43457, Risingsun, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43457, Risingsun, Ohio is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.43 percent of residents in 43457 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital with a distance of 15.72 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Risingsun, Ohio (ZIP Code 43457)**

The journey to quality breast cancer care is often fraught with challenges, even before the diagnosis. For residents of Risingsun, Ohio (ZIP Code 43457), understanding the nuances of transportation options is crucial. This analysis, a “Breast Cancer Score,” assesses the accessibility of healthcare facilities offering breast cancer services, considering the available transportation infrastructure. We delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access for those living in or considering moving to Risingsun.

Risingsun, a small village nestled in Wood County, presents a unique set of circumstances. While offering a sense of community, it also necessitates reliance on surrounding urban centers for specialized healthcare. The ability to reach these centers quickly and reliably becomes a critical factor in the timely diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

**Driving Directions: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents will be personal vehicles. The major thoroughfares influencing healthcare access are State Route 199 and State Route 65. These roads serve as vital arteries, connecting Risingsun to larger towns and cities where advanced medical facilities are located.

The drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer center, such as the one at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This route primarily involves traveling on State Route 199 north to US-23, followed by a connection to I-475 and then to the hospital. This journey requires careful planning, especially during peak hours.

Another viable option is the drive to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, Ohio. This trip, generally taking around 30-40 minutes, involves heading south on State Route 65. This route offers a potentially shorter commute, though it is important to consider traffic patterns and road conditions.

A third option is Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, which is approximately a 45-minute to an hour drive. The route involves traveling north on State Route 199 to US-23, then connecting to I-75 north to the hospital.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Risingsun are limited. Wood County, like many rural areas, faces challenges in providing robust public transit services. The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) offers a demand-response transportation service, primarily aimed at seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while valuable, requires advance booking and may not always be readily available for urgent medical appointments.

The accessibility of public transit is a significant concern for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The lack of frequent, reliable bus routes creates a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals undergoing treatment that may affect their ability to drive. ADA-compliant features are available on WCCOA vehicles, which is critical for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Toledo and Findlay areas. However, their availability in Risingsun itself may be limited, and wait times could be considerable. This presents a challenge for those needing immediate transportation to medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as First Call Ambulance and ProMedica Transportation Services, offer specialized transportation for patients requiring assistance. These services are particularly beneficial for individuals who are unable to drive or have mobility issues. However, medical transport is often more expensive than other transportation options and may require prior authorization or medical necessity documentation.

**Assessing the Breast Cancer Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for Risingsun reflects a mixed bag of healthcare access realities. While driving times to nearby hospitals are manageable, the limited public transit options and potential ride-sharing challenges pose difficulties. The availability of medical transport services provides a safety net, but it is not a comprehensive solution.

The score highlights the need for proactive planning. Patients must consider their transportation needs early in the treatment process, making arrangements for appointments and potential emergencies. The distance to healthcare facilities, while not insurmountable, necessitates careful consideration of travel time and potential delays.

**Moving to Risingsun: Considerations for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Risingsun, healthcare access should be a priority. Before making a decision, prospective residents should research the availability of transportation options and the proximity of healthcare facilities. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services is crucial.

The Breast Cancer Score emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach to healthcare access. It underscores the need for individuals to have a reliable means of transportation, whether it is a personal vehicle, ride-sharing, or medical transport. It also highlights the value of community support networks, such as family, friends, and local organizations, that can provide assistance with transportation.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The journey through breast cancer treatment is complex, and the challenges of transportation can add to the burden. For residents of Risingsun, Ohio, understanding the available transportation options is a critical step in ensuring timely access to quality care. By carefully considering drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, individuals can navigate the healthcare landscape with greater confidence. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not merely about the presence of medical facilities but also about the ability to reach them safely and efficiently.