47585, Stendal, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47585, Stendal, Indiana is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.81 percent of residents in 47585 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital And Health Care Center with a distance of 13.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47585 (Stendal, Indiana)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Stendal, Indiana (ZIP code 47585) necessitates a deep dive into healthcare access, inextricably linked to transportation options. For individuals considering moving to Stendal, understanding the realities of navigating to medical appointments is crucial. This analysis will consider drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing/medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view of the landscape.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Stendal is the reliance on personal vehicles. The rural nature of the area, coupled with the limited public transit infrastructure, makes the automobile the dominant mode of transportation. Residents typically navigate the county via well-maintained state highways and local roads.

The closest significant healthcare facilities are located in Jasper, Indiana, approximately a 15-20 minute drive. The most direct route involves taking **Indiana State Road 56** east. This well-traveled thoroughfare offers a relatively smooth and efficient journey. However, traffic can be heavier during peak commuting hours, potentially adding minutes to the travel time.

Alternatively, residents can utilize **Indiana State Road 231** to reach Jasper, though this route might add a few minutes to the overall travel time. Local roads, such as **County Road 100W** and **County Road 200S**, provide alternative routes, but these are generally slower and less direct.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Evansville, Indiana, a city offering a broader range of medical services. The drive to Evansville is approximately a 1-hour to 1-hour 15-minute journey. This involves using **Indiana State Road 56** east to **U.S. Route 231** south, then connecting to **Interstate 64** west.

The longer commute to Evansville underscores the significance of timely access to specialized medical care. The availability of quick, dependable transportation is a critical factor in managing chronic conditions and responding to medical emergencies. The ability to reach specialists, hospitals, and diagnostic centers within a reasonable timeframe directly impacts the health and well-being of Stendal residents.

Public transportation options in ZIP code 47585 are extremely limited. Dubois County, where Stendal is located, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This absence poses a significant challenge for individuals without access to personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, disabled, and those with limited financial resources.

The absence of a robust public transit system severely restricts healthcare access. This can result in missed appointments, delayed treatment, and increased healthcare costs. Without alternative modes of transportation, residents are forced to rely on family, friends, or costly private transportation services.

While formal public transit is virtually non-existent, some informal options may exist. These might include local volunteer programs or community-based initiatives offering limited transportation services for medical appointments. However, the availability and reliability of these options are often inconsistent.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Jasper and Evansville, but their presence in Stendal itself is less certain. Ride availability in rural areas can be unpredictable, with longer wait times and potentially higher fares. The reliability of these services is not guaranteed, especially during inclement weather or late-night hours.

The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals with limited incomes. The expense of multiple ride-sharing trips per month can quickly accumulate, adding a significant financial burden to healthcare costs.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to medical appointments. These services are typically designed for patients who are unable to drive themselves or utilize public transit.

Several medical transport providers serve the Dubois County area. These services may include non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), which provides transportation for routine medical appointments, and ambulance services for emergency situations.

The cost of medical transport services can vary depending on the distance, type of service required, and the specific provider. However, these services are often more expensive than personal vehicle use or ride-sharing. The availability of medical transport services is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical care.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 47585 is significantly impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of a robust public transit system, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to the challenges faced by residents.

For individuals considering moving to Stendal, the realities of healthcare access must be carefully considered. The availability of reliable transportation is a critical factor in maintaining good health and receiving timely medical care. The long drive times to specialized medical facilities and the lack of public transit options necessitate careful planning and resourcefulness.

The health score for Stendal residents is negatively impacted by the limited options for transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of a robust public transit system, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to the challenges faced by residents.

The community could benefit from initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access. This might include exploring the feasibility of establishing a limited public transit system, partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments, or expanding the availability of medical transport services.

Investing in transportation infrastructure and services is essential for improving the overall health and well-being of Stendal residents. By addressing the challenges associated with healthcare access, the community can create a healthier and more supportive environment for all.