40040, Mackville, Kentucky Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 40040, Mackville, Kentucky is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.14 percent of residents in 40040 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.25 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 40040

The heart of Kentucky, nestled in the rolling hills of Boyle County, is home to the small community of Mackville, Kentucky, designated by the ZIP Code 40040. For residents managing hypertension, access to timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. This write-up explores the transportation landscape within and around 40040, evaluating the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking healthcare, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can access essential medical services.

The score will consider factors such as drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. It aims to paint a comprehensive picture of the transportation environment, offering insights for residents and those considering moving to Mackville. The goal is to understand how easily individuals with hypertension can reach their doctors, pharmacies, and other crucial healthcare providers.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in 40040. The primary artery connecting Mackville to larger towns and healthcare facilities is US-127. Traveling north on US-127, the journey to Danville, the county seat and home to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, is approximately a 20-minute drive, assuming normal traffic conditions. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, making it a critical destination for hypertension management.

Venturing south on US-127 leads to Harrodsburg, a slightly shorter drive of around 15 minutes. While Harrodsburg boasts smaller clinics and pharmacies, it also offers alternative healthcare options. The condition of US-127 is generally good, but weather conditions, especially during winter months, can impact travel times and safety. Road maintenance and potential delays are crucial considerations for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent and punctual access to medication and appointments.

Beyond US-127, the rural nature of the area means that secondary roads, like KY-300 and KY-318, offer alternative routes, though they are often narrower and may be subject to more frequent maintenance. These roads can be useful for navigating local destinations and accessing smaller medical practices. However, they are less direct and can add significant time to a journey, especially during peak hours.

Public transportation options in 40040 are limited. The primary provider in the region is the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) which operates a bus service that connects the college campuses with the local communities. However, the routes and schedules are primarily geared towards students and staff, and the service is not specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring regular healthcare access. Moreover, the service may not extend directly to Mackville.

ADA accessibility on the BCTC buses is a standard feature, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the limited scope of the routes and the infrequent schedules present a significant barrier for those relying on public transit for healthcare appointments. The lack of comprehensive public transportation underscores the reliance on private vehicles or alternative transport options for healthcare access in 40040.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in larger urban centers. Availability depends on driver density, which can fluctuate. During peak hours or for trips to Danville or Harrodsburg, securing a ride is more likely. However, for early morning appointments or late-night pharmacy runs, relying on ride-sharing can be risky, with longer wait times and potential surge pricing.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility challenges or those who cannot drive. Companies like CareRide or First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require advance booking and may involve a cost, but they offer a reliable option for those unable to drive themselves. The availability and cost of these services are critical factors in the overall "Hypertension Score."

Pharmacies in and around 40040 are essential for medication management. Local pharmacies in Harrodsburg and Danville offer prescription filling services, and some provide delivery options. The distance to the nearest pharmacy is a key consideration for individuals with hypertension, especially those who may have difficulty traveling. The availability of medication refills and the convenience of pharmacy services directly impact the ability to manage hypertension effectively.

The "Hypertension Score" for 40040 must consider the challenges and opportunities of this rural environment. The primary reliance on personal vehicles presents a significant obstacle for those without access to a car or who are unable to drive. The limited public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate the difficulties.

The score will be calculated based on the following factors, each weighted to reflect their importance:

* **Drive time to the nearest hospital with cardiology services:** (40%)
* **Availability of ride-sharing services:** (20%)
* **Availability and cost of medical transport services:** (20%)
* **Proximity to pharmacies and availability of medication delivery:** (10%)
* **Frequency and accessibility of public transportation:** (10%)

Considering these factors, the "Hypertension Score" for 40040 is estimated to be a **5 out of 10**. This score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare due to the limited transportation options. While drive times to Danville and Harrodsburg are reasonable, the lack of robust public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the potential reliance on specialized medical transport services, which may come with associated costs, contribute to the lower score.

For individuals considering moving to Mackville and managing hypertension, careful planning is essential. Securing reliable transportation, whether through personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services, is crucial. Understanding the availability of local pharmacies and their delivery options is also vital.

The community could benefit from initiatives to improve healthcare access. This includes exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments, advocating for expanded public transportation routes, and supporting the development of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits.

The "Hypertension Score" serves as a snapshot of the transportation landscape in 40040, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for residents managing hypertension. By understanding these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in the community. The goal is to ensure that all residents of Mackville have access to the healthcare they need, when they need it, regardless of their transportation limitations.