations of ride-sharing services.
* **Neutral:** The availability of medical transportation services.

For individuals considering moving to Newark, this health score provides valuable information. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully consider the challenges of accessing healthcare. Individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments should factor in the travel times and potential costs associated with transportation.

The score can be improved by:

* Enhancing public transit services, including increased frequency, expanded routes, and improved ADA accessibility.
* Promoting ride-sharing services and exploring subsidies to make them more affordable.
* Supporting the expansion of medical transportation services.
* Advocating for better road maintenance to improve travel times and safety.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that all residents of Newark have equitable access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their transportation limitations. This requires a multi-faceted approach, involving improvements to infrastructure, increased public transit options, and readily available alternative transportation services. The overall health score reflects the current state and highlights the areas where improvement is needed to create a healthier community.