05351, South Newfane, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05351, South Newfane, Vermont is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.66 percent of residents in 05351 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grace Cottage Hospital with a distance of 8.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05351

Nestled in the verdant embrace of southern Vermont, the ZIP code 05351, encompassing the charming town of South Newfane, offers a lifestyle deeply rooted in nature and community. However, assessing the overall health score necessitates a critical examination of healthcare access, a factor intricately linked to the available transportation options. For those considering moving to South Newfane, understanding the complexities of navigating to medical facilities is paramount. This write-up delves into the commute to healthcare, analyzing drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, ultimately painting a picture of the accessibility landscape.

The primary artery connecting South Newfane to the broader region is **Vermont Route 30**, a scenic but winding road. Driving to the nearest hospitals and medical centers typically involves navigating this route, which can be impacted by seasonal weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. The distance to these facilities, combined with the potential for delays, directly influences the overall health score.

**Brattleboro Memorial Hospital**, located in Brattleboro, is a significant healthcare hub for the area. The drive from South Newfane to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, primarily via Route 30, is approximately 15 to 20 minutes under normal driving conditions. However, during peak traffic hours or adverse weather, this commute can easily extend. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the health score, indicating reasonable accessibility to acute care services.

For specialized care or access to a wider range of medical professionals, residents may need to travel further. **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center** in Lebanon, New Hampshire, offers comprehensive services. The drive to Dartmouth Hitchcock, primarily using Route 30 to Interstate 91 (I-91) north, is a longer journey, typically taking around one hour and 15 minutes. This longer travel time, while providing access to extensive medical expertise, negatively impacts the health score, particularly for those requiring frequent specialist appointments or emergency care.

Public transportation options in South Newfane are limited, posing a challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. **The Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT)**, also known as "The MOOver," provides bus service in the region. While The MOOver does not directly serve South Newfane, it offers routes that pass through Brattleboro, the closest town with significant healthcare facilities.

The **Route 11** bus, for example, travels between Brattleboro and Wilmington, passing through South Newfane. However, this route operates on a limited schedule, with fewer trips on weekends and evenings. Furthermore, the frequency and the potential for transfers can significantly increase travel time to medical appointments. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transportation system. SEVT strives to provide accessible services, but the limited route options and infrequent schedules can still create barriers to healthcare access. The lack of robust public transit options, therefore, negatively impacts the overall health score for residents reliant on this mode of transportation.

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available in the Brattleboro area, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services in South Newfane is less reliable. Ride-share drivers may be scarce, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This uncertainty can create anxiety for those needing to schedule medical appointments, and the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden for some. The variable availability and potential expense of ride-sharing services contribute a moderate negative impact to the overall health score.

Medical transport services are available for individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. **American Medical Response (AMR)** and other private ambulance companies provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services are typically reserved for individuals with specific medical needs, such as those who are unable to drive or use public transportation due to physical limitations. While these services offer a valuable lifeline for some, they are often costly and require prior arrangements, making them less accessible for spontaneous or urgent medical needs. The reliance on specialized medical transport services, while providing a critical function, also contributes to a lower overall health score due to the associated logistical and financial constraints.

The overall health score for commute to healthcare in 05351 is moderate. The proximity to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, with its relatively short drive time, offers a positive aspect. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the potential need for specialized medical transport services all create challenges.

For those considering moving to South Newfane, it is essential to carefully assess their individual healthcare needs and their ability to navigate the transportation landscape. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those who require frequent medical appointments may find the commute to healthcare more challenging. The overall health score reflects the balance between accessible and limited options, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and consideration for healthcare access in this charming Vermont community.