05440, Alburgh, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05440, Alburgh, Vermont is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.74 percent of residents in 05440 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwestern Medical Center Inc with a distance of 13.85 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05440 (Alburgh, Vermont)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Alburgh, Vermont (ZIP Code 05440) requires a multifaceted examination of healthcare access, heavily influenced by transportation options. Alburgh, a picturesque island town in Lake Champlain, presents unique challenges in this regard. Its relative isolation and rural setting necessitate a careful evaluation of commute times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, all impacting the community’s well-being.

The primary hurdle for Alburgh residents is geographical. The town is connected to the mainland via the Alburgh Passage Bridge, a critical artery for all forms of transportation. Access to specialized medical care, particularly, necessitates travel to larger towns and cities, primarily Burlington, Vermont, or Plattsburgh, New York. This immediately introduces a time burden.

Driving is the most common method of transportation. The primary route to Burlington, the region's healthcare hub, involves traversing **Vermont Route 78** east to **Interstate 89**. This journey, under ideal conditions, takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, covering roughly 45 miles. However, this drive is subject to delays due to traffic, especially during peak hours, or adverse weather conditions, which are common in Vermont. Snow and ice can significantly extend travel times, making healthcare access more precarious during winter months.

Alternatively, residents may choose to head north towards Plattsburgh, New York, utilizing **Vermont Route 2** and crossing the border. This route is slightly shorter in distance but can also be affected by border crossing wait times. Plattsburgh offers certain medical services, but the range and specialization of care are limited compared to Burlington.

Public transportation options in Alburgh are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) system, the primary public transit provider in the Burlington area, does not directly serve Alburgh. The closest GMT route, the **Route 111 (Essex Junction/St. Albans)**, requires a drive to St. Albans, approximately 30 minutes away, and then a transfer to access the Burlington area. This multi-step process significantly increases travel time and adds to the complexity of healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those who rely on public transit.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the GMT routes, while generally compliant, may still present challenges for some individuals. It is crucial to assess the availability of accessible vehicles and the ease of boarding and disembarking at various stops. The lack of direct public transit further exacerbates the challenges for those without personal vehicles, potentially limiting their ability to seek timely medical attention.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Burlington area but their presence in Alburgh is less consistent. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be unreliable and expensive, especially considering the distances involved. The cost of a ride-share to Burlington can easily exceed $50, making it a significant financial burden for many residents.

Medical transport services are essential for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring ambulance services. Several providers operate in the region, including private ambulance companies and air ambulance services. However, the response time for ambulance services in a rural area like Alburgh can be longer than in urban areas, potentially impacting patient outcomes in emergencies. The availability and cost of medical transport services are critical factors influencing the overall health score.

Specialized medical transport, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), caters to individuals needing transportation to and from medical appointments. Several companies, including local private providers, offer NEMT services. These services often require advance booking and may have limitations on the geographical area they serve. The reliability and cost of NEMT services are vital for residents who cannot drive themselves or rely on family members for transportation.

The availability of healthcare providers within Alburgh itself is also a factor. The town may have a local clinic or primary care physician, but access to specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, or neurologists, necessitates travel. The lack of local specialists increases the reliance on transportation and adds to the time commitment required for healthcare access.

The overall health score for Alburgh residents is thus significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential delays associated with medical transport all contribute to a lower score. The geographical isolation of Alburgh, combined with the need to travel to larger towns for specialized care, creates a significant barrier to healthcare access.

Moving to Alburgh presents a trade-off. The scenic beauty and close-knit community are attractive features. However, prospective residents must be aware of the transportation challenges and their potential impact on healthcare access. Careful consideration of these factors is crucial for individuals with chronic health conditions, those who rely on regular medical appointments, or those who may require emergency medical services.

Improving the health score for Alburgh necessitates strategic interventions. Investing in expanded public transit options, including a direct route to Burlington, would significantly improve healthcare access. Subsidizing ride-sharing services for medical appointments could also alleviate the financial burden on residents. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of local healthcare providers could reduce the need for long-distance travel.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 05440, Alburgh, Vermont, is negatively affected by the limitations of transportation. The town's geographical location, coupled with the lack of robust public transit, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing, and the potential delays associated with medical transport, create significant barriers to healthcare access. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, healthcare services, and telehealth options is crucial to improving the community's overall health and well-being.