Health Resource Capacity Assessment for Putnam, Connecticut, May 2001

Health Needs/Barriers to Care: Transportation

Transportation was identified by a large majority of stakeholders and focus group participants as a barrier to care, in many cases the greatest barrier to care. This is not surprising in a rural town. The problem appears to be most pressing for seniors. Day Kimball Hospital and senior housing complexes are on bus lines run by NECCOG (Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments), however seniors who do not live on the bus line or are visiting providers who are not near the hospital must make arrangements with friends, family or social service organizations.

Transportation is also a large concern for families. Families with HUSKY coverage must call at least 48 hours in advance, which is a problem for non-emergency, but urgent complaints like ear infections and fevers. For stressed parents balancing many family needs (see Parent Stress), making arrangements for transportation at least two business days before an appointment is not always realistic. Many lower income families rely on older cars that are not reliable. ⁴² The only taxi service in the area went out of business over a year before this study and it is sorely missed.

NECCOG's local bus system received praise for responsiveness to community concerns. The transit system was in crisis a few years ago with very low ridership. Several towns withdrew their support of the system. In a reorganization, NECCOG responded to community needs and concerns and is widely praised for the turn-around. The system has increased ridership, increased fixed routes and has a "floater" bus that can respond to riders' needs off the fixed route. Overall, there was frustration that transportation needs still far outweigh available resources. ⁴³

The town of Putnam runs an ambulance service that is also highly valued by the community. The town charges users $300 for a ride but doesn't press the issue with those not able to pay. The ambulance system combines paid and volunteer staff. Increasing training burdens were identified as a concern. The system is stable, unlike many other rural communities, but when asked town leaders acknowledge some potential future concerns. ⁴⁴

Transportation concerns raised less frequently included medical transfers for tertiary care and to other health care settings, emergency transportation when outside Putnam, and the inability of family to visit relatives in care at facilities far from town. ⁴⁵

Footnotes

42. Focus groups, interviews
43. Focus groups, interviews
44. Focus groups, interviews
45. Focus groups, interviews