02874, Saunderstown, Rhode Island Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02874, Saunderstown, Rhode Island is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.01 percent of residents in 02874 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newport Hospital with a distance of 6.15 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Saunderstown, RI (ZIP Code 02874)

The quaint coastal village of Saunderstown, Rhode Island (ZIP Code 02874), offers a desirable lifestyle, drawing individuals and families seeking a tranquil environment. However, assessing overall health requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes access to essential services, particularly healthcare. This write-up delves into the complexities of **transportation** options available to residents of Saunderstown when seeking medical care, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on accessibility, efficiency, and available resources. This is crucial information for anyone **moving to Saunderstown**, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The "Overall Health Score" considers several factors: drive times to medical facilities, the availability and efficiency of public **transportation**, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the existence of specialized medical **transportation** options. Each element is weighted based on its impact on the ability of residents to reach healthcare providers promptly and safely. The score is not a definitive measure of health outcomes, but rather a reflection of the ease with which residents can access the care they need.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

Saunderstown's location, nestled between Narragansett Bay and the surrounding towns, significantly influences healthcare access. Drive times are a primary consideration. The primary thoroughfare, **Route 1 (Boston Post Road)**, serves as the main artery connecting Saunderstown to surrounding communities. This route provides relatively direct access to medical facilities in North Kingstown, East Greenwich, and even Providence.

However, **Route 1** can experience congestion, especially during peak commuting hours and summer weekends. This can extend drive times, potentially impacting access to urgent care or emergency services. For example, a trip to South County Hospital in Wakefield, a major regional medical center, typically takes around 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions via **Route 1** and **Route 138**. However, this could easily double during rush hour.

Access to hospitals in Providence, such as Rhode Island Hospital or Women & Infants Hospital, necessitates navigating **Route 4** and potentially **Interstate 95**, adding significant travel time, often exceeding 45 minutes or more. This extended travel time highlights the importance of considering the specific healthcare needs of individuals and the proximity of specialized services.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public **transportation** options in Saunderstown and the surrounding areas are limited, posing a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service, but its routes in this area are infrequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities.

RIPTA Route 64, the most relevant route, operates along **Route 1**, offering a connection to Wickford Junction train station and onward to Providence. However, the frequency of this route is limited, especially during evenings and weekends. This can make it difficult for residents to schedule appointments or access urgent care outside of typical business hours.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. RIPTA strives to provide accessible service, but the limited route frequency and potential for longer travel times can still present challenges. For individuals relying on public **transportation**, careful planning and consideration of appointment times are essential.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible **transportation** option for residents of Saunderstown. These services are generally available, though the availability and pricing can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day. While convenient, ride-sharing can be expensive, especially for longer trips to hospitals in Providence.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Companies like Care Ride and MedRide operate in the area. However, availability and cost can vary, and advance booking is often required. This option is particularly important for individuals who cannot drive themselves or do not have access to family or friends for assistance.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Saunderstown (ZIP Code 02874) is moderate. While the area benefits from proximity to several medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** create challenges.

The score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate, with potential for delays due to traffic congestion on **Route 1** and **Route 4**.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited, with infrequent bus service and potential accessibility challenges.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Available, but potentially expensive and subject to availability.
* **Medical Transportation:** Available, but requires planning and may have associated costs.

For individuals considering **moving to Saunderstown**, understanding these limitations is crucial. Residents should carefully assess their healthcare needs and consider the following:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** Evaluate the distance to primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services.
* **Transportation Options:** Determine the feasibility of relying on personal vehicles, public **transportation**, ride-sharing, or medical **transportation**.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that healthcare plans cover the costs of **transportation** to medical appointments, especially for those utilizing ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Develop a plan for accessing emergency medical care, including knowing the location of the nearest hospital and alternative **transportation** options.

The "Overall Health Score" serves as a starting point for assessing **healthcare access** in Saunderstown. By understanding the **transportation** landscape and considering individual needs, residents can proactively manage their healthcare and ensure they receive the care they require. As Saunderstown continues to grow, improvements in public **transportation** and the expansion of medical **transportation** services would significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve the well-being of its residents. The journey to better health requires careful planning and an understanding of the resources available, especially when navigating the complexities of commuting to healthcare.