05753, Middlebury, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05753, Middlebury, Vermont is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.63 percent of residents in 05753 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Porter Hospital, Inc with a distance of 1.12 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05753

This analysis delves into the accessibility of healthcare within ZIP Code 05753, focusing on the critical element of transportation. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities is paramount in assessing overall health and well-being, especially for those considering **moving to Middlebury**. This report examines drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of **healthcare access** challenges and opportunities. The goal is to provide a clear “Overall Health Score” based on the ease of **transportation** to necessary medical services.

Middlebury, Vermont, nestled in the heart of Addison County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While the town offers a charming New England setting, its rural nature impacts transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles is significant, with public transit and ride-sharing services playing a supporting role. This analysis will consider these factors in detail.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare in and around Middlebury are Route 7, a north-south thoroughfare, and Route 125, which provides east-west access. These roads are crucial for reaching Middlebury's primary healthcare providers, including Porter Medical Center. The drive time to Porter Medical Center from various points within 05753 is a key indicator.

From the center of Middlebury, the drive to Porter Medical Center is typically under 10 minutes. However, residents living in the more rural areas of the ZIP code, particularly those residing further south or west, may face longer commutes. This can extend to 20-30 minutes, impacting access, especially during inclement weather or peak traffic times. Route 7, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during rush hour, adding to travel times.

The condition of secondary roads, such as Weybridge Street and Court Street, also influences drive times. Road maintenance, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel. Assessing the condition of these roads and their impact on healthcare access is essential to understanding the overall health score.

**Public Transit Options:**

Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides public transportation services in Addison County, including Middlebury. GMT offers fixed-route bus services that connect various locations within the town and surrounding areas. Route 110 and Route 112 are particularly relevant, as they serve Middlebury and provide access to key healthcare facilities.

While GMT offers a valuable service, its coverage area and frequency can be limited, particularly for residents living outside of the town center. Service frequency may not always align with medical appointment schedules, and the availability of evening and weekend routes is limited.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. GMT buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigating the public transit system for individuals with mobility challenges require careful evaluation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Middlebury area, but their availability can be variable. The frequency of service and the potential for longer wait times are important considerations, especially for those with urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance services and private transportation companies, play a crucial role in providing transportation for individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from driving or using public transit. These services often require advance booking and can be costly. Understanding the availability, cost, and scope of these services is essential for assessing healthcare access.

**Specific Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands serve the Middlebury area. Addison County Ambulance Service provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport. Private companies like MedStar and others offer specialized transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport. The availability of these services, their response times, and their coverage area are vital factors in the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in ZIP Code 05753 is complex, reflecting the interplay of various factors. While the proximity of Porter Medical Center provides a significant advantage, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services create challenges.

The score will be influenced by drive times, particularly for residents living in rural areas. The availability and accessibility of public transit, including ADA features, will also be considered. The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services will further impact the score.

**Recommendations:**

To improve healthcare access in 05753, several recommendations are pertinent. Enhancing public transit services, including expanding routes and increasing frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends, would be beneficial. Investing in road maintenance and snow removal, especially on secondary roads, would improve drive times.

Promoting ride-sharing services and exploring partnerships with medical transport providers to offer subsidized transportation options for low-income residents would be valuable. Educating residents about available transportation resources and providing assistance with scheduling medical appointments can also improve healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

The “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in ZIP Code 05753 is moderate. While the presence of Porter Medical Center is a significant asset, the limitations of transportation options, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility challenges, require attention. By addressing these challenges and implementing the recommended improvements, the community can enhance healthcare access and improve the overall health and well-being of its residents, making Middlebury an even more attractive place to consider **moving to**. The ongoing assessment and improvement of **transportation** infrastructure and services are crucial to ensuring equitable **healthcare access** for all.