46922, Delong, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46922, Delong, Indiana is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 46922 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital with a distance of 26.17 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46922 (Delong, Indiana)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Delong, Indiana (ZIP code 46922) necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. A critical component of this assessment is the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities. This write-up examines the transportation landscape, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access for those living and potentially moving to Delong.

The primary challenge for Delong residents lies in its rural location. The town itself offers limited healthcare options, meaning residents must travel to surrounding communities for most medical needs. This reliance on external healthcare providers significantly impacts the overall health score, as transportation barriers can lead to delayed or missed appointments, contributing to poorer health outcomes.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Delong is personal vehicles. The primary roadways connecting Delong to healthcare facilities are US-31, IN-17, and IN-14. Traveling south on US-31 will take residents to Logansport, approximately 25 miles away, where they can access Logansport Memorial Hospital and a range of specialist clinics. The drive time to Logansport typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Heading north on US-31 provides access to Rochester, approximately 15 miles away, offering Woodlawn Hospital and various medical practices. The drive to Rochester usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Eastbound on IN-14 leads to various healthcare facilities in the town of Akron, Indiana, and is a shorter drive than the other options.

The condition of these roadways is generally good, but winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions, potentially increasing travel times and hindering access to care. The distances involved, coupled with the potential for inclement weather, underscore the importance of reliable transportation for Delong residents.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Delong are extremely limited. There is no established local bus service within the town. The primary public transit option is the Fulton County Transit system, which provides demand-response transportation services. This service requires advance booking and operates within Fulton County, which includes Delong.

The Fulton County Transit system offers door-to-door service, making it accessible for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the limited operating hours and the need for advance scheduling can pose challenges for those requiring urgent or unscheduled medical care. The availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is a positive feature, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in larger urban centers. Availability can be particularly limited in Delong, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be risky due to potential delays or unavailability.

Medical transport services are available, but they are typically reserved for patients requiring specialized care or those with significant mobility limitations. These services, often provided by ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, can be costly and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

**Healthcare Access and Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for Delong residents is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation to healthcare. The limited local healthcare options necessitate travel to surrounding communities, adding time, cost, and potential stress to the process of accessing medical care. The lack of robust public transit and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges.

These factors can lead to delayed or missed appointments, impacting the timely diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. This, in turn, can contribute to poorer health outcomes and lower the overall health score for the community.

**Moving to Delong: Transportation Considerations:**

For individuals considering moving to Delong, the accessibility of healthcare should be a primary consideration. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful planning and budgeting for transportation costs. Those without reliable access to a car may face significant difficulties in accessing medical care.

Individuals with mobility limitations or those who do not drive should carefully assess the availability and reliability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. The potential for long wait times and the need for advance booking should be taken into account.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the overall health score for Delong residents, several strategies are recommended. Increased investment in public transportation, including expanded routes and hours of operation, would significantly improve healthcare access. Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area could also provide a more convenient and reliable transportation option.

Community initiatives that provide transportation assistance to those in need, such as volunteer driver programs, could also help bridge the transportation gap. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of in-home healthcare visits could reduce the need for travel and improve healthcare access for residents.

**Conclusion:**

The transportation landscape in Delong presents significant challenges to healthcare access, impacting the overall health score of the community. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to timely and convenient medical care. Addressing these transportation challenges through strategic investments and community-based initiatives is crucial to improving the health and well-being of Delong residents. For those considering moving to Delong, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and access to healthcare is essential for ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life.