44802, Alvada, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44802, Alvada, Ohio is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.83 percent of residents in 44802 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health - Tiffin Hospital with a distance of 11.34 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44802 (Alvada, Ohio)**

The diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-altering event, demanding swift and comprehensive healthcare. For residents of Alvada, Ohio (ZIP Code 44802), the ability to access timely and quality medical care is paramount. This report assesses the ease of **transportation** to breast cancer treatment centers, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the challenges and opportunities in **healthcare access** within this community. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering **moving to Alvada**, offering insights into the practical realities of navigating the healthcare landscape.

Alvada, a small village in Seneca County, Ohio, presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialized medical services. The nearest facilities equipped to handle breast cancer diagnoses, treatment, and follow-up care are located in neighboring towns and cities. The primary determinant of the "Breast Cancer Score" is the commute time, factoring in the available **transportation** options and the potential impact of traffic, weather, and personal mobility limitations.

The most direct route to healthcare from Alvada typically involves driving. The primary highways serving the area are US-224 and SR-199. Depending on the specific destination, residents may also utilize SR-12 and SR-587. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly in the vicinity of larger towns like Tiffin and Findlay. The drive to Tiffin Mercy Hospital, a potential destination for initial screenings and some treatment, is approximately 15-20 minutes under normal conditions. However, this could extend significantly during rush hour or inclement weather.

For more specialized care, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, residents might need to travel to larger medical centers in Findlay or even further afield to Toledo or Columbus. The drive to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, a regional medical center, is roughly 30-40 minutes via US-224 and I-75. The commute to Toledo, home to the University of Toledo Medical Center and other comprehensive cancer care facilities, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily via US-224 and I-75. Columbus, offering the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a longer journey, requiring about 2 hours and 15 minutes, primarily via US-224, SR-23, and I-71.

Public **transportation** options are limited in this rural area. Seneca County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. The availability of fixed-route bus services is minimal. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of readily available public transit exacerbates the challenges of **healthcare access** for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints. ADA-accessible options are extremely limited, further hindering access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often less predictable in rural areas compared to urban centers. The cost of frequent rides to medical appointments can quickly become a significant financial burden, potentially delaying or hindering treatment. Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are an alternative. Companies like CareRide and MedRide operate in the region, offering door-to-door service. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, adding to the overall cost of care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Alvada (44802) is negatively impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative **transportation** options. The lack of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical **transportation** services all contribute to a less favorable score. The longer travel times to specialized cancer centers further compound the challenges, potentially delaying access to critical care.

The weather in Northwest Ohio, with its harsh winters, can also affect **transportation** and **healthcare access**. Snow and ice can make driving hazardous, potentially delaying or canceling medical appointments. This adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging situation.

The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the following factors: the distance to the nearest breast cancer treatment centers, the availability of **transportation** options, the cost of **transportation**, the accessibility of services for individuals with disabilities, and the impact of weather conditions. The score reflects the overall ease or difficulty of accessing timely and quality breast cancer care for residents of Alvada.

For individuals considering **moving to Alvada**, this "Breast Cancer Score" provides a crucial perspective. It highlights the importance of having a reliable vehicle, a support network for **transportation**, and a plan for managing the logistical challenges of accessing medical care. It underscores the need to consider the potential impact of distance and **transportation** limitations on their healthcare journey.

In conclusion, while Alvada offers a peaceful and close-knit community, the **healthcare access** landscape for breast cancer patients presents significant challenges. The "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the need for proactive planning, a robust support system, and an understanding of the available **transportation** options to ensure timely and effective care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a less favorable score, particularly for those facing mobility limitations or financial constraints. The challenges of **transportation** must be carefully considered by anyone contemplating **moving to Alvada** and needing breast cancer care.