42452, Robards, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 42452, Robards, Kentucky is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.94 percent of residents in 42452 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Deaconess Henderson Hospital with a distance of 12.25 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Robards, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42452)**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Robards, Kentucky, requires understanding the transportation infrastructure available to residents. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" by examining the accessibility of medical services, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods. It aims to paint a clear picture for anyone considering moving to Robards, ensuring they can readily access the care they need.

The "Overall Health Score" will be determined by analyzing the ease of reaching various healthcare facilities from the heart of Robards. Factors like distance, road conditions, and available transportation options will be considered. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking medical attention.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

The primary mode of transportation in Robards is the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on the road network to access healthcare facilities. Driving times are significantly impacted by the location of these facilities relative to Robards.

The major thoroughfare serving Robards is US-41, a crucial artery for accessing healthcare in Henderson, Kentucky. A drive to the Methodist Hospital in Henderson via US-41 typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, making it a primary destination for many residents.

Another important route is KY-425, which connects to US-60, providing access to facilities in Owensboro, Kentucky. The drive to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, the major healthcare provider in Owensboro, typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This longer commute reflects the greater distance but offers access to a broader spectrum of specialized medical care.

Smaller roads like KY-136 and KY-1079 also play a role in local transportation, connecting Robards to neighboring communities and smaller medical clinics. These roads offer alternative routes, but they may be less direct and potentially slower than the major highways. Road conditions, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation options in Robards are limited. Henderson Area Rapid Transit (HART) provides bus services within Henderson, but routes directly serving Robards are not available. Residents would need to arrange transportation to Henderson to utilize HART services.

The lack of direct public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. This limitation can restrict healthcare access, especially for those who cannot afford ride-sharing services.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on HART buses is a critical consideration for individuals with disabilities. HART strives to provide accessible services, but the lack of direct routes to Robards remains a barrier.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Henderson and Owensboro areas. However, their availability in Robards may be limited, and wait times could be longer than in more densely populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available. These services are typically used for individuals who require assistance with transportation due to medical conditions or disabilities.

Several medical transport brands, including AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services, operate in the area. These services provide transportation to and from medical appointments, but they can be costly and may require advance booking.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Moving to Robards**

The "Overall Health Score" for Robards, Kentucky, is significantly influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access. While the drive times to major hospitals in Henderson and Owensboro are manageable, the lack of robust public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create challenges for some residents.

For individuals considering moving to Robards, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Those without reliable transportation may face difficulties accessing healthcare, especially for regular appointments or in emergencies.

The availability of medical transportation services offers an alternative, but the cost and scheduling requirements must be considered. Individuals with specific healthcare needs should carefully assess the accessibility of specialized medical services in the surrounding areas.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Robards, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42452) is moderately positive. The relatively short drive times to major hospitals in Henderson offer good access to essential medical services. However, the lack of public transportation and potential limitations of ride-sharing services present challenges for some residents.

The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of vehicle ownership and maintenance. Residents must also consider the potential costs associated with medical transportation services.

**Recommendations**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for Robards, several recommendations can be made.

* **Advocate for Expanded Public Transit:** Exploring the feasibility of extending HART bus routes to serve Robards would significantly improve healthcare access for residents without personal vehicles.
* **Promote Ride-Share Awareness:** Encouraging ride-sharing services to increase their presence in Robards and providing information about their availability and cost could improve accessibility.
* **Support Medical Transportation:** Providing information about medical transportation services and exploring options for financial assistance could help residents who require assistance with transportation.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Supporting community health initiatives that focus on preventative care and health education can help reduce the need for frequent medical appointments.

By addressing these recommendations, Robards can enhance its "Overall Health Score" and create a more accessible healthcare environment for all residents, making it an even more attractive place to live.