41819, Gordon, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 41819, Gordon, Kentucky is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 41819 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Harlan Arh Hospital with a distance of 17.27 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Gordon, KY (ZIP Code 41819)

The health and well-being of a community are intricately woven into the fabric of its access to healthcare. In the remote, mountainous terrain of Gordon, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41819), the very act of reaching a doctor, dentist, or specialist presents a unique set of challenges. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' for residents of Gordon, focusing specifically on the accessibility of healthcare services, considering the dominant transportation landscape.

The score will be determined by factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, providing a nuanced understanding of the barriers and opportunities that exist for residents seeking essential medical care. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering **moving to Gordon**, as healthcare access is a critical consideration for overall quality of life.

The remoteness of Gordon significantly impacts healthcare accessibility. The nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are located in neighboring towns and cities, demanding significant travel time. The primary arteries for **transportation** in and out of Gordon are Kentucky Route 119 (KY-119), a winding two-lane highway that snakes its way through the mountains, and Kentucky Route 1428 (KY-1428), which provides a connection to KY-119. These routes, while scenic, are often subject to delays due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, and the winding nature of the roads.

Drive times to the closest healthcare facilities can vary significantly depending on the destination and the specific location within Gordon. To Whitesburg, Kentucky, home to the Whitesburg ARH Hospital, the drive via KY-119 typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, covering approximately 20 miles. Traveling to Pikeville, Kentucky, where Pikeville Medical Center is located, involves a longer journey, approximately 50 to 75 minutes via KY-119 and US-23, a distance of roughly 40 miles.

These drive times, while manageable for some, can pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility issues, chronic conditions, or those lacking reliable personal vehicles. The mountainous terrain and winding roads also increase the risk of accidents, further complicating the journey to receive medical attention. This highlights the importance of considering alternative **transportation** options.

Public transit options in Gordon are extremely limited. The primary mode of public **transportation** is the Mountain Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) Transit, which offers a demand-response service. This means that residents must schedule rides in advance, and the availability of service is subject to limitations. The MCCC Transit operates primarily within Letcher County, which includes Gordon.

While the MCCC Transit provides an essential service for those unable to drive or without access to a vehicle, its capacity is limited, and the service is not always readily available for immediate medical needs. Furthermore, the vehicles may not always be fully equipped with ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair lifts, potentially creating barriers for individuals with disabilities. The lack of a robust public transit system significantly impacts the **healthcare access** for Gordon residents.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually non-existent in Gordon. The limited population density and the remoteness of the area make it economically unfeasible for these companies to operate. This leaves residents with limited options for spontaneous or urgent medical needs, further exacerbating the challenges of **healthcare access**.

Medical transport services play a crucial role in bridging the gap in **transportation** for residents of Gordon. Several companies provide ambulance and non-emergency medical **transportation** services to the area. These services are typically used for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, hospital discharges, and other healthcare-related needs.

The availability of medical transport services is a significant asset for Gordon residents. However, these services can be costly, and the response times may vary depending on the availability of vehicles and personnel. The reliance on medical transport also underscores the lack of readily available alternative **transportation** options.

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Gordon, KY (ZIP Code 41819) is significantly impacted by the challenges outlined above. The combination of long drive times, limited public transit, the absence of ride-share services, and the reliance on medical transport creates a complex web of barriers to **healthcare access**.

The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially resulting in poorer health outcomes. The remoteness of Gordon and the limited resources available also contribute to a sense of isolation, further impacting the overall well-being of residents. This is a crucial factor for anyone **moving to Gordon**.

The challenges of **healthcare access** in Gordon are not insurmountable. Several potential solutions could improve the overall health score for the community. Investing in and expanding the MCCC Transit system, including the addition of ADA-compliant vehicles and increasing the frequency of service, would be a significant step forward.

Exploring partnerships with neighboring communities to establish shared **transportation** resources could also expand the options available to residents. Encouraging the development of telemedicine services, which allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, could reduce the need for physical travel.

Furthermore, promoting community-based programs that provide assistance with medical **transportation** costs, such as volunteer driver networks or subsidized ride-sharing programs, could help alleviate the financial burden on residents. These interventions, coupled with efforts to improve road infrastructure and ensure the availability of emergency medical services, would contribute to a healthier and more accessible healthcare environment for the residents of Gordon.

The overall health score for Gordon is, therefore, negatively impacted by the limited **transportation** options and the challenges they present for **healthcare access**. While medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline, the reliance on these services, coupled with long drive times and the absence of ride-share options, creates significant barriers to accessing essential medical care.

For individuals considering **moving to Gordon**, it is crucial to carefully assess their healthcare needs and consider the challenges of accessing medical services. Understanding the **transportation** landscape and the available resources is essential for making an informed decision and ensuring a high quality of life in this remote, yet beautiful, Kentucky community. The community’s health hinges on improving these crucial connections.