46926, Denver, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46926, Denver, Indiana is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.06 percent of residents in 46926 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dukes Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46926

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 46926 necessitates a deep dive into the intricate relationship between **transportation** and **healthcare access**. This analysis considers the challenges faced by individuals in this area, examining the available options for reaching medical facilities, including drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the accessibility landscape, crucial for anyone considering **moving to Denver**, or anywhere else, with similar transportation challenges.

ZIP code 46926, encompassing the city of Converse, Indiana, presents a unique set of circumstances. The rural nature of the area significantly impacts the availability and efficiency of transportation options. Residents often rely heavily on personal vehicles for their daily commutes, including trips to healthcare providers. This reliance places a premium on the condition of local roads and the overall drive times to medical facilities.

The primary arteries for navigating the region are US-31 and State Road 218. US-31, a major north-south highway, provides a direct route to larger cities like Kokomo and Marion, where significant healthcare resources are concentrated. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend travel times. State Road 218 offers an east-west connection, facilitating access to neighboring towns and potentially connecting to healthcare facilities in those areas. Local roads, such as County Road 600 West and County Road 100 North, serve as feeder routes, providing access to the major highways and connecting residents to their destinations.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the overall health score. The nearest hospitals, such as Marion General Hospital in Marion and Howard Regional Health System in Kokomo, are the primary destinations for emergency care and specialized treatments. The drive to Marion General Hospital, via US-31, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey to Howard Regional Health System, also via US-31, is slightly longer, averaging 30-40 minutes. These drive times, while manageable, can become problematic in emergencies or for individuals with chronic health conditions requiring frequent appointments.

Public transit options in ZIP code 46926 are limited. The lack of a robust public transportation system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. This is a common challenge in rural areas, where the cost of maintaining and operating public transit routes is often prohibitive. The absence of reliable public transit can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

The absence of a dedicated public transit system means that individuals with disabilities face additional challenges. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features on public transportation, such as ramps and designated seating. However, without a public transit system, these accommodations are nonexistent. Residents with disabilities must rely on alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing services or medical transportation providers, which may not always be readily available or affordable.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for healthcare transportation. However, the availability of these services in ZIP code 46926 may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. The price of a ride can quickly add up, making it difficult for individuals on fixed incomes to afford the necessary transportation.

Medical transportation providers offer specialized services for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to medical appointments. These providers often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the availability of medical transportation services in ZIP code 46926 may be limited, and the cost of these services can be substantial. The need for pre-booking and scheduling can also add complexity to the process, especially for urgent medical needs.

The overall health score for ZIP code 46926 is influenced by the combined impact of these factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create a complex landscape for healthcare access. The drive times to hospitals and clinics, while generally manageable, can be a concern in emergencies. The lack of accessible and affordable transportation options can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, potentially leading to delayed or missed medical appointments.

When considering the health score, it's important to consider the impact on those contemplating **moving to Denver**. The transportation challenges in 46926 highlight the importance of assessing transportation infrastructure and healthcare access when choosing a new location. The availability of public transit, the proximity to medical facilities, and the presence of ride-sharing or medical transportation services are crucial factors to consider.

For residents of 46926, the health score could be improved by several interventions. Investing in public transportation, even on a limited scale, could significantly enhance healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Expanding the availability of medical transportation providers and increasing awareness of their services could further improve access.

In conclusion, the overall health score for ZIP code 46926 is moderately impacted by the challenges of healthcare transportation. While drive times to healthcare facilities are generally acceptable, the limited public transit options and the potential challenges with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create barriers for some residents. Improving the accessibility and affordability of transportation options is crucial to enhance the overall health score and ensure that all residents can access the healthcare they need. This assessment underscores the importance of considering transportation infrastructure when evaluating the health of a community, a crucial factor for anyone considering a move, including those contemplating **moving to Denver** or any other location.