45853, Kalida, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 45853, Kalida, Ohio is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.81 percent of residents in 45853 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ridgeview Hospital with a distance of 16.32 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kalida, Ohio (ZIP Code 45853)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the emotional and physical toll of the disease itself, but also the logistical challenges of accessing timely and comprehensive care. This write-up assesses the accessibility of breast cancer healthcare for residents of Kalida, Ohio (ZIP Code 45853), focusing on **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**. If you are **moving to Kalida**, this information is vital.

Kalida, a charming village nestled in Putnam County, offers a close-knit community. However, its rural setting presents unique challenges regarding healthcare accessibility. The nearest specialized breast cancer care often lies outside the immediate vicinity, necessitating careful consideration of **transportation** options. The "Breast Cancer Score" presented here aims to provide a clear picture of the **healthcare access** landscape for residents of 45853.

**Drive-Time Dynamics: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Kalida residents is the personal vehicle. The ease and speed of reaching healthcare facilities are largely determined by the efficiency of the road network. The primary artery connecting Kalida to larger population centers with advanced medical facilities is State Route 224. This east-west thoroughfare provides a direct route to Lima, Ohio, approximately 20 miles away.

The drive to Lima, home to Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center, a facility offering comprehensive cancer care, typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The majority of the journey is on well-maintained roads, making for a relatively straightforward commute.

For those seeking specialized cancer treatment or second opinions, the drive to larger cities like Toledo or Columbus becomes necessary. The journey to Toledo, approximately 90 miles northeast, involves navigating a combination of State Route 224, US-23, and I-75. This drive can take upwards of 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The journey to Columbus, approximately 115 miles southeast, involves using State Route 224, US-33, and I-70. This drive can take approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

These longer drive times highlight the importance of early detection and proactive planning. Regular screenings and prompt medical attention are crucial in the fight against breast cancer, and the time spent traveling to and from appointments can significantly impact the patient's overall experience.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public **transportation** options in Kalida and the surrounding area are limited. Putnam County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of readily available public **transportation** significantly impacts **healthcare access** for those who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or prefer not to drive.

While there are no fixed-route buses serving Kalida, the Putnam County Council on Aging (PCCOA) offers a demand-response **transportation** service for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service requires advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for appointments outside of regular business hours. The PCCOA vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features. However, the service's capacity and geographic reach are restricted.

The absence of robust public **transportation** underscores the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical **transportation** services for accessing healthcare. This is a significant consideration for anyone **moving to Kalida**, especially if they are accustomed to a city with a robust public transit system.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lima, Ohio, and may be accessible in Kalida, although availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution for patients needing assistance with travel to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, including but not limited to, LifeCare Ambulance and MedStar Ambulance, offering non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, medical **transportation** services can be costly and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

These options, while helpful, are not a perfect solution. Ride-sharing availability is not guaranteed, and medical **transportation** services can be expensive. The best approach is to evaluate the options and plan ahead.

**ADA Considerations and Healthcare Access**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** and medical facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the PCCOA service is ADA-compliant, the lack of other public transit options poses a challenge.

Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima is ADA-compliant, offering accessible parking, entrances, and examination rooms. However, the ability to reach these facilities remains a key concern.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Composite View**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Kalida, Ohio (ZIP Code 45853), considering the factors discussed above, is moderate. While the drive to Lima for initial care is relatively manageable, the limited public **transportation** options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential need for longer drives to specialized facilities in Toledo or Columbus create challenges.

The score would improve with the expansion of public **transportation** options, including increased availability of ride-sharing services and the potential for a more robust demand-response system. Furthermore, the development of more comprehensive cancer care services closer to Kalida would significantly enhance **healthcare access** for residents.

For anyone **moving to Kalida**, it is imperative to consider the **transportation** challenges. Early planning, including establishing a reliable **transportation** plan for appointments, is crucial. Proactive communication with healthcare providers and insurance companies regarding **transportation** needs is also essential.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

Accessing breast cancer care in Kalida, Ohio, requires careful planning and consideration of **transportation** options. While the community offers a supportive environment, the rural setting and limited public **transportation** necessitate a proactive approach to **healthcare access**. By understanding the available resources and planning ahead, residents of 45853 can navigate the challenges of **transportation** and ensure they receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve. The journey to healthcare is a shared one, and by working together, the community can improve the "Breast Cancer Score" and enhance the lives of those affected by this disease.