41835, Mc Roberts, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 41835, Mc Roberts, Kentucky is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

24.10 percent of residents in 41835 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Whitesburg Arh Hospital with a distance of 10.20 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Mc Roberts, KY (ZIP Code 41835)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Mc Roberts, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41835) necessitates a deep dive into the critical intersection of **transportation** and **healthcare access**. This mountainous region presents unique challenges, demanding a comprehensive evaluation of available options for reaching medical facilities. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a picture of the barriers and opportunities faced by individuals seeking care. This analysis is particularly relevant for those **moving to Mc Roberts**, as healthcare accessibility is a fundamental aspect of quality of life.

Mc Roberts, nestled in the heart of Letcher County, Kentucky, is a community characterized by its natural beauty and relative isolation. The rugged terrain significantly impacts **transportation** infrastructure, influencing the ease with which residents can access essential services like healthcare. The overall health score will reflect these geographical limitations, alongside the available resources designed to mitigate them.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

The primary artery serving Mc Roberts is US Route 119, a two-lane highway that winds through the mountainous landscape. Traveling to the nearest hospitals in Pikeville, approximately 25 miles away, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. This is particularly challenging during inclement weather, when snow and ice can make travel treacherous.

The primary hospital in Pikeville is Pikeville Medical Center. The drive to this facility involves navigating US Route 119, which then merges onto US Route 23 South. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours or when accidents occur.

Other healthcare options, such as specialized clinics or hospitals in Hazard, are further afield, requiring travel on KY Route 15. The drive to Hazard, approximately 50 miles, can easily exceed an hour and a half. These extended travel times contribute significantly to the overall health score, as they can delay access to urgent care and increase the stress associated with seeking routine medical attention. The narrow, winding roads also pose challenges for those with mobility issues or those requiring emergency medical services.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Mc Roberts are extremely limited. The Letcher County Fiscal Court operates a demand-response system, providing transportation services to residents. However, the availability of this service is restricted, often requiring advance booking and limited operating hours. This system may not be suitable for urgent medical needs or for those requiring frequent appointments.

Furthermore, the Letcher County system lacks many ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair lifts or ramps. This further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments, significantly impacting their **healthcare access**. The lack of a robust public transit system is a major factor in the overall health score, particularly for those without personal vehicles.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally unavailable in Mc Roberts and the surrounding areas. This absence leaves residents reliant on personal vehicles, family members, or the limited public transit options. The lack of ride-sharing services presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for those who are unable to drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are available but can be expensive. Ambulance services are crucial for emergency situations, but the cost can be a significant burden for many residents. NEMT services offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, but their availability and cost can vary.

Several medical transport providers, including private companies and local ambulance services, operate in the region. However, the response times and availability of these services can be impacted by the geographical challenges and the limited number of providers. The reliance on these specialized services, while essential, contributes to the overall cost of healthcare and can create additional logistical hurdles.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for Mc Roberts, Kentucky, is negatively impacted by the limited **transportation** options and the resulting challenges in **healthcare access**. The long drive times to medical facilities, the lack of public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for residents.

This situation is especially concerning for those with chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, or those who require frequent medical appointments. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation can lead to delayed or missed appointments, potentially worsening health outcomes.

For individuals **moving to Mc Roberts**, understanding these limitations is crucial. Careful consideration should be given to the availability of healthcare services and the feasibility of accessing them. Planning for transportation needs, including potential reliance on family members, medical transport services, or the limited public transit options, is essential.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving the overall health score for Mc Roberts requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in the local public transit system, including expanding routes, increasing frequency, and ensuring ADA compliance, is a critical step. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized services for medical appointments could also improve **healthcare access**.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding access to telemedicine could help bridge the geographical gap and provide convenient access to medical care. Supporting initiatives that improve road infrastructure and ensure safe travel conditions is also essential.

Finally, community outreach and education programs that inform residents about available **transportation** options and healthcare resources are vital. By addressing these challenges, the community can improve the overall health score and ensure that residents of Mc Roberts have equitable access to the healthcare they need. The overall health score for Mc Roberts reflects the need for enhanced **healthcare access** for its residents.