02826, Glendale, Rhode Island Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02826, Glendale, Rhode Island is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.81 percent of residents in 02826 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newport Hospital with a distance of 37.56 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Glendale, RI (ZIP Code 02826)

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Glendale, Rhode Island (ZIP Code 02826), requires a comprehensive assessment of their access to healthcare. This includes a detailed examination of transportation options, considering drive times, public transit availability, and alternative methods like ride-sharing and medical transport services. The ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities significantly impacts preventative care, timely treatment, and overall well-being. This analysis will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for those living in or considering moving to Glendale.

The primary mode of transportation for residents in Glendale is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The town's location, nestled within the northwestern corner of Rhode Island, dictates that the majority of healthcare destinations necessitate driving. The major arteries influencing travel times are **Route 102** (Providence Pike) and **Route 44** (Putnam Pike). These roads, while providing crucial links, can experience congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. This factor can significantly impact drive times to hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices.

For instance, reaching Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, a primary healthcare provider for many Glendale residents, typically involves traveling south on Route 102 or east on Route 44. The drive time, under ideal conditions, can range from 15 to 25 minutes. However, traffic, particularly during rush hour, can easily extend this commute, potentially delaying urgent medical attention. Similarly, access to facilities in Providence, such as Rhode Island Hospital or Women & Infants Hospital, requires navigating a more complex network of highways, including **Route 146**, adding considerable travel time, often exceeding 30 minutes, and sometimes reaching an hour depending on traffic.

Public transportation, while present, offers limited options for Glendale residents. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service, but its coverage in this area is sparse. The primary routes serving the region are the **66** (Woonsocket/Providence) and the **67** (Lincoln/Woonsocket). These routes offer connections to Providence, but the frequency is limited, and the travel time is significantly longer than driving. Furthermore, the accessibility of these routes to healthcare facilities varies. While some routes might pass near hospitals, the need for transfers and the overall travel time can deter individuals from utilizing public transit, especially for those with mobility limitations or urgent medical needs.

RIPTA buses are mandated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring accessibility features such as ramps or lifts. However, the limited route coverage and the potential for extended travel times can still pose challenges for individuals with disabilities or those requiring specialized medical equipment. This underscores the importance of considering the availability of accessible transportation options when evaluating healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation method. However, the availability of these services in Glendale can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. The financial burden of transportation can become a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income residents or those with chronic conditions requiring regular medical attention.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical assistance, offer a crucial lifeline. Companies like Medstar Ambulance and American Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services can transport patients to and from medical appointments, but they often require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of these services and their associated costs are crucial considerations when assessing healthcare access for vulnerable populations in Glendale.

The healthcare landscape in Glendale also encompasses the availability of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics. These facilities provide convenient options for addressing immediate medical needs, reducing the need for lengthy commutes to hospitals or specialist offices. The presence of these facilities within a reasonable distance can improve the overall health score by providing timely access to care.

The availability of primary care physicians and specialists within the community also plays a vital role. A sufficient number of healthcare providers reduces the need for long-distance travel to access necessary medical services. The presence of a diverse range of specialists, such as cardiologists, dermatologists, and neurologists, ensures that residents can receive comprehensive care without having to travel extensively.

When considering moving to Glendale, prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the accessibility of healthcare facilities. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential for traffic delays, and the availability of alternative transportation options is crucial. Assessing the proximity of healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and specialists, is also essential.

The overall health score for Glendale residents is therefore influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While the town's location offers a degree of rural tranquility, the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation and the limitations of public transit pose challenges to healthcare access. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, while offering alternatives, comes with associated costs and potential limitations. The presence of local healthcare providers and urgent care facilities can mitigate some of these challenges.

Ultimately, the overall health score for Glendale reflects a balance between the benefits of a quieter lifestyle and the challenges of accessing healthcare. Prospective residents should carefully weigh these factors when making decisions about their healthcare needs and their overall well-being. A thorough understanding of the transportation landscape and the availability of healthcare resources is paramount for those seeking to establish residency in this charming Rhode Island community.