05851, Lyndonville, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05851, Lyndonville, Vermont is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.44 percent of residents in 05851 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with a distance of 8.29 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Lyndonville, Vermont (ZIP Code 05851)

Lyndonville, Vermont, nestled in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom, offers a quintessential New England charm. However, when considering a move, particularly for those prioritizing healthcare access, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. This analysis provides an overall health score for commuting to healthcare facilities from ZIP code 05851, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services.

The health score, in this context, reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can access necessary medical care. A higher score indicates greater accessibility, while a lower score signals potential challenges. We’ll explore the various modes of transportation and their impact on healthcare access.

**Drive Time Dynamics**

For many Lyndonville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The town's relative isolation, while contributing to its appeal, also presents challenges in healthcare access. Several key routes facilitate travel to medical facilities.

The primary artery is **Interstate 91 (I-91)**, offering a north-south corridor. Heading south on I-91 provides access to larger medical centers in White River Junction and Lebanon, New Hampshire, though these trips require significant travel time. The drive to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, a major regional hospital, can take approximately two to three hours, depending on traffic.

Closer to home, **U.S. Route 5** runs parallel to I-91, offering a more scenic, albeit slower, alternative. It connects Lyndonville to nearby towns and villages, including St. Johnsbury, where Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is located. This is the closest hospital, and the drive typically takes around 15-20 minutes.

Accessing specialty care might necessitate travel on **Vermont Route 114**, which connects Lyndonville to communities further east. This route can lead to clinics and specialists in towns like East Burke and Island Pond, though these facilities are generally smaller and offer fewer specialized services.

**Healthcare access** is profoundly impacted by these drive times. While NVRH is readily accessible, specialized care often requires longer journeys, potentially impacting timely diagnosis and treatment. The health score is therefore influenced by the proximity of NVRH and the travel times to larger, more comprehensive medical centers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Lyndonville is limited, which significantly affects the health score. The primary public transit provider is the **Rural Community Transportation (RCT)**, offering bus services throughout the Northeast Kingdom. However, service frequency and route coverage are limited, particularly for trips outside of regular business hours.

RCT Route 10 provides a connection between Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury, offering a potential alternative to driving to NVRH. However, the schedule is often infrequent, and the route may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility** is a crucial factor. RCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

The lack of robust public transit options poses a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This deficiency lowers the health score, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Lyndonville is extremely limited. While these services may occasionally be available, their reliability and availability are not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This scarcity further diminishes the health score.

Medical transportation services, however, offer a more specialized solution. Several providers operate in the region, catering specifically to individuals requiring transportation to medical appointments. These services often involve pre-booked appointments and may offer door-to-door service.

**Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS)** and **Vermont Ambulance Service** are examples of providers that offer medical transportation. These services are essential for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transit. However, availability and cost can be barriers, particularly for those with limited insurance coverage or financial constraints.

The presence of medical transportation services positively impacts the health score, but their limitations in terms of availability and cost must be considered.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations**

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Lyndonville (ZIP code 05851) is moderately low. While NVRH provides convenient access to essential medical services, the limitations in transportation options for specialized care and the challenges faced by those without personal vehicles or access to ride-sharing services negatively affect the score.

**Moving to Lyndonville** requires careful consideration of healthcare access. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments should factor in the travel times and potential transportation challenges. The limited public transit and ride-sharing options necessitate reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged medical transportation.

The health score is further influenced by the geographic isolation of Lyndonville. Long travel times to larger medical centers can impact timely access to specialized care. The health score is also affected by the availability of healthcare providers within the community. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals can mitigate the impact of transportation challenges.

**Recommendations**

To improve the health score, several initiatives could be implemented. Expanding public transit services, particularly RCT routes, to include more frequent service and extended hours would significantly enhance healthcare access. Increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, potentially through partnerships with local businesses or government initiatives, would also be beneficial.

Supporting and expanding medical transportation services, including exploring options for subsidized transportation for low-income individuals, would be crucial. Furthermore, attracting additional healthcare providers to Lyndonville, including specialists, would reduce the need for long-distance travel.

By addressing these transportation and healthcare infrastructure challenges, Lyndonville can improve its overall health score and enhance the well-being of its residents. This would make the town an even more attractive place to live and thrive, especially for those seeking a balance between rural living and access to essential healthcare services.