43505, Blakeslee, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43505, Blakeslee, Ohio is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.91 percent of residents in 43505 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Community Hospitals And Wellness Centers with a distance of 8.17 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Blakeslee, Ohio (ZIP Code 43505)

The decision to relocate, especially to a new community like Blakeslee, Ohio (ZIP Code 43505), often involves a complex web of considerations. Beyond the allure of a quieter pace and close-knit community, prospective residents must assess practicalities. Healthcare access, a critical element of well-being, demands careful scrutiny. This analysis delves into the breast cancer healthcare landscape, specifically focusing on transportation options within and around Blakeslee, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" to help inform your move.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't a formal medical assessment. Instead, it's a qualitative evaluation of transportation access to essential breast cancer healthcare services, considering drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing options. This helps prospective residents understand the ease or difficulty of accessing screenings, diagnoses, and treatments.

The primary healthcare provider in the immediate vicinity is the Community Health Professionals (CHP) facility in Bryan, Ohio. However, specialized breast cancer services, including mammography, biopsies, and oncology, are likely to require travel to larger medical centers. Our analysis will focus on reaching these facilities from Blakeslee.

**Driving Directions and Time Estimates:**

Blakeslee's location in Williams County necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most healthcare journeys. The major thoroughfare is US-6, which runs east-west through the heart of the village. Traveling west on US-6 provides access to Bryan, approximately a 15-minute drive. This offers access to CHP, which provides basic primary care services.

For more specialized care, the journey often extends to Fort Wayne, Indiana, approximately 45 miles west. This trip typically involves taking US-6 West to I-69 South. The drive, depending on traffic, can take around an hour and 15 minutes.

Another significant healthcare hub is Toledo, Ohio, roughly 70 miles northeast. This route necessitates taking US-6 East to the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90) East. This journey, with tolls and traffic, could take approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Toledo offers a wider range of specialized cancer centers, including those affiliated with ProMedica and Mercy Health.

**Public Transportation and Its Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Blakeslee and the surrounding areas are limited. Williams County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. The lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not own a vehicle.

While the county may offer limited transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities through agencies like the Williams County Council on Aging, these services often require advance booking and may have restrictions on destinations. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of these services should be verified directly with the relevant provider.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their reliability and availability in a rural area like Blakeslee can be variable. The presence of ride-sharing services is more consistent in larger cities like Fort Wayne and Toledo. The cost of these services for longer distances can be substantial, adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to appointments, offer a more specialized option. These services, provided by companies like LogistiCare or MTM (Medical Transportation Management), often contract with insurance providers and can offer transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, eligibility requirements and availability should be confirmed with your insurance provider.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on this analysis, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Blakeslee, Ohio (ZIP Code 43505) is moderately challenging. While the proximity to Bryan offers some primary care access, the need to travel to Fort Wayne or Toledo for specialized breast cancer services presents significant transportation challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles creates potential difficulties for those unable to drive. The limited public transportation options and the variability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges. Medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, but their availability and eligibility requirements must be carefully considered.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

Before moving to Blakeslee, prospective residents should:

* **Assess their healthcare needs:** Determine the frequency of appointments, treatments, and screenings required for breast cancer care.
* **Research insurance coverage:** Confirm which healthcare providers are in-network and whether transportation assistance is covered.
* **Investigate medical transportation options:** Contact insurance providers and medical transportation companies to understand eligibility and service availability.
* **Consider the practicality of driving:** Evaluate the feasibility of driving to appointments and the potential impact of travel time on their well-being.
* **Explore support networks:** Identify potential support systems, such as family, friends, or community organizations, who can provide transportation assistance.

**Conclusion:**

Relocating to a new community is a major life decision. While Blakeslee offers the charm of a rural setting, assessing healthcare access, particularly for specialized needs like breast cancer care, is crucial. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the importance of understanding transportation limitations and proactively planning for healthcare needs. By carefully considering these factors, prospective residents can make an informed decision and ensure access to the necessary care. The journey to healthcare in Blakeslee requires careful navigation, and preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining optimal health.