48145, La Salle, Michigan Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 48145, La Salle, Michigan is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.40 percent of residents in 48145 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital with a distance of 6.01 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 48145 (La Salle, MI)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. In the context of ZIP Code 48145, encompassing La Salle, Michigan, this access is heavily influenced by the efficiency and availability of **transportation** options. This analysis, crafting an “Overall Health Score,” will delve into the commute dynamics, assessing drive times, public transit, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare accessibility for residents. This information is particularly relevant for those considering **moving to La Salle**, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** in and out of La Salle are US-24 (Telegraph Road) and US-12 (Michigan Avenue). These major thoroughfares, while offering direct routes to various healthcare facilities, are often subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The drive time to the nearest major hospital, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, located in Monroe, can fluctuate significantly. Under ideal conditions, the journey is approximately 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hour, this can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, impacting the immediacy of care.

The secondary roads, such as Lewis Avenue and North Dixie Highway, provide alternative routes, but they are generally slower and less direct. These roads are often affected by local traffic and potential delays caused by school zones or construction. Careful consideration of these variables is crucial when assessing the overall commute time, especially for those with chronic health conditions or requiring regular medical appointments.

Public **transportation** options within 48145 are limited. The Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA) operates a fixed-route bus service, but its coverage in La Salle is infrequent. Route 1, the primary route serving the area, offers limited service, with buses running on a schedule that may not align with the needs of healthcare appointments. The MCTA does provide ADA-accessible buses, but the frequency and route coverage pose a challenge for residents relying on public transit for their healthcare needs.

The lack of robust public **transportation** necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles or alternative options. This highlights the importance of considering the availability of ride-sharing services. Uber and Lyft operate in the Monroe area, offering a potential solution for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. However, the availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or for appointments in the early morning or late evening, can be unpredictable. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a critical role in healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or requiring specialized care. The availability and response times of these services are crucial factors in the overall health score. Ambulance services are readily available in the area, but the response time can be affected by traffic conditions, especially when traveling to hospitals located outside of La Salle.

NEMT services, which provide transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who are unable to drive themselves, are also available. These services often require pre-booking and may have limited availability, particularly for appointments scheduled on short notice. The quality and reliability of these services can significantly impact the ability of residents to maintain their medical appointments and manage their health conditions effectively.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 48145 is therefore influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The dependence on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, and the reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to the overall picture. This analysis is particularly crucial for anyone considering **moving to La Salle**, as it underscores the importance of evaluating their individual needs and circumstances when assessing the healthcare landscape.

The geographical proximity of healthcare facilities, such as ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, offers a degree of convenience. However, the reliance on US-24 and US-12 for access to these facilities introduces the potential for delays due to traffic congestion. The lack of robust public **transportation** further exacerbates the challenges for residents without personal vehicles.

The availability of ride-sharing services, while offering a potential solution, is subject to driver availability and cost considerations. Medical **transportation** services provide a vital lifeline for those with mobility limitations, but their availability and response times can also impact healthcare access. The overall health score is not simply a matter of distance; it is a multifaceted assessment of the ease, reliability, and affordability of accessing healthcare services.

The overall health score for healthcare access in La Salle is therefore a nuanced assessment. While the proximity to healthcare facilities provides a degree of convenience, the limitations in **transportation** options present challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the infrequent public transit, and the potential for delays due to traffic congestion all contribute to a less-than-ideal score.

For those considering **moving to La Salle**, a thorough understanding of these factors is essential. Evaluating individual needs, such as mobility limitations, income levels, and frequency of medical appointments, is crucial. Exploring alternative **transportation** options, such as ride-sharing services or medical transport, is also recommended.

The overall health score is not static; it is subject to change based on various factors. Infrastructure improvements, such as road widening or the expansion of public transit services, could positively impact the score. Conversely, increased traffic congestion or a reduction in the availability of ride-sharing services could negatively impact it.

Therefore, residents of 48145 must remain vigilant in assessing their healthcare access needs and adapting to the evolving **transportation** landscape. This proactive approach will ensure that they can effectively navigate the challenges and maintain their health and well-being. The health score, then, is a dynamic measure of the community's ability to connect its residents with the care they need, when they need it.