14537, Port Gibson, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14537, Port Gibson, New York is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.24 percent of residents in 14537 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 3.37 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Port Gibson, NY (ZIP Code 14537)

Navigating the intricate web of healthcare access in Port Gibson, New York, requires a nuanced understanding of the local transportation landscape. This analysis, culminating in an Overall Health Score, considers the availability and efficiency of various modes of transportation to medical facilities, crucial for residents seeking timely and comprehensive care. The score will reflect the challenges and opportunities inherent in accessing healthcare within and beyond the 14537 ZIP code, a vital consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Port Gibson.

The primary artery for vehicular travel in and out of Port Gibson is New York State Route 31, a two-lane road that winds its way east and west, connecting the village to larger towns and cities. Traveling east on Route 31 provides access to Newark, a town with a hospital and various medical practices, while heading west leads to Palmyra and eventually Rochester, a major healthcare hub. The drive to Newark, approximately 10 miles, usually takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Palmyra, roughly 15 miles west, offers a similar drive time.

However, the journey to Rochester, a significant destination for specialized medical care, presents a more considerable challenge. The most direct route involves taking Route 31 west to Interstate 490 (I-490), a major east-west highway. The drive to Rochester, about 30-40 miles, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, or longer during peak traffic hours. This extended travel time, coupled with potential traffic congestion, can significantly impact healthcare access, especially for those with urgent medical needs.

Beyond Route 31, other roads contribute to the local transportation network. County Route 30, running north and south, offers an alternative route, albeit a slower one, to neighboring communities. Local roads, such as Canandaigua Street and Main Street, provide access within the village, but their utility for accessing healthcare outside of Port Gibson is limited. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can further complicate travel, potentially delaying or even preventing access to care.

Public transportation options in Port Gibson are notably limited. The region, primarily rural, lacks a robust public transit system. There are no regularly scheduled bus routes that directly serve the village. This absence of public transportation presents a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. Dependence on others for transportation becomes a necessity, potentially delaying or limiting access to essential medical services.

The absence of a reliable public transit system underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rochester area and may be accessible in Port Gibson, though their availability and cost can fluctuate. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments. Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. These services, often operated by private companies, offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel, but their availability and cost also vary.

For individuals with disabilities, the lack of accessible public transportation is particularly concerning. The absence of accessible bus routes and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services can severely restrict healthcare access. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant transportation options are critical for ensuring that all residents can access necessary medical care. The availability of accessible medical transportation services becomes paramount in these circumstances.

The geographical isolation of Port Gibson, coupled with the limited transportation options, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the distance to major medical centers, and the absence of robust public transit all contribute to potential delays and difficulties in accessing care. These factors are crucial considerations for individuals contemplating moving to Port Gibson, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or those who value convenient access to healthcare.

The Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 14537 will reflect these factors. The score will consider drive times to various medical facilities, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation options. It will also account for the road conditions and potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and inclement weather.

The score will be weighted to emphasize the importance of timely access to care, particularly for urgent medical needs. The score will also consider the financial burden associated with transportation costs, recognizing that these costs can disproportionately affect low-income residents.

The Overall Health Score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare access landscape in Port Gibson, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities. It will serve as a valuable tool for residents, prospective movers, and healthcare providers, informing decisions and promoting efforts to improve healthcare access in the community. It is important to consider all these factors when moving to Port Gibson.

The final Overall Health Score will be determined by a complex algorithm that considers all the factors mentioned above. The score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better healthcare access. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the key factors that influenced the score. This transparency will allow for a clear understanding of the healthcare access challenges and opportunities in Port Gibson.