05072, Strafford, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05072, Strafford, Vermont is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.63 percent of residents in 05072 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gifford Medical Center with a distance of 14.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Strafford, Vermont (ZIP Code 05072)

The idyllic town of Strafford, Vermont (ZIP code 05072), nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, offers a quintessential New England experience. However, its rural character presents unique challenges when considering overall health, particularly concerning transportation and healthcare access. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease of commuting to various healthcare facilities from Strafford, examining drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services. This information is vital for anyone contemplating moving to Strafford, enabling informed decisions about their well-being.

The "Overall Health Score" considers the geographical isolation of Strafford. Its remote location impacts healthcare access, demanding a comprehensive understanding of available transportation options. The score reflects the time, cost, and convenience associated with reaching medical professionals and facilities. A higher score indicates easier access, while a lower score signifies significant challenges.

**Drive Time and Road Conditions:**

Strafford's primary access points are state routes, namely Vermont Route 132 and Vermont Route 113. These roads, while scenic, are often winding and subject to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter. The drive to the nearest major healthcare hub, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is approximately 30 miles, translating to a drive time of around 45-60 minutes under ideal conditions.

The journey typically involves navigating Route 132 to Route 107, then connecting to Interstate 89 South. The drive on I-89 is generally smooth, but traffic congestion around White River Junction, especially during peak hours, can extend travel times. Alternatively, residents might take Route 113 East to Route 10, which leads to the same destination.

Other healthcare options, such as Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont, are closer, around 15-20 minutes via Route 132. However, this facility's scope is smaller than Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Accessing specialists or advanced medical procedures often necessitates the longer drive. The condition of these roads during winter presents a significant challenge, potentially delaying or even preventing access to crucial medical care.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options are limited in Strafford and the surrounding area. The Advance Transit (AT) system provides some service, but its routes and schedules are not designed for convenient healthcare access from Strafford. AT operates on a demand-response basis, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance, which can be inconvenient for urgent medical needs.

The AT system primarily serves the Upper Valley region, including Lebanon, Hanover, and White River Junction. While it offers some connections to healthcare facilities, the routes are indirect and the travel times are significantly longer than driving. Furthermore, accessibility features for those with disabilities are available on AT buses, but the limited frequency and route coverage make it less than ideal for healthcare transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a limited presence in Strafford. Availability is sporadic and often unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for urgent medical needs is, therefore, not advisable.

Medical transportation services offer a more reliable option. Several companies specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services typically require pre-booking and may involve higher costs than ride-sharing. However, they provide door-to-door service, ensuring safe and comfortable transport.

Some medical transportation providers serving the Strafford area include:

* **MedStar Ambulance Service:** Offers ambulance and non-emergency medical transport.
* **Gifford Medical Center Transportation:** Provides transportation for patients to and from appointments.
* **Valley Transportation Services:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.

These services are essential for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to personal transportation. However, their availability and cost should be factored into the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Calculation:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a subjective assessment based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average time to reach the nearest major healthcare facility (Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center).
* **Road Conditions:** The impact of seasonal weather on road accessibility.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, route coverage, and accessibility of public transportation.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** The availability and dependability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability, cost, and convenience of medical transportation services.

Given the challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access in Strafford, the "Overall Health Score" is moderately low. While medical transportation services offer a viable solution, the limited public transit, the long drive times to major medical centers, and the potential impact of weather on road conditions contribute to a lower score.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Several strategies could improve the "Overall Health Score" for Strafford residents:

* **Expanding Public Transportation:** Increasing the frequency and coverage of public transit routes, particularly to connect Strafford with major healthcare hubs.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Encouraging ride-sharing services to expand their presence in the area.
* **Supporting Medical Transportation Services:** Providing financial assistance or subsidies to make medical transportation more affordable.
* **Improving Road Maintenance:** Ensuring efficient snow removal and road maintenance during winter months.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Encouraging telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits.

**Conclusion:**

Strafford's rural setting presents unique challenges regarding transportation and healthcare access. While the town offers a peaceful and desirable lifestyle, potential residents must carefully consider these factors. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the complexities of commuting to healthcare facilities. Understanding the available options, from driving on Routes 132 and 113 to utilizing medical transportation services, is crucial for making informed decisions about moving to Strafford and ensuring access to quality healthcare. Investing in improved transportation infrastructure and expanding healthcare access is vital for enhancing the well-being of Strafford residents.