46979, Russiaville, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46979, Russiaville, Indiana is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.36 percent of residents in 46979 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Kokomo with a distance of 7.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Russiaville, Indiana (ZIP Code 46979)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Russiaville, Indiana, necessitates a deep dive into the intricate web of **transportation** options available to access vital **healthcare access**. This evaluation considers the geographic realities of this rural community, nestled within Howard County, and its impact on residents’ ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. Factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport are all critical components of this comprehensive health score.

The most prevalent mode of transport for Russiaville residents to reach healthcare facilities is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The town's location dictates this, as it is primarily served by state roads and county routes. The primary artery connecting Russiaville to larger cities with significant medical infrastructure is State Road 26. This two-lane highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak travel times, particularly when approaching Kokomo, the county seat, where many residents seek specialized medical attention.

The drive to Kokomo, approximately 10 miles east, typically takes around 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This drive time is relatively manageable, offering a reasonable window for residents to reach primary care physicians, specialists, and the hospitals located within Kokomo. The primary hospital in Kokomo, Community Howard Regional Health, is a major healthcare provider for the region. However, this drive time can be significantly impacted by adverse weather conditions, common in the Midwest, or unforeseen traffic incidents, potentially delaying access to critical medical services.

Another key route for accessing healthcare is State Road 213, which provides a north-south connection. This road is less heavily trafficked than State Road 26, offering an alternative route to Kokomo, though it may add a few minutes to the overall travel time. Rural roads like County Road 200 West and County Road 700 South provide further connectivity within the local area, but their narrow lanes and occasional lack of shoulders can pose challenges, especially during inclement weather or for those with mobility limitations.

Public transit options in Russiaville are limited. Howard County does not have a comprehensive public transportation system that extends into Russiaville. The primary public transit provider for the county, the Kokomo CityBus, operates primarily within the city limits of Kokomo. While there may be limited demand-response services available for residents with disabilities or specific needs, the lack of regular, scheduled bus routes significantly restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. This limitation disproportionately affects elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The absence of robust public transit necessitates reliance on alternative **transportation** solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Kokomo area, including Russiaville. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in response to urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some residents, further exacerbating existing disparities in **healthcare access**.

Medical transport services play a crucial role in bridging the gap for individuals requiring specialized care or unable to drive themselves. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) companies. These services are essential for transporting patients to and from appointments, especially those with mobility limitations or requiring assistance. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and access may be limited depending on insurance coverage and the specific medical needs of the individual.

For residents considering **moving to Russiaville**, the accessibility of healthcare should be a paramount consideration. While the proximity to Kokomo offers a relatively convenient route to essential medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose potential challenges. Individuals with mobility limitations, those without access to a car, or those who prefer not to drive long distances should carefully evaluate their **transportation** options and the availability of alternative services.

The overall health score for Russiaville, considering the **transportation** landscape, is moderately positive. The relatively short drive times to Kokomo and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute to a reasonable level of **healthcare access**. However, the absence of a robust public transit system and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services, particularly for those with limited resources or specific needs, introduce areas for improvement.

The cost of **transportation** is a significant factor impacting the health score. The cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle, including fuel, insurance, and repairs, can be a considerable burden, especially for low-income families. The reliance on personal vehicles also contributes to environmental concerns and potential health risks associated with air pollution.

The availability of specialized medical services within Kokomo also plays a critical role in the overall health score. The presence of Community Howard Regional Health and other healthcare providers ensures access to a wide range of medical specialties and services. However, residents may still need to travel to larger cities like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne for highly specialized care, further increasing **transportation** demands and associated costs.

The health score is also affected by the availability of preventative care services within Russiaville itself. Access to primary care physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals within the community reduces the need for frequent trips to Kokomo and improves overall health outcomes. The presence of local pharmacies and other health-related businesses also contributes to a higher health score.

The future health score of Russiaville could be improved by several key initiatives. Expanding public transit options, even with limited routes, could significantly improve **healthcare access** for vulnerable populations. Incentivizing ride-sharing programs or providing subsidized **transportation** services for low-income residents could also reduce **transportation** barriers. Investing in local healthcare facilities and promoting preventative care services within the community would further enhance the overall health score.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Russiaville, Indiana (ZIP Code 46979) is moderate, reflecting a balance between the advantages of proximity to Kokomo's healthcare facilities and the challenges posed by limited public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles. While residents generally have reasonable **healthcare access**, particularly for those with personal vehicles, improvements in public transit, ride-sharing programs, and local healthcare services could significantly enhance the overall health and well-being of the community. The factors of cost, weather, and limited options for those without personal vehicles must be considered for a full picture of this community.