44827, Crestline, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44827, Crestline, Ohio is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.57 percent of residents in 44827 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ohiohealth Shelby Hospital with a distance of 7.41 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 44827

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex one. It extends beyond the medical expertise of physicians and the efficacy of treatments. It encompasses the practicalities of transportation, the ease with which individuals can access vital services. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding breast cancer care within ZIP code 44827, Crestline, Ohio, assessing the accessibility of crucial resources and providing a "Breast Cancer Score" to illuminate the challenges and opportunities for those seeking care.

Crestline, a small town nestled in Crawford County, presents a unique set of circumstances. The availability of public transportation is limited, and reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The geographical layout, coupled with the demographics of the area, directly impacts the ease with which residents can access breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

**The Drive Time Dilemma:**

The most immediate factor influencing healthcare access is the distance to relevant medical facilities. In 44827, the primary hospitals and cancer centers are located outside of Crestline. The closest major healthcare provider is Avita Health System, with a hospital in Galion, approximately a 15-20 minute drive. This drive primarily utilizes **Ohio State Route 309**, a relatively straightforward route.

For more specialized cancer care, patients often need to travel to larger hospitals in Mansfield, Ohio, or even further afield to Columbus or Cleveland. The drive to Mansfield, home to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and several oncology practices, is typically a 30-45 minute journey, primarily via **Ohio State Route 309** and **U.S. Route 30**. This distance can be a significant barrier, particularly for individuals undergoing frequent treatments or facing mobility challenges.

Traveling to Columbus, the state capital, which houses the renowned James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, entails a drive of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. This route necessitates the use of **U.S. Route 30** to **Interstate 71 South**. The journey to Cleveland, home to the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, is a similar distance, around 1 hour and 45 minutes, primarily via **U.S. Route 30** to **Interstate 71 North**. These longer drives can be exhausting, costly, and may require overnight stays, adding to the burden of a cancer diagnosis.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in 44827 are scarce, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Crawford County Council on Aging (CCOA) offers limited transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical appointments.

The availability of public transit within the county is very limited. There are no fixed-route bus services within Crestline or to the surrounding cities. The CCOA provides demand-response transportation, but its capacity is limited, and its availability may not meet the needs of all residents. This lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of accessible public transit options for individuals with disabilities is particularly concerning.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can fluctuate depending on the time of day and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can be expensive and unreliable.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, offer an alternative for those who require assistance with transportation. These services are often equipped to transport patients who require medical attention during transit. However, they can be costly and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment:**

Considering all the factors, the Breast Cancer Score for 44827 reflects the challenges and opportunities for accessing breast cancer care. The score is based on a composite of drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport options.

* **Drive Times:** The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing care is a significant factor. The longer drive times to specialized cancer centers in Mansfield, Columbus, and Cleveland can create a barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of robust public transportation options limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** While ride-sharing services and medical transport providers offer alternatives, their availability and cost can be significant barriers.

**The Score:**

Based on this analysis, the Breast Cancer Score for 44827 is **Moderate to Low**. While some local healthcare options are available, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options pose significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but the cost and reliability of these services can be a concern.

**Moving to Crestline: Considerations for Breast Cancer Patients:**

For individuals considering moving to Crestline or residing in the area, the Breast Cancer Score highlights the importance of careful planning.

* **Transportation Planning:** Individuals should assess their transportation needs and develop a plan for accessing healthcare services. This may involve relying on family and friends, utilizing ride-sharing services, or exploring medical transport options.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Consider the proximity to healthcare facilities and the ease of access to those facilities.
* **Financial Planning:** Factor in the costs associated with transportation, including gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport services.
* **Support Systems:** Building a strong support network is crucial. This network can provide emotional support, practical assistance with transportation, and help navigating the healthcare system.

**Conclusion:**

Access to breast cancer care in 44827 presents a complex picture. While local healthcare options are available, the limited public transportation and reliance on personal vehicles create significant challenges. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. By acknowledging these challenges and proactively planning for transportation needs, individuals can navigate the healthcare system more effectively and receive the timely care they deserve. The community can also explore ways to enhance healthcare access, such as advocating for improved public transportation options or supporting programs that provide transportation assistance to those in need.