05448, East Fairfield, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05448, East Fairfield, Vermont is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.88 percent of residents in 05448 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwestern Medical Center Inc with a distance of 10.94 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in East Fairfield, VT (ZIP Code 05448)

This comprehensive analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of East Fairfield, Vermont (ZIP code 05448), considering various transportation modalities and their impact on overall health. The “Overall Health Score” is not a single numerical value but a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape when it comes to accessing medical care. This evaluation is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to East Fairfield, as transportation infrastructure significantly influences healthcare access and, consequently, their well-being.

The primary factor shaping healthcare access in East Fairfield is its rural location. The town is nestled within Franklin County, characterized by vast stretches of farmland and limited public transportation options. This geographic reality necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with potential seasonal weather conditions, presents a significant hurdle.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The most direct route to healthcare often involves navigating the region’s well-maintained roadways. The primary arteries connecting East Fairfield to medical facilities are Vermont Route 108 and Vermont Route 104. These roads offer a relatively straightforward passage to the larger towns and cities where medical services are concentrated.

For routine appointments and general medical needs, the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, approximately 15 miles south, serves as a central hub. The drive, primarily along Route 108 and then Route 104, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. This drive time is generally considered reasonable for routine care.

Specialized care, however, often necessitates travel to Burlington, Vermont, a larger city with more comprehensive medical facilities, including the University of Vermont Medical Center. The journey to Burlington, covering about 45 miles, primarily involves Route 104 and Interstate 89. This commute can take between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic, particularly during peak hours. This longer travel time can be a significant burden for those needing frequent specialized care or facing mobility limitations.

Emergency situations require immediate access to medical attention. The proximity of the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans provides a crucial safety net. The relatively short drive time to this facility, even under emergency conditions, can be life-saving. However, for more critical emergencies requiring specialized trauma care, the longer drive to Burlington might be necessary.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in East Fairfield are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) operates in Franklin County, but service to East Fairfield is infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to larger towns. Route 41, the Franklin County Connector, offers a potential link, but its schedule is limited, often operating on weekdays only, and with few trips per day. This makes it an unreliable option for many healthcare appointments.

The GMT buses do offer ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and lifts, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can utilize the service. However, the limited frequency and route coverage significantly restrict its usefulness for healthcare access in East Fairfield. This lack of robust public transportation presents a challenge for those who cannot drive or who prefer not to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in East Fairfield is variable. Availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments is, therefore, not always a dependable strategy.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several providers operate in the area, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation companies. These services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs.

The availability of medical transportation services provides a valuable resource, particularly for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive. However, the need for pre-planning and potential costs must be considered when evaluating healthcare access.

**Impact on Overall Health:**

The transportation landscape in East Fairfield directly impacts the overall health of its residents. The reliance on personal vehicles, while offering flexibility, can pose challenges for those who cannot drive due to age, disability, or financial constraints. The longer travel times to specialized medical facilities in Burlington can also contribute to delays in accessing care, potentially affecting health outcomes.

The limited public transportation options exacerbate these challenges, especially for those without access to a car. The infrequent service and limited route coverage make it difficult to rely on public transit for routine appointments or emergency situations.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some relief, but their limitations, such as variable availability and associated costs, need to be considered. These services provide a crucial lifeline for some residents, but they may not be a feasible solution for everyone.

**Considerations for Moving to East Fairfield:**

For individuals considering moving to East Fairfield, understanding the transportation challenges is paramount. Those with pre-existing medical conditions or who anticipate needing frequent medical care should carefully assess their ability to navigate the transportation landscape.

Access to a reliable vehicle is highly recommended. Researching the availability and cost of medical transportation services is also crucial. Exploring the potential for carpooling or utilizing family and friends for transportation assistance can also mitigate the challenges.

The relative isolation of East Fairfield, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, presents unique healthcare access considerations. Prospective residents should factor in the potential travel times, the limitations of public transportation, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services when making their relocation decision.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in East Fairfield, Vermont (ZIP code 05448) reflects a mixed picture. While the drive times to the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans are generally manageable, the longer commutes to Burlington for specialized care and the limited public transportation options present significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides a valuable resource, but their limitations must be acknowledged.

Individuals considering moving to East Fairfield should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly. Prioritizing access to a reliable vehicle, researching medical transportation options, and considering the potential for carpooling are crucial steps in ensuring adequate healthcare access. Understanding these transportation dynamics is essential for maintaining and promoting overall health and well-being in this rural Vermont community. The success of moving to East Fairfield is highly dependent on a well-thought-out plan for healthcare access.