47831, Blanford, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47831, Blanford, Indiana is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 47831 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Union Hospital Clinton with a distance of 6.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47831

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Blanford, Indiana (ZIP Code 47831), necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of healthcare access. This encompasses evaluating the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach medical facilities, considering the limitations and opportunities presented by the existing transportation infrastructure. The ability to readily access healthcare services is a fundamental determinant of community well-being, influencing everything from preventative care to emergency response.

The primary mode of transportation for residents of Blanford is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The geographic reality of this rural community, nestled in Parke County, dictates that the vast majority of trips to healthcare providers will involve driving. This immediately establishes a dependence on the condition of local roadways and the distances to medical facilities.

The primary thoroughfare serving Blanford is **State Road 163**, which runs north-south through the heart of the community. This road provides a direct connection to the larger towns and cities where healthcare services are concentrated. Heading south on 163 leads to **State Road 59**, and then onto **US-40**, a major east-west artery. This route provides access to Terre Haute, approximately 25 miles away, the nearest city offering a comprehensive range of healthcare options. The drive time to Terre Haute can vary depending on traffic conditions, but typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

Going north on 163, one connects with **US-36**, which leads to Rockville, the county seat. Rockville offers some healthcare services, including a hospital, but its scope is considerably less than that of Terre Haute. The drive to Rockville is shorter, usually taking around 15 to 20 minutes.

The reliability of personal vehicle transportation is a key factor in the overall health score. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact access. Winter weather, with its potential for snow and ice, can make travel treacherous and delay or even prevent access to critical medical care. The cost of vehicle ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance, also poses a financial burden that can limit healthcare access for some residents.

Public transportation options in Blanford and the surrounding area are extremely limited. This represents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The absence of regular bus routes or other forms of public transportation necessitates reliance on alternative methods.

While there are no scheduled public bus routes serving Blanford, the Wabash Valley Transit (WVT) provides demand-response services in the area. These services are available to individuals who qualify, often based on income or disability. This is a crucial lifeline for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. However, the demand-response nature of the service means that rides must be scheduled in advance, potentially limiting immediate access to care. The WVT does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Terre Haute, but their presence in Blanford is less certain. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare transportation can be expensive, particularly for regular appointments, and the reliability of service may be a concern, especially in a rural area.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to medical appointments, are another option. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized care during transport. However, these services can be costly and may require pre-booking. The availability of such services in the Blanford area is another factor that needs to be considered.

For individuals considering moving to Blanford, understanding the challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare access is crucial. The reality is that healthcare access in this rural setting is heavily dependent on personal transportation. The absence of robust public transportation options and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services underscore the importance of vehicle ownership and the ability to drive.

The overall health score for Blanford, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. The community benefits from the proximity to Terre Haute, which offers a wide array of healthcare services. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation create potential barriers to access, especially for those with limited mobility, financial constraints, or those who cannot drive.

The future of healthcare access in Blanford may depend on the development of innovative transportation solutions. This could include expanding demand-response public transit services, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies, or promoting the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits. The implementation of any of these options would improve the overall health score for the community.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to the ease with which its residents can access healthcare. In Blanford, the transportation landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities is essential to improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The effectiveness of the healthcare system is directly impacted by transportation.