44693, Deersville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44693, Deersville, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.67 percent of residents in 44693 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aultman Hospital with a distance of 35.58 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44693 (Deersville, Ohio)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for the critical needs of breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex equation. It's not simply about the availability of medical professionals, but also the accessibility to them. This analysis, crafted for ZIP code 44693, Deersville, Ohio, examines the transportation landscape, weighing drive times, public transit options, and alternative mobility solutions, to determine a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can access vital breast cancer care. This assessment considers the unique challenges faced by residents in a rural setting, where transportation limitations can significantly impact healthcare access.

Deersville, a small village nestled in Harrison County, Ohio, presents a distinct challenge. The area is characterized by a limited public transportation infrastructure, making reliance on personal vehicles a necessity for most residents. This dependence, coupled with the geographical distances to specialized medical facilities, forms the core of our analysis. The Breast Cancer Score aims to quantify these factors, providing a clear picture of the transportation barriers faced by those seeking breast cancer care.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Care**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Deersville are the state routes and county roads that weave through the rolling hills. A critical factor in the Breast Cancer Score is the drive time to facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services, including mammography, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and radiation therapy. The nearest hospitals with these capabilities are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel.

The most direct route often involves navigating **State Route 22**, a vital east-west thoroughfare. Driving east on **State Route 22** leads to the hospitals in Cadiz, the county seat, which may offer some basic services. However, for more advanced care, the journey extends further. Heading west on **State Route 22**, one can reach facilities in Cambridge, a larger city with a broader range of medical specialists. Drive times vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but typically range from 30 minutes to an hour.

Another option is to travel south on **State Route 250**, a more winding road that connects to **Interstate 70**. This route offers faster access to Wheeling, West Virginia, which has a larger concentration of hospitals. However, the drive time is still significant, often exceeding an hour. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can add to the commute time, further impacting healthcare access. For those moving to Deersville, the need for reliable transportation is paramount.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Deersville and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. This severely impacts the Breast Cancer Score. There is no established bus route that directly serves Deersville. The absence of a reliable public transit system makes it difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare. This is particularly problematic for elderly residents, those with disabilities, and individuals who cannot afford or are unable to drive.

The lack of ADA-accessible public transit is another significant concern. Individuals with mobility challenges face additional barriers. The absence of wheelchair-accessible buses or paratransit services exacerbates the difficulties in accessing healthcare. This lack of accessibility contributes to a lower Breast Cancer Score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

In the absence of robust public transit, ride-share services and medical transportation options become critical. However, their availability in rural areas like Deersville can be limited. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have reduced service areas or higher fares due to the distance from major urban centers. This can make them an expensive option for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more specialized solution. These services provide transportation to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel. However, the availability of these services in Deersville may be limited, and they can be costly. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the cost and availability of these alternative transportation methods.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 44693 is derived from a combination of factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the presence of ride-share services, and the availability of medical transportation options. The score is weighted to reflect the importance of each factor. Longer drive times, the absence of public transit, and limited access to ride-share or medical transportation will negatively impact the score.

The score is not simply a number; it is a reflection of the real-world challenges faced by residents of Deersville in accessing vital breast cancer care. It highlights the need for improved transportation infrastructure and alternative mobility solutions. This is especially important for those considering moving to Deersville and need to understand the transportation challenges they may face.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

Improving the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 44693 requires a multi-faceted approach. Efforts should be focused on:

* Advocating for increased public transportation options, including the potential for demand-response services or partnerships with existing regional transit providers.
* Promoting the expansion of ride-share services and exploring the possibility of subsidized rides for medical appointments.
* Increasing the availability and awareness of medical transportation services.
* Supporting initiatives to improve road infrastructure and maintenance.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a critical tool for understanding the transportation barriers to healthcare access in Deersville. It underscores the need for proactive measures to improve mobility and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the essential services required for breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This is a vital consideration for anyone moving to Deersville, as transportation is a key component of healthcare access.