05669, Roxbury, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05669, Roxbury, Vermont is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.37 percent of residents in 05669 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Central Vermont Medical Center with a distance of 13.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Roxbury, Vermont (ZIP Code 05669)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Roxbury, Vermont (ZIP Code 05669) requires a multifaceted examination. This analysis focuses on a crucial determinant of well-being: access to healthcare. Specifically, we’ll delve into the complexities of transportation options available to residents seeking medical care, considering factors like drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport. This information will help paint a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities for those living in, or considering moving to, this rural Vermont community.

Roxbury, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, presents unique transportation challenges. The town’s remoteness and sparse population density significantly impact healthcare accessibility. The primary mode of transportation for most residents is personal vehicles. Navigating the winding roads and mountainous terrain can be time-consuming, particularly during inclement weather. The primary highways and roads serving Roxbury are Route 12A, Route 12, and Route 100.

Driving to the nearest hospitals and healthcare facilities involves variable travel times. The Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin, approximately 15 miles away, is a major healthcare hub. A drive to CVMC typically takes 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The drive involves navigating Route 12A and then onto Route 64 or Route 89. The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a more specialized facility, is about 60 miles away, translating to a drive time of roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours via Route 12 and I-89.

Public transportation options in Roxbury are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides bus services, but the routes and schedules are often tailored to the needs of larger towns and cities. The availability of public transit for healthcare appointments is a significant concern. There are no direct bus routes to CVMC or Dartmouth-Hitchcock from Roxbury. Residents would need to rely on connecting routes, which can dramatically increase travel time and complexity. This lack of robust public transit options significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The GMT does offer some routes that could potentially be used in conjunction with other transportation methods. For example, a resident could take a bus from a nearby town like Northfield to a larger hub and then transfer to another bus, but this would involve careful planning and coordination. The GMT website provides detailed route maps and schedules. It is essential to check these resources for the most up-to-date information. Unfortunately, the system is not designed with the needs of Roxbury residents in mind.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is another critical factor. GMT buses are equipped with features like ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited route frequency and the need for transfers can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The availability of accessible transportation is crucial for ensuring that all residents can access healthcare services.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area but their presence is not consistent. The availability of these services in Roxbury is often sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing for healthcare transportation in Roxbury is questionable.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. These services provide transportation specifically for medical appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. Some medical transport providers serving the area include First Call Medical Transportation and Vermont Ambulance Service. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for non-emergency appointments. The cost of medical transport can also be substantial.

The challenges of accessing healthcare in Roxbury are further compounded by the town's demographics. A significant portion of the population is elderly, and this group is more likely to require frequent medical care and face mobility limitations. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options disproportionately affects this vulnerable population. The impact on overall health is clear.

The remoteness of Roxbury also affects the availability of healthcare providers. While the town has some local primary care physicians, access to specialists and more advanced medical services often requires travel to larger towns and cities. This further emphasizes the importance of reliable transportation. The availability of local providers is a positive factor, but the limitations of transportation still impact the overall health score.

The overall health score for Roxbury, Vermont, is negatively impacted by the challenges of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential cost of medical transport all contribute to this. For individuals considering moving to Roxbury, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and access to healthcare is essential.

To improve the overall health score, several strategies could be implemented. Expanding public transportation options, particularly routes that directly serve healthcare facilities, would be beneficial. Subsidizing ride-sharing services for medical appointments could also help. Investing in community-based transportation programs, such as volunteer driver networks, could provide additional support.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services could help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel. Expanding broadband internet access in Roxbury would be crucial for supporting telehealth services.

For those considering moving to Roxbury, understanding these transportation and healthcare access challenges is critical. Researching available healthcare providers, assessing personal transportation options, and exploring potential support services are essential steps. The beauty and tranquility of Roxbury must be balanced with the realities of healthcare access. The overall health score is not just about the quality of healthcare, but also about the ability to reach it.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Roxbury, Vermont (ZIP Code 05669) is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options available for accessing healthcare. While the town offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the challenges of drive times, the scarcity of public transit, the inconsistency of ride-sharing, and the potential cost of medical transport create significant barriers to healthcare access. Addressing these transportation challenges through strategic investments and community-based solutions is crucial for improving the overall health and well-being of Roxbury residents. The success of any community initiative hinges on a deep understanding of these transportation needs.