05344, Marlboro, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05344, Marlboro, Vermont is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 05344 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Brattleboro Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.60 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05344

This report provides an overall health score assessment for residents of ZIP Code 05344 (Marlboro, Vermont), focusing on the crucial element of healthcare access via various transportation modalities. The ability to reach medical facilities efficiently and reliably significantly impacts overall well-being, influencing everything from preventative care to emergency response. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services to paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare commute landscape.

The health score is determined by a weighted average of several factors. Drive times to primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency rooms carry the most weight, reflecting the immediacy of healthcare needs. Public transportation accessibility, including frequency, route coverage, and ADA compliance, is also considered. The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute to the score, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. Finally, the overall quality and availability of healthcare facilities within reasonable commuting distances factor into the final assessment.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Marlboro are Route 9, Route 100, and Interstate 91. These roadways are vital lifelines, but their performance varies significantly depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and seasonal traffic.

Reaching Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH), the closest full-service hospital, is a critical benchmark. During off-peak hours, a drive via Route 9 East can take approximately 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hour, especially on weekdays, this commute can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, particularly if there is an accident. Route 9, though scenic, is a two-lane highway that can become congested.

Specialist appointments often necessitate travel to larger medical centers in Keene, New Hampshire, or Springfield, Massachusetts. The drive to Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, utilizing Route 9 West and then the more direct Route 10, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Springfield, accessible via I-91 South, presents a longer journey, potentially taking 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a less practical option for routine care.

Emergency situations demand rapid response. While BMH is relatively close, the drive time factor is paramount. Every minute counts. The reliance on Route 9 and potential traffic bottlenecks can significantly impact emergency response times. The health score will reflect this vulnerability.

**Public Transportation Landscape:**

Public transportation options in Marlboro are limited, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary provider is the Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT), also known as The MOOver.

The MOOver offers several routes, but their frequency and coverage in Marlboro are restricted. Route 10, which serves Brattleboro, might be the most relevant for healthcare access. However, the schedule typically involves limited runs, often with service gaps, particularly on weekends. This constraint makes it difficult for appointments and other healthcare needs.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is a crucial consideration. The MOOver strives to provide accessible services, including wheelchair-accessible buses. However, the limited route frequency and potential for long wait times can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. The health score will reflect the limitations of public transportation for accessing healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Brattleboro area, but their presence in Marlboro is less consistent. Availability can vary depending on the time of day and demand. This uncertainty presents a challenge for residents relying on these services for scheduled appointments or urgent care needs.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during travel. However, they can be expensive, and their availability may require advance booking.

**Healthcare Facility Quality and Availability:**

The quality and availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable commuting distance are crucial. BMH in Brattleboro provides a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. Its proximity is a significant advantage for Marlboro residents.

Specialty care options, such as cardiology, oncology, and other specialized services, are more limited locally. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Keene or Springfield, increasing commute times and potentially creating barriers to care. The health score will factor in the availability of both primary and specialized care options.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and healthcare facility availability, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 05344 is moderate. While the proximity of BMH is a positive factor, the limitations in public transportation, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the potential for long drive times, especially during peak hours, diminish the score.

Several recommendations could improve healthcare access and enhance the health score. Investing in increased public transportation frequency and route coverage, particularly on weekends and evenings, would be beneficial. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also alleviate transportation challenges.

Further, promoting and expanding medical transport services, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all residents, is crucial. Improving traffic flow on Route 9 and addressing potential bottlenecks could reduce drive times and improve emergency response times.

Finally, attracting more specialist services to the Brattleboro area or facilitating telehealth options would reduce the need for long-distance travel for specialized care. These improvements would not only enhance healthcare access but also contribute to the overall well-being of those moving to Marlboro. The health score will continue to evolve as these measures are implemented, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access for all residents.