02861, Pawtucket, Rhode Island Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02861, Pawtucket, Rhode Island is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.00 percent of residents in 02861 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The Miriam Hospital with a distance of 3.40 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02861 (Pawtucket, RI)

This assessment provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare access for residents of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, specifically within the 02861 ZIP code. It examines the landscape of transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and their impact on the ability to reach essential medical services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking healthcare in this area, especially for those considering moving to Pawtucket.

The overall health score considers factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and the accessibility of medical transportation services. Each category contributes to a holistic understanding of how easily residents can access the care they need, impacting their overall health and well-being. This analysis is crucial for understanding the realities of healthcare access within the 02861 ZIP code.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary arteries facilitating transportation within and around Pawtucket are the major highways and local roads. Interstate 95 (I-95) serves as the primary north-south thoroughfare, offering relatively quick access to healthcare facilities in Providence and other surrounding areas. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly increase travel times, impacting healthcare access for those with appointments or experiencing medical emergencies.

Route 1A, a major local road, provides alternative routes for accessing healthcare facilities within Pawtucket and neighboring communities. However, this road is often subject to heavy traffic, adding to the overall commute time. Local roads such as Newport Avenue, Main Street, and East Avenue offer further connectivity, but they are often narrow and congested, making travel by car potentially stressful and time-consuming.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the location within the 02861 ZIP code and the destination. For instance, driving to the closest hospital, Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Reaching the major hospitals in Providence, such as Rhode Island Hospital or Women & Infants Hospital, can take between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic patterns and the specific location within Pawtucket. The variability in drive times underscores the importance of considering traffic when planning medical appointments.

**Public Transportation and Accessibility:**

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides public transportation services within Pawtucket and the surrounding areas. Several bus routes serve the 02861 ZIP code, including routes 1, 28, 32, 33, and 78, offering connections to healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and other essential destinations. However, the frequency of these bus routes varies, and some areas within the ZIP code may have limited access to public transportation.

The accessibility of public transportation is a critical factor in healthcare access. RIPTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. This is a crucial element for ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents. However, the reliability of public transportation can be impacted by weather conditions, traffic delays, and other unforeseen circumstances, potentially affecting timely access to medical appointments.

The availability of public transportation is a significant factor for those who may not have access to a personal vehicle. For residents considering moving to Pawtucket, understanding the public transportation infrastructure is crucial for planning their healthcare needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the 02861 ZIP code, providing an alternative transportation option for accessing healthcare facilities. These services offer on-demand transportation, potentially reducing travel times compared to public transportation, particularly for those who live in areas with limited bus service. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as Care Ride and MedRide, are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those who require assistance with mobility. They provide a crucial service for those who cannot drive themselves or rely on public transportation. The availability and cost of medical transportation services are essential considerations for ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in the 02861 ZIP code reflects a mixed picture. While the presence of major highways and local roads provides a network for transportation, traffic congestion can significantly impact drive times. Public transportation offers an alternative, but its frequency and reliability can be inconsistent. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide additional options, but their cost and availability may pose challenges for some residents.

For those considering moving to Pawtucket, careful consideration of these transportation factors is essential. Prospective residents should assess their individual needs and preferences, considering their access to a personal vehicle, their ability to use public transportation, and their financial resources for ride-sharing or medical transportation.

To improve healthcare access in the 02861 ZIP code, several recommendations can be made. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, including increasing bus frequency and expanding service to underserved areas, would significantly improve healthcare access for residents. Promoting ride-sharing programs and subsidizing medical transportation services for low-income individuals would help to reduce financial barriers to healthcare.

Furthermore, improving traffic management on major roads and highways would reduce drive times and make healthcare facilities more accessible. Encouraging the development of healthcare facilities within the 02861 ZIP code would also reduce travel distances and improve healthcare access for local residents.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, the overall health score for healthcare access in the 02861 ZIP code can be improved, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the medical care they need. The importance of understanding the transportation landscape cannot be overstated when considering the overall health and well-being of the community.