05862, Peacham, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05862, Peacham, Vermont is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.76 percent of residents in 05862 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with a distance of 12.20 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Peacham, Vermont (ZIP Code 05862)

Peacham, Vermont, a town nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, offers a tranquil lifestyle, but its rural setting presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. Assessing the "Overall Health Score" for residents necessitates a thorough examination of transportation options, the cornerstone of accessing medical care. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Peacham.

The primary consideration is the drive time to healthcare facilities. Peacham's location dictates that residents will likely travel outside the immediate town for most medical needs. The closest hospital, **Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH)** in St. Johnsbury, is approximately a 20-25 minute drive, primarily via **Peacham Road** and **US Route 2**. This route, while generally well-maintained, can be affected by seasonal weather, particularly during winter months when snow and ice can significantly increase travel times.

Specialist care and more advanced medical services often necessitate travel to Burlington, Vermont, or Lebanon, New Hampshire. The drive to Burlington, home to the **University of Vermont Medical Center**, involves a journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, primarily utilizing **Interstate 91 (I-91)** and **US Route 2**. This route, while primarily highway, can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The drive to Lebanon, New Hampshire, home to the **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center**, is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily via **US Route 2** and **Interstate 91 (I-91)**.

Public transportation options are limited in Peacham. The **Green Mountain Transit (GMT)** provides bus service in the region, but routes directly serving Peacham are infrequent. The closest GMT routes may be accessed in St. Johnsbury or Montpelier, requiring a separate drive to a bus stop. These routes are not ADA-compliant, limiting accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, public transit is not a viable option for most residents seeking healthcare access.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in Peacham is sporadic and limited. Availability depends on driver presence and demand, making it an unreliable option for scheduled appointments or emergencies. Furthermore, the cost of ride-share services can be prohibitive for regular healthcare visits, especially considering the distance to larger medical centers.

Medical transport services are available for those who require assistance. **Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH)** offers ambulance services, and private medical transport companies operate in the area. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. However, the availability of these services may be limited, and response times can be affected by the rural nature of the area and the distance to healthcare facilities.

The overall health score for Peacham, Vermont (05862), reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access. The primary factor is the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. Drive times to healthcare facilities are reasonable for primary care and emergency services, but longer for specialist care and advanced medical treatments. The lack of reliable public transit, the limited availability of ride-share services, and the potential limitations of medical transport services all contribute to a lower score.

Residents of Peacham must be prepared for the necessity of driving for most healthcare needs. This requires maintaining a reliable vehicle, budgeting for fuel and vehicle maintenance, and being mindful of weather conditions, particularly during winter. The distance to larger medical centers in Burlington or Lebanon also necessitates careful planning for appointments, including considering travel time and potential traffic delays.

For individuals considering moving to Peacham, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is crucial. Those with chronic health conditions or mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the accessibility of medical services and the availability of medical transport options. The remoteness of Peacham necessitates proactive planning and a reliance on personal vehicles for most healthcare needs.

The "Overall Health Score" for Peacham is significantly impacted by the rural environment. While the town offers a peaceful and scenic lifestyle, the limited access to healthcare facilities and transportation options presents a challenge. The drive times to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, and the sporadic availability of ride-share services all contribute to a lower score.

The community's health and well-being are directly linked to the ability to access timely and appropriate medical care. In Peacham, this access is heavily reliant on personal transportation, making it essential for residents to maintain reliable vehicles and be prepared for longer travel times. The lack of readily available public transit and the limited presence of ride-share services further compound the challenges.

The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net for those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. However, the reliance on these services and the potential for longer response times in a rural environment must be considered. For individuals contemplating a move to Peacham, a careful evaluation of their healthcare needs and their ability to navigate the transportation landscape is paramount.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Peacham, Vermont (05862), reflects the challenges of a rural setting. While the drive times to primary care and emergency services are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the sporadic availability of ride-share services contribute to a lower score. Residents must be prepared for the necessity of driving, planning for longer travel times to specialist care, and proactively addressing their transportation needs. The remoteness of Peacham necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and careful planning for those considering moving to Peacham.