42236, Herndon, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 42236, Herndon, Kentucky is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.21 percent of residents in 42236 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Blanchfield Ach (Ft Campbell) with a distance of 11.18 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 42236

This analysis evaluates the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP Code 42236, focusing on transportation options and their impact on overall health. We'll explore the various modes of transportation available, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, to determine the ease with which residents can access essential medical care. This information is crucial for individuals considering moving to Herndon, Kentucky, and understanding the healthcare landscape.

The overall health score considers drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in this specific geographic area.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents in 42236 is likely personal vehicles. Understanding drive times to healthcare facilities is critical. Residents will primarily utilize US-68, a major thoroughfare connecting Herndon to larger towns and cities. Traveling east on US-68 towards Hopkinsville, the county seat, provides access to the Jennie Stuart Medical Center, a significant healthcare provider. The drive is typically around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the ZIP code.

Other important roads include Kentucky Route 109, which offers a north-south connection, and various county roads that provide access to local clinics and healthcare providers. Drive times on these roads can vary significantly depending on their condition and the time of day. The condition of these roads is a factor that affects healthcare access.

The availability of well-maintained roads and the proximity of healthcare facilities directly impact the ability of residents to receive timely medical attention.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in 42236 are limited. Christian County, where Herndon is located, does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents.

The absence of regular bus routes can create barriers to healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or afford ride-sharing services. The lack of public transportation necessitates reliance on other methods, like family, friends, or medical transport.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Hopkinsville area, but their availability and reliability in the more rural areas of 42236 can be variable. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those provided by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services often require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. These are vital for healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access Assessment:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 42236 is moderately impacted by the transportation options. While the drive to Jennie Stuart Medical Center is relatively short, the lack of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create challenges for some residents. The availability of medical transport services helps mitigate some of these issues.

For individuals considering moving to Herndon, it's essential to factor in transportation needs when assessing healthcare access. Those who rely on public transportation or have limited mobility should carefully evaluate their options and consider the potential challenges.

**Specific Healthcare Facilities and Drive Times:**

* **Jennie Stuart Medical Center (Hopkinsville):** 15-20 minutes via US-68. This is the primary hospital and offers a wide range of services.
* **Local Clinics (Herndon and surrounding areas):** Drive times vary depending on the specific clinic and location, but are generally shorter than the drive to the hospital.
* **Specialty Clinics (Hopkinsville and beyond):** Drive times will vary, potentially requiring longer journeys depending on the specialty.

**ADA Accessibility:**

It's important to assess the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of healthcare facilities and transportation options. Jennie Stuart Medical Center is compliant with ADA standards, providing accessible entrances, parking, and patient rooms. Ride-sharing services are required to provide accessible vehicles upon request, but availability may vary.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocate for expanded public transportation options:** Exploring the possibility of establishing a local bus route or partnering with existing regional transit systems could significantly improve healthcare access for residents.
* **Promote ride-sharing programs:** Encourage local partnerships to subsidize ride-sharing costs for low-income residents or those with limited mobility.
* **Increase awareness of medical transport services:** Provide information about available medical transport services and eligibility requirements to residents.
* **Support telehealth initiatives:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine checkups and consultations.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 42236 is influenced by the availability of transportation options. While the drive to the main hospital is reasonable, the absence of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services present challenges for some residents. Individuals considering moving to Herndon should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. By addressing the transportation barriers and promoting accessible healthcare options, the community can improve the overall health and well-being of its residents. The integration of transportation solutions is key to improving healthcare access.