41812, Deane, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 41812, Deane, Kentucky is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

6.78 percent of residents in 41812 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Whitesburg Arh Hospital with a distance of 9.36 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 41812**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 41812, the heart of Deane, Kentucky, demands a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. The ability to reach medical facilities promptly and reliably is a critical determinant of overall health, influencing everything from preventative care to emergency response. This assessment provides a detailed overview of the available transportation infrastructure, considering both its strengths and weaknesses, ultimately offering an "Overall Health Score" reflective of healthcare accessibility for residents.

The topography of Deane presents unique challenges. The area, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, is characterized by winding roads and significant elevation changes. These geographical constraints impact transportation infrastructure, limiting the availability of certain modes and increasing travel times. Understanding these limitations is essential for accurately evaluating healthcare access.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary artery serving Deane is Kentucky Route 7, a two-lane highway that meanders through the rugged terrain. Accessing healthcare often necessitates travel on this road, connecting Deane to larger towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated. The condition of Route 7 is generally adequate, but its winding nature and potential for inclement weather-related closures can significantly impact drive times.

Further complicating matters, secondary roads like KY-1428 and KY-3405 provide access to more remote areas within the ZIP code. However, these roads are often narrower, less well-maintained, and subject to greater risks during periods of heavy rain or snowfall.

The nearest hospital, Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive from Deane, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions. This drive typically involves travel on KY-7. Other healthcare options, such as specialized clinics or larger hospitals in Pikeville or Hazard, necessitate longer journeys, often exceeding an hour. These trips would involve navigating KY-7 and connecting to US-119 or the Mountain Parkway.

The drive times are a critical factor in healthcare access. Longer travel times can delay treatment, particularly in emergencies, and may discourage individuals from seeking routine medical care. The health score is affected by the drive times.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in the 41812 ZIP code are limited. The primary provider is the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD), which offers demand-response transportation services. These services, often referred to as "dial-a-ride," require advance booking and are primarily designed for individuals with mobility limitations or those who lack access to personal vehicles.

The availability of KRADD services is a significant advantage for those who cannot drive. However, the demand-response nature of the service means that wait times can vary, and trips must be scheduled in advance. This can be challenging for urgent medical needs or spontaneous appointments.

The KRADD vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts and accessible seating. This ensures that individuals with disabilities can access the transportation services. The limited scope of public transit, however, presents a challenge for the general population.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in the Deane area. This lack of ride-sharing options significantly restricts access to healthcare for those who do not have personal vehicles or are unable to drive.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available, but their availability and cost can vary. These services often cater to individuals with specific medical needs, such as those requiring assistance with mobility or those who have difficulty arranging their own transportation.

The cost of medical transportation can be a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. The availability of such services, while a positive factor, does not fully compensate for the lack of broader transportation options.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Deane:**

The transportation challenges in Deane directly impact healthcare access. The combination of long drive times, limited public transportation, and the absence of ride-sharing services creates significant barriers for residents seeking medical care. This is a critical consideration for anyone considering moving to Deane.

The ability to reach healthcare facilities quickly and easily is a fundamental aspect of a healthy community. The current transportation infrastructure in the 41812 ZIP code presents a challenge to achieving optimal health outcomes.

**Overall Health Score:**

Considering the factors discussed above, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 41812 is **moderate**. The availability of KRADD services and medical transportation options provides some level of support. However, the limitations of these services, coupled with the long drive times and lack of ride-sharing options, significantly hinder access to healthcare for many residents.

The score reflects the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure to enhance healthcare access. This could include exploring options to expand public transportation services, partnering with ride-sharing companies, or investing in infrastructure improvements to reduce drive times. The health of the community depends on it.