46941, Lagro, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46941, Lagro, Indiana is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.83 percent of residents in 46941 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkview Wabash Hospital, Inc with a distance of 6.31 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46941 (Lagro, Indiana)

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Lagro, Indiana (ZIP Code 46941), necessitates a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access. This includes examining the availability of medical facilities, the efficiency of transportation options, and the challenges faced by individuals seeking care. Lagro, a small town nestled in Wabash County, presents unique transportation considerations that significantly impact its residents' ability to access vital healthcare services. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of these factors, offering insights for potential residents and highlighting areas for improvement.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is proximity to medical facilities. In Lagro, residents are not immediately surrounded by hospitals or specialized clinics. The closest major medical center is Parkview Wabash Hospital, located approximately 10 miles south in Wabash, Indiana. This drive typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route. Accessing Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, a more comprehensive facility, requires a longer journey of roughly 40-50 minutes, covering approximately 35 miles. This journey usually involves navigating Indiana State Road 124 and US-24.

Smaller clinics and primary care physicians are also available in Wabash, offering a more immediate level of care. However, the concentration of specialized services and advanced medical technologies remains in Fort Wayne, necessitating longer travel times for many residents. This geographical reality underscores the importance of efficient transportation options for the Lagro community.

The primary mode of transportation in Lagro and the surrounding areas is the personal vehicle. The reliance on cars poses challenges for individuals without access to a vehicle, those with disabilities, or those who are unable to drive due to age or medical conditions. The condition of local roads, including Indiana State Road 124 and County Roads, can also impact travel times, especially during inclement weather.

Public transportation options in the area are limited. Wabash County does not currently have a comprehensive public bus system. This significantly restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not own a vehicle. The absence of readily available public transit forces residents to rely on alternative transportation methods, which may be less reliable and more expensive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fort Wayne area, but their presence in Lagro is less consistent. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. This unreliability presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for residents who depend on these services.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several providers operate in the region, including Med-Trans and First Transit. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those requiring specialized assistance. However, the cost of these services can be a significant burden, and advance booking is usually required.

For individuals with disabilities, the availability of accessible transportation is crucial. While ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers may offer accessible vehicles, their availability cannot be guaranteed. The absence of a robust public transit system with ADA-compliant features exacerbates this challenge. The lack of accessible options can severely limit healthcare access for individuals with mobility impairments.

The overall health score for Lagro residents is directly influenced by these transportation limitations. The distance to major medical facilities, coupled with the scarcity of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, creates significant barriers to healthcare access. The cost of medical transportation services further compounds these challenges, particularly for low-income individuals.

Healthcare access is a critical factor when considering moving to Lagro. Potential residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly. Those without access to a personal vehicle may face considerable difficulty attending regular medical appointments or accessing specialized care.

Improving the health score in Lagro requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation, even on a limited scale, would significantly improve healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to ensure consistent availability could also prove beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting the availability of medical transportation services and exploring ways to reduce their cost would alleviate the financial burden on residents. Supporting initiatives that improve road conditions and ensure the availability of accessible transportation options is also paramount.

The health and well-being of Lagro residents are directly linked to their ability to access healthcare services. Addressing the transportation challenges is a crucial step towards improving the overall health score for this community. By implementing targeted solutions and fostering collaboration between local authorities, healthcare providers, and transportation providers, Lagro can create a healthier and more accessible environment for all its residents. This will make Lagro a more attractive place to live and a healthier place to call home.