45177, Wilmington, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 45177, Wilmington, Ohio is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.23 percent of residents in 45177 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland District Hospital with a distance of 19.82 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wilmington, OH (ZIP Code 45177)

This report assesses the accessibility of breast cancer healthcare within Wilmington, Ohio (ZIP Code 45177), a vital consideration for anyone contemplating a move or seeking optimal healthcare access. We delve into the nuances of transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and their impact on a patient's journey to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Understanding these factors is critical in evaluating the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for this community, ensuring informed decisions regarding healthcare access and quality of life.

The score reflects the ease with which individuals can reach essential breast cancer services, encompassing factors like drive times, public transportation availability, and alternative transportation options. It also considers the proximity of specialized facilities and the overall convenience of accessing these vital resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the transportation landscape, empowering residents and prospective newcomers to navigate the healthcare system with confidence.

**The Road to Recovery: Driving and Drive Times**

For many residents, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments. Wilmington, nestled in Clinton County, offers a relatively straightforward network of roads, but travel times can vary significantly depending on the destination and time of day.

The most direct route to major medical centers often involves navigating **Interstate 71 (I-71)**. Heading north, residents can reach the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and other facilities in Cincinnati, a journey that typically takes between one and two hours, depending on traffic. Southbound on I-71, the drive to Columbus and its renowned medical institutions, such as the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, also falls within a similar time frame.

Within Wilmington itself, access to local healthcare providers is facilitated by a network of well-maintained roads. **State Route 73 (SR-73)**, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides convenient access to local clinics and medical offices. **State Route 3 (SR-3)** offers a north-south alternative, connecting to nearby towns and facilitating travel within the county. **U.S. Route 68 (US-68)** intersects with SR-73, providing additional connectivity.

Drive times to local facilities, such as the Clinton Memorial Hospital, are generally short, usually under 15 minutes. However, specialized care, including comprehensive breast cancer treatment, may necessitate travel to larger cities, significantly impacting the overall Breast Cancer Score. This underscores the importance of considering travel time as a crucial factor in healthcare access.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Wilmington are limited, a significant consideration for individuals who do not drive or prefer alternative modes of travel. The availability of public transit directly influences the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

The primary public transportation provider in Clinton County is the **Clinton County Transit System (CCTS)**. However, the CCTS operates on a demand-response basis, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This can present challenges for individuals needing spontaneous or urgent care. Information on routes and ADA-compliant features should be confirmed directly with CCTS.

The lack of extensive public transportation networks emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers. The limited public transit landscape can pose a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those residing outside of the immediate Wilmington area.

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

In the absence of robust public transit, ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access. These options offer flexibility and convenience, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or those who do not own a vehicle.

**Uber** and **Lyft** are available in Wilmington, providing on-demand transportation to various destinations, including medical appointments. However, availability may fluctuate depending on the time of day and driver availability, potentially impacting the reliability of this transportation option.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized approach. **CareRide** and **LogistiCare** are examples of medical transportation providers that operate in the area. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, accommodating individuals with mobility limitations or other specific needs. The availability and coverage of these services should be thoroughly investigated to ensure they meet individual requirements.

**The Impact on the Breast Cancer Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 45177 is influenced by the interplay of these transportation factors. While Wilmington offers relatively easy access to local healthcare facilities, the need to travel to larger cities for specialized breast cancer care significantly impacts the score. The limited public transportation options further complicate healthcare access for certain populations.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers mitigates some of these challenges, but their reliability and cost should be carefully considered. The overall score reflects a balance between the convenience of local access and the potential complexities of accessing specialized care.

**Moving to Wilmington: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering a move to Wilmington, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is paramount. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs, considering factors such as their ability to drive, their reliance on public transit, and their access to ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

Researching the availability and accessibility of breast cancer specialists, treatment centers, and support services is crucial. Contacting local healthcare providers and support groups can provide valuable insights into the healthcare environment in Wilmington.

Ultimately, the Breast Cancer Score serves as a tool to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities within ZIP Code 45177, residents and newcomers can proactively plan for their healthcare needs, ensuring timely access to essential services and a better quality of life. The ease of transportation is a crucial factor in healthcare access.