47598, Winslow, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47598, Winslow, Indiana is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.74 percent of residents in 47598 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Warrick with a distance of 23.92 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Winslow, IN (ZIP Code 47598)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of Winslow, Indiana (ZIP Code 47598), focusing on the crucial factor of transportation. We will examine the available options for reaching medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a detailed picture of healthcare access for those living in or considering moving to Winslow.

Winslow, a small town nestled in the heart of rural Indiana, presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare access. The town itself lacks a major hospital or comprehensive medical center. Residents must rely on transportation to neighboring communities for routine check-ups, specialized care, and emergency services. This reliance on external resources directly impacts the Overall Health Score, as it introduces potential barriers to timely and convenient medical attention.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Route**

The most common method of transportation for Winslow residents to access healthcare is undoubtedly by personal vehicle. The primary roadways serving the area are crucial to understanding the accessibility landscape. The most direct route to larger medical facilities typically involves navigating State Road 57. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience periods of heavy traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Heading north on State Road 57 leads towards Washington, Indiana, a town that houses Daviess Community Hospital, a vital resource for Winslow residents. The drive to Washington is approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This relatively short drive time is a significant positive factor in the Overall Health Score, suggesting relatively good access to basic medical care.

Southbound on State Road 57 connects Winslow to Oakland City, Indiana, a town that offers a smaller medical clinic and some specialized medical services. The drive to Oakland City is typically shorter, around 10-15 minutes. This provides an additional option for residents seeking more immediate care or specific medical needs.

Beyond these primary routes, residents may also utilize local roads like County Road 400 North and County Road 500 West to navigate the area. These roads, while offering alternative routes, can be less direct and potentially slower, especially during inclement weather. The availability of multiple routes, however, provides some flexibility in case of road closures or traffic congestion, slightly improving the Overall Health Score.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Winslow and the surrounding area are extremely limited. This is a significant negative factor in the Overall Health Score, as it restricts healthcare access for those who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or are unable to afford ride-sharing services.

The closest public transit system is likely the Dubois County Transit, though its routes and frequency of service are not specifically designed to serve Winslow. Even if a resident could utilize this system, the journey would likely involve multiple transfers and significantly increased travel times. The lack of direct routes and the potential for long wait times severely limit the viability of public transit for healthcare access.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on any potential public transit options is questionable. This lack of accessibility poses a serious challenge for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments, further decreasing the Overall Health Score for this demographic. The absence of robust public transit options is a major concern for Winslow residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Patchwork of Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is not guaranteed, and their availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. The reliance on ride-sharing services, while providing an alternative to personal vehicles, introduces an element of uncertainty and potential financial strain, impacting the Overall Health Score.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, are available for those who require assistance with mobility or have specific medical needs. These services are often used for transporting patients to and from appointments, dialysis treatments, or other medical procedures. However, these services can be expensive and may require prior arrangements, making them less accessible for urgent or unplanned medical needs. The availability of medical transport services, while essential for some, does not fully compensate for the lack of other readily available transportation options, slightly improving the Overall Health Score.

**Overall Health Score: A Mixed Picture**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Winslow, Indiana (ZIP Code 47598) presents a mixed picture. The primary advantage is the relatively short drive times to nearby medical facilities in Washington and Oakland City. This accessibility, facilitated by State Road 57, provides a foundation for healthcare access.

However, the significant limitations in public transit options and the reliance on potentially expensive or unreliable ride-sharing services negatively impact the Overall Health Score. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options can create barriers for those without personal vehicles, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The absence of a local hospital or comprehensive medical center within Winslow itself further underscores the importance of transportation. The community’s health is directly dependent on its ability to travel to external healthcare providers.

**Moving to Winslow: Considerations for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Winslow, the availability of reliable transportation should be a primary consideration. Those who do not own a vehicle or have limited mobility should carefully evaluate the challenges of accessing healthcare in the area. The lack of robust public transit and the potential cost of ride-sharing services could significantly impact their ability to receive timely and convenient medical care.

While the short drive times to nearby towns offer some reassurance, the overall healthcare access in Winslow is less than ideal. The community could benefit from increased investment in public transportation, ride-sharing subsidies, or other initiatives to improve healthcare access for all residents. The Overall Health Score, while not dire, highlights the need for continued efforts to improve transportation options and ensure that all Winslow residents can easily access the healthcare they need.