46745, Hoagland, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46745, Hoagland, Indiana is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.76 percent of residents in 46745 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Va N. Indiana Healthcare System - Ft. Wayne with a distance of 10.58 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46745 (Hoagland, Indiana)

This report assesses the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 46745, focusing on healthcare access and the transportation options available to reach medical facilities. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transportation services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking healthcare in and around Hoagland, Indiana.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its residents' ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. Factors such as distance, transportation availability, and the presence of specialized medical facilities significantly impact an individual's health outcomes. For residents of Hoagland, a rural community, the availability of reliable transportation to healthcare providers is a critical determinant of their overall well-being. This assessment will help understand how easy it is to receive the care needed.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

Hoagland, Indiana, is primarily served by a network of rural roads and highways. The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities is generally via **US-27**, which runs north-south, connecting Hoagland to nearby towns and cities. Heading south on US-27 provides access to Decatur, a town with a hospital and various medical clinics. The drive time to Decatur, approximately 10 miles, is typically around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

To the north, US-27 leads to Fort Wayne, a major regional hub with a comprehensive range of healthcare services. The drive to Fort Wayne, roughly 25 miles, usually takes about 35-45 minutes. This journey involves navigating a mix of rural roads and highways, including potential congestion near the city limits. Another key thoroughfare is **IN-124**, which intersects US-27 in Hoagland and provides east-west access. This road can be used to reach healthcare providers in nearby communities.

The drive times, while manageable, can be a significant barrier for those without personal vehicles, especially individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. The reliance on personal vehicles highlights the importance of considering alternative transportation options in the overall health score. The roads themselves are generally well-maintained, but seasonal weather conditions, such as snow and ice during winter months, can impact travel times and safety.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation options in Hoagland and the surrounding areas are limited. The Allen County Public Transportation (ACPT) system, which serves Fort Wayne and the surrounding county, does not extend its routes to directly serve Hoagland. This lack of public transportation poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not have access to a car or are unable to drive.

While there is no direct public transit to Hoagland, residents may be able to utilize a combination of services. This might involve a ride to a neighboring town with limited bus service, or a ride-share service to a more accessible location. The absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

The lack of ADA-accessible public transit options further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. The lack of accessible services limits their ability to independently access healthcare, and it often requires them to rely on family, friends, or specialized transportation services.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Fort Wayne and may provide transportation options for residents of Hoagland. However, the availability of these services in Hoagland itself is variable. The distance from Fort Wayne and the rural nature of the area may result in longer wait times and potentially higher fares.

Medical transportation services are available in the area, but their availability and cost can vary. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. The brands that provide medical transportation include local ambulance services and private companies. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for those without adequate insurance coverage.

The reliance on ride-share and medical transportation services underscores the need for robust transportation infrastructure to ensure equitable healthcare access. The cost and availability of these services can be a significant barrier to care, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 46745 reflects a mixed picture regarding healthcare access. While the drive times to healthcare facilities in Decatur and Fort Wayne are generally reasonable, the lack of public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services present significant challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for higher costs associated with ride-share and medical transportation services can create disparities in healthcare access. Individuals without access to a car or those with limited financial resources may face significant barriers to receiving timely and appropriate medical care.

The overall health score is also impacted by the presence of specialized medical facilities in the area. While Fort Wayne offers a wide range of healthcare services, including hospitals, specialist clinics, and rehabilitation centers, the drive time to access these services can be a significant factor.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 46745, several recommendations are essential. The first is to advocate for expanded public transportation options, including the extension of existing bus routes or the implementation of demand-response transit services. This could involve partnerships with local organizations or the development of community-based transportation initiatives.

Secondly, to improve the overall health score, the community needs to promote the availability of affordable and accessible ride-share services. This could involve partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted fares for medical appointments or the development of a community-based ride-sharing program.

Thirdly, to improve the overall health score, the community needs to increase the availability of medical transportation services. This could involve partnerships with local healthcare providers or the development of a voucher program to assist individuals with the cost of transportation.

Finally, to improve the overall health score, the community needs to enhance public awareness of available transportation options. This could involve the creation of a comprehensive resource guide that provides information on all available transportation services, including drive times, costs, and eligibility requirements.

**Conclusion**

The ability to access healthcare is fundamental to the well-being of any community. For residents of Hoagland, the transportation infrastructure plays a vital role in determining their overall health score. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are generally manageable, the lack of public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services present significant challenges.

Addressing these challenges through expanded public transit, affordable ride-share options, and accessible medical transportation services is essential to improve healthcare access and promote the overall health and well-being of the community. As individuals consider moving to Hoagland, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial to making informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The goal is to create a community where all residents have equitable access to the care they need, when they need it.