42350, Island, Kentucky Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 42350, Island, Kentucky is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.12 percent of residents in 42350 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ohio County Hospital with a distance of 14.45 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Island, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42350)

Island, Kentucky, nestled in the heart of McLean County, presents a unique landscape for residents managing hypertension. The ability to access timely and quality healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, is paramount. This write-up assesses the "Hypertension Score" for the community, considering the crucial factor of transportation and its impact on healthcare access for those living within the 42350 ZIP code.

The score will be determined by evaluating the availability and accessibility of various transportation options to medical facilities, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers. This analysis considers the specific geographic challenges of Island, Kentucky, and its surrounding areas, including the primary highways and roads that connect residents to essential healthcare services. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the transportation landscape and its influence on the overall health and well-being of the community.

Moving to Island, Kentucky, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are not within the immediate vicinity, making transportation a critical element of managing health conditions. This is especially true for individuals with hypertension, who require regular check-ups, medication management, and potential emergency care. The following sections will delve into the specific transportation options available to residents of 42350, providing a comprehensive overview of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Arteries of Healthcare**

The primary roadways serving Island, Kentucky, are the lifeblood of healthcare access. Residents typically rely on personal vehicles to reach medical facilities. The most direct route to larger hospitals involves navigating Kentucky Route 136, which connects Island to neighboring towns and cities. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially delaying access to critical care.

Traveling to Owensboro, the nearest city with a major hospital system, requires a drive along Kentucky Route 136 and then onto the Wendell H. Ford Expressway (US-60). The drive typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive time is a significant factor for individuals with hypertension, as prompt access to medical care is crucial in managing potential complications.

For residents needing specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, the journey to Louisville or Lexington may be necessary. These trips involve longer drives, typically exceeding two hours, via the Western Kentucky Parkway and Interstate 65. These extended travel times highlight the challenges faced by residents in 42350, particularly during medical emergencies.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within and around Island, Kentucky, are severely limited. McLean County does not have a dedicated public bus system. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the costs associated with personal vehicle ownership.

While there may be limited demand-response transportation services available through the state or county, the availability and frequency of these services are often restricted, making them unreliable for regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-accessible features on any available public transit options further limits healthcare access for individuals with disabilities. The absence of robust public transit significantly lowers the "Hypertension Score" for the community.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Owensboro area, but their presence in Island, Kentucky, is less certain. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand. Even when available, ride-sharing services can be expensive, particularly for regular medical appointments.

Medical transportation providers offer a more specialized service, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during transport. Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including some with services extending into McLean County. However, the cost of medical transportation can be substantial, creating a financial burden for individuals managing hypertension.

**Healthcare Access and the Hypertension Score**

The "Hypertension Score" for Island, Kentucky, reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access, particularly related to transportation. The limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to a lower score. The drive times to hospitals and specialized clinics, especially for those requiring urgent care, can pose a significant risk to individuals with hypertension.

The absence of readily available and affordable transportation options can lead to delayed medical care, missed appointments, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes for residents of 42350. For those considering moving to Island, Kentucky, a thorough assessment of transportation needs and healthcare access is crucial.

**Recommendations and Future Considerations**

Improving healthcare access for residents of Island, Kentucky, requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transit, even on a limited scale, could significantly improve healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also alleviate some of the financial burdens.

Expanding the availability of medical transport services and increasing awareness of existing options is essential. Furthermore, exploring telehealth options, such as virtual doctor visits and remote monitoring, could help bridge the gap in healthcare access.

The "Hypertension Score" for Island, Kentucky, highlights the critical role of transportation in healthcare access. By addressing the transportation challenges, the community can improve health outcomes and create a healthier environment for all residents. The future of healthcare in Island depends on proactive efforts to ensure that all residents, regardless of their transportation circumstances, can access the care they need.