The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43501, Alvordton, Ohio is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
75.50 percent of residents in 43501 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Community Hospitals And Wellness Centers with a distance of 9.28 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 43501, Alvordton, Ohio
Breast Cancer Score | 56 |
---|---|
People Score | 73 |
Provider Score | 49 |
Hospital Score | 37 |
Travel Score | 42 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 43501 | Alvordton | Ohio |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 4.10 | 4.10 | 3.02 |
1 Car | 4.10 | 4.10 | 19.26 |
2 Cars | 31.55 | 31.55 | 42.63 |
3 or More Cars | 60.25 | 60.25 | 35.08 |
Vehicular Access in 43501, Alvordton, Ohio
**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Alvordton, Ohio (ZIP Code 43501)**
The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is a complex one, often fraught with emotional and physical challenges. In the rural landscape of Alvordton, Ohio (ZIP Code 43501), this journey is further complicated by the limitations of transportation. This report assesses the breast cancer score, a composite measure of healthcare accessibility, focusing on transportation options available to residents. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, offering a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking breast cancer care.
The foundation of this score rests on the availability of timely access to essential healthcare services. This includes diagnostic imaging, surgical interventions, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care services. A high score reflects ease of access, while a low score indicates significant barriers. The evaluation is critical for residents, especially those considering moving to Alvordton, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and effective breast cancer treatment.
**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**
For residents of Alvordton, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities is by personal vehicle. The nearest hospitals and cancer centers are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel on local roadways and highways.
The primary artery for travel is **US-20A**, which provides a direct route to Bryan, Ohio, approximately a 20-minute drive. Bryan offers some medical facilities, but for specialized breast cancer care, residents often need to travel further.
**US-20** is another critical route, connecting Alvordton to larger cities like Toledo, Ohio, approximately a 60- to 90-minute drive. This journey, though longer, opens access to comprehensive cancer centers with advanced treatment options.
Traveling south, **State Route 15** offers an alternative route, connecting to Defiance, Ohio, roughly a 30- to 45-minute drive. Defiance provides local healthcare options, though the scope of breast cancer services may be limited compared to Toledo.
The drive times mentioned are estimates and can vary significantly based on traffic conditions, weather, and time of day. Rural roads, particularly in winter, can be treacherous, adding to the challenges of healthcare access. This underscores the importance of reliable transportation and the potential impact of adverse conditions on a patient’s ability to receive timely care.
**Public Transit: A Sparse Network**
Public transportation options in Alvordton and the surrounding areas are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to their illness or treatment side effects.
There is no fixed-route bus service operating directly within Alvordton. The nearest public transit options may be available in larger cities like Bryan or Defiance, but these services are often infrequent, with limited routes and operating hours.
**ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Accessibility:**
The lack of readily available public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. Even if limited public transit options exist, their ADA compliance must be carefully considered. This includes wheelchair accessibility, ramps, and other features that ensure equal access for all riders.
The absence of comprehensive public transit forces residents to rely on alternative transportation methods, which can be costly and inconvenient. This scarcity of options contributes to a lower breast cancer score for the area.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**
In the absence of robust public transit, ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers play a crucial role in bridging the healthcare access gap.
**Ride-Sharing Services:**
Uber and Lyft are available in the region, though their availability and response times may vary depending on the time of day and location. Residents of Alvordton may experience longer wait times or higher fares compared to those in urban areas.
The reliability of ride-sharing services is essential for patients who need to attend regular appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up care. The potential for delays or cancellations can disrupt treatment schedules and add to the stress of an already difficult situation.
**Medical Transportation Services:**
Several medical transportation providers operate in the area, offering specialized services for patients who require assistance with transportation. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers who can assist patients with mobility challenges.
Medical transportation services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing services, but they offer a higher level of care and support. The availability and cost of these services can significantly impact the breast cancer score, especially for patients who cannot drive or have limited mobility.
**Medical Transportation Brands:**
* **CareRide:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **Other local providers:** Smaller, independent medical transportation companies may also operate in the area.
**The Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**
The breast cancer score for Alvordton, Ohio (ZIP Code 43501), is relatively low due to the limitations in transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of a robust public transit system, and the potential challenges with ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score.
**Factors Contributing to the Score:**
* **Drive Times:** The drive times to cancer centers and hospitals are moderate, but the reliance on personal vehicles can be a barrier for some residents.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of public transit significantly limits healthcare access.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services are available but may have longer wait times and higher fares.
* **Medical Transportation:** Medical transportation services are available but can be costly.
**Recommendations:**
* **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Local authorities should explore options for expanding public transit services to improve healthcare access.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Programs:** Encourage partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted fares or transportation assistance.
* **Support Medical Transportation Services:** Provide financial assistance or subsidies to make medical transportation services more affordable.
* **Community Education:** Educate residents about available transportation options and resources.
**Conclusion: Navigating the Road to Recovery**
The journey through breast cancer is arduous, and the challenges of transportation add another layer of difficulty. For residents of Alvordton, Ohio, the limitations in transportation options create significant barriers to healthcare access. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including improvements to public transit, support for ride-sharing services, and increased access to medical transportation. By working together, the community can improve the breast cancer score and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to receive timely and effective care. For those considering moving to Alvordton, a careful assessment of these transportation limitations is essential to ensure adequate healthcare access.
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