48028, Harsens Island, Michigan Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 48028, Harsens Island, Michigan is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.39 percent of residents in 48028 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension River District Hospital with a distance of 14.82 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 48028 (Harsens Island)

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, particularly for residents of Harsens Island (ZIP code 48028). This write-up provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare accessibility. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking medical care.

Harsens Island, a unique community nestled in the St. Clair Flats, presents distinct transportation challenges. The island's remoteness necessitates careful consideration of commute times and available resources when evaluating healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the realities of accessing medical services from this geographically isolated location.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for residents of Harsens Island is personal vehicles. The journey to the mainland, where most healthcare facilities are located, begins with a ferry crossing. The ferry operates frequently, but wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season.

Once on the mainland, the primary route to healthcare facilities involves navigating local roads and highways. Heading towards the city of Algonac, residents will use the main road, M-29 (Saint Clair River Drive). This road provides access to various medical clinics and the Algonac Medical Center. Drive times to Algonac are typically 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and ferry wait times.

For more specialized care, residents often travel further. Heading south on M-29, then east on I-94 (the major interstate), provides access to hospitals and medical centers in the Detroit metropolitan area. A trip to Detroit, depending on the destination and traffic, can take upwards of an hour and a half. This longer drive time significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or requiring urgent care.

Alternative routes involve using local roads like Marsh Road and others, which can be useful in avoiding traffic congestion on M-29. However, these roads may be less well-maintained and offer fewer amenities. The drive time to various healthcare facilities is significantly affected by the ferry schedule, traffic conditions, and distance.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transportation options are limited in the area surrounding Harsens Island. The St. Clair County Transit System (SCCTS) provides some bus services in the region, but these routes do not directly serve Harsens Island. The closest SCCTS routes are in Algonac and Marine City.

These routes, while potentially accessible via a drive and transfer, are not ideal for residents with mobility limitations or those who rely on public transit for their primary mode of transportation. The lack of direct public transit significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score," particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. The absence of readily available public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on SCCTS buses is a crucial factor. All SCCTS buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of convenient routes and the necessity of transfers can still pose challenges.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Evaluation:**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Detroit metropolitan area, but their presence on Harsens Island is limited. Availability is often unreliable, and wait times can be significantly longer than in more densely populated areas. This unreliability severely impacts the "Overall Health Score" for those who rely on ride-sharing for transportation.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available in the area. These services, which often cater to individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive, can be a valuable resource. However, availability and cost can vary significantly depending on the provider and the destination.

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including First Transit and several local providers. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options. The "Overall Health Score" is slightly improved by the presence of medical transport, but the limitations in availability and cost remain a concern.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP code 48028 is moderately low. While residents have access to medical facilities, the transportation challenges significantly impact the ease and timeliness of accessing care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the unreliability of ride-share services all contribute to a lower score.

The ferry schedule, traffic congestion, and distance to healthcare facilities add further complexity. Individuals with chronic conditions, those requiring urgent care, and those without personal transportation face the greatest challenges.

The "Overall Health Score" is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Harsens Island. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements before making a decision.

**Recommendations and Conclusion:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" requires addressing the transportation challenges. Potential solutions include:

* **Advocating for improved public transit:** Exploring the feasibility of extending SCCTS routes to Harsens Island or establishing a shuttle service to connect residents with existing routes.
* **Promoting ride-share accessibility:** Working with ride-share companies to increase service availability and reliability on the island.
* **Supporting medical transport services:** Providing resources and information to residents about available medical transport options and assisting with the cost of these services.
* **Community awareness:** Educating residents about the available transportation options and the importance of planning for healthcare appointments.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" in ZIP code 48028 reflects the need for a multifaceted approach to improving healthcare access. Addressing transportation barriers is crucial to ensuring that all residents can access the medical care they need, when they need it. A focus on these improvements would benefit the community and increase the appeal for those considering moving to Harsens Island. The island's unique location demands innovative solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access for all its residents.