05036, Brookfield, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05036, Brookfield, Vermont is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.74 percent of residents in 05036 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gifford Medical Center with a distance of 9.15 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05036 (Brookfield, VT)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Brookfield, Vermont (ZIP Code 05036), necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis considers the multifaceted nature of transportation, a critical determinant of healthcare access. We'll examine drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, providing a comprehensive picture for current and prospective residents considering moving to Brookfield.

Brookfield, a rural community nestled in the heart of Vermont, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town's geographical isolation, coupled with limited public transportation, significantly impacts the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. Understanding these factors is paramount to evaluating the overall health score of the community.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Brookfield is by personal vehicle. The town’s location necessitates reliance on roadways for travel to medical appointments, pharmacies, and hospitals. The drive times to essential healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and the prevailing traffic conditions.

For primary care, residents typically travel to practices in nearby towns. A drive to Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, a major healthcare provider, involves navigating Route 12 and Route 66. This journey, depending on traffic and weather, can take approximately 15-25 minutes. The roads are generally well-maintained, but winter weather can significantly extend travel times, posing a risk to those with urgent medical needs.

Specialist care often requires longer journeys. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a regional referral center, is a significant destination for specialized medical services. The drive, primarily on Interstate 89 South, can range from 45 minutes to an hour, contingent upon traffic. This longer travel time underscores the importance of planning and preparedness for appointments.

Additional factors, such as the availability of reliable vehicles and the financial burden of fuel costs, further influence the accessibility of healthcare via personal transportation. Residents with limited resources may face greater challenges in reaching medical facilities, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Brookfield are extremely limited, presenting a considerable barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of robust public transit highlights the need for alternative solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

The primary public transit provider in the region is Stagecoach Transportation Services. While Stagecoach offers routes that serve some neighboring towns, direct routes to healthcare facilities from Brookfield are infrequent and may require multiple transfers. These transfers can significantly increase travel time and inconvenience, making public transit a less appealing option for many residents.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. Stagecoach strives to provide accessible services, including wheelchair-accessible buses. However, the limited frequency of routes and the potential for long travel times can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their availability in rural areas like Brookfield can be inconsistent. The limited presence of ride-sharing services may result in longer wait times and higher fares, making them a less reliable and affordable option for healthcare transportation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services, such as those provided by private ambulance companies or non-profit organizations, can provide door-to-door transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or other specific needs. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and they may not be accessible to all residents.

**Overall Health Score: A Complex Equation**

The overall health score for residents of Brookfield, Vermont, reflects a complex interplay of factors related to healthcare access. While the community boasts a strong sense of community and a commitment to well-being, the limitations in transportation significantly impact the ability of residents to obtain timely and appropriate medical care.

The reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access creates vulnerabilities, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, or lack access to a vehicle. The limited public transit options and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges.

The overall health score is therefore negatively impacted by these transportation constraints. While the availability of healthcare providers in the surrounding areas is generally good, the difficulty in reaching these providers reduces the overall health score.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Addressing the transportation challenges in Brookfield is crucial to improving the overall health score. Several strategies can be implemented to enhance healthcare access for all residents.

* **Expand Public Transit:** Increasing the frequency and reach of public transit routes, particularly those connecting Brookfield to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns, would significantly improve accessibility. Prioritizing routes that directly serve medical centers and doctor’s offices would be particularly beneficial.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:** Encouraging the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options through partnerships with local organizations and healthcare providers can help bridge the transportation gap.
* **Support Community-Based Transportation:** Supporting volunteer driver programs or establishing a community-based transportation service specifically for medical appointments can provide a valuable resource for residents who cannot drive or lack access to transportation.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Promoting telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments. This is particularly important for residents who face significant transportation barriers.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The overall health score in Brookfield, Vermont, is directly linked to the availability and accessibility of transportation. Addressing the transportation challenges is paramount to ensuring that all residents can access the healthcare services they need. By investing in public transit, promoting ride-sharing and medical transportation, and supporting community-based solutions, the community can improve healthcare access, enhance the well-being of its residents, and foster a healthier future. The goal is to ensure that moving to Brookfield comes with the assurance of accessible healthcare, regardless of individual transportation limitations. This requires a concerted effort from local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare landscape for all residents.