45835, Dola, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 45835, Dola, Ohio is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.26 percent of residents in 45835 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bluffton Hospital with a distance of 13.67 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Delphos, Ohio (ZIP Code 45835)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a disease as critical as breast cancer, is a complex one. It's a journey that extends far beyond the doctor's office, encompassing the very fabric of a community's accessibility. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in Delphos, Ohio (ZIP Code 45835), to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," a composite measure of healthcare access, considering factors like drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing options. This assessment aims to illuminate the practical realities faced by individuals seeking breast cancer care in this specific geographic area, offering insights for those considering moving to Dola and navigating the healthcare system.

Delphos, nestled in Allen and Van Wert counties, presents a unique challenge. While the town itself is relatively small, the availability of specialized medical services, including those dedicated to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, often necessitates travel to larger regional centers. This reliance on external resources underscores the crucial role of transportation in determining healthcare access.

The most common mode of transportation for residents of Delphos is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Driving times to key healthcare facilities are therefore paramount. The closest hospital with a dedicated cancer center is likely Lima Memorial Health System, located approximately 15 miles east of Delphos. The primary route involves traveling east on US-30, a major highway that connects Delphos to Lima. Under ideal traffic conditions, the drive typically takes between 20 to 25 minutes. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or due to accidents, can significantly extend this time, potentially impacting the timely delivery of care.

Another option is Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center, also in Lima. Accessing St. Rita’s often involves a slightly longer drive, perhaps 25 to 30 minutes, primarily via US-30 and connecting roads. The choice between these two facilities, or others further afield, will depend on individual needs, insurance coverage, and the specific services required. Factors such as specialist availability and wait times for appointments also come into play.

Beyond Lima, more specialized care might necessitate travel to larger cities like Fort Wayne, Indiana (approximately 50 miles west) or Toledo, Ohio (approximately 100 miles northeast). These longer distances introduce additional variables into the equation. The drive to Fort Wayne, typically along US-30 West, can take an hour or more, while the journey to Toledo, primarily via US-30 East and Interstate 75, can easily exceed two hours. These longer commutes demand careful planning and consideration of potential delays, especially for patients undergoing regular treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Public transportation options in Delphos are limited. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. While the Allen County Regional Transit Authority (ACRTA) serves Lima, its services are unlikely to extend to Delphos with regular routes. The lack of readily available public transit necessitates a reliance on alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Delphos area, though their availability and reliability can fluctuate. The cost of these services, especially for longer distances to Lima or other medical centers, can be a significant financial burden for patients. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and may involve varying levels of insurance coverage. While they offer a dedicated solution for healthcare transportation, the cost and availability of these services must be carefully considered.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Delphos, Ohio (45835) reflects the interplay of these factors. The score is not a single number but a composite assessment. It acknowledges the relative ease of access to some healthcare facilities, such as those in Lima, via personal vehicle. However, it also highlights the challenges posed by the limited public transit options, the potential financial burden of ride-sharing services, and the need for careful planning when accessing more distant specialized care.

For individuals considering moving to Dola and facing a breast cancer diagnosis or requiring ongoing care, this analysis underscores the importance of careful consideration. The availability of a personal vehicle is crucial, as is the ability to navigate the local road network. The potential for reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation services should also be factored into the decision-making process.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also emphasizes the need for community support. Informal networks of family, friends, and neighbors can play a vital role in providing transportation assistance. Local organizations and support groups can also offer valuable resources and assistance to patients.

In conclusion, the transportation landscape in Delphos presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals seeking breast cancer care. While the proximity to Lima provides access to essential medical services, the lack of robust public transit and the potential cost of alternative transportation options demand careful consideration. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access extends far beyond the walls of a clinic or hospital, encompassing the very fabric of a community's transportation infrastructure. The score encourages a holistic approach to healthcare access, acknowledging the vital role of transportation in ensuring timely, affordable, and equitable access to essential medical services.