43511, Custar, Ohio COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 43511, Custar, Ohio is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.52 percent of residents in 43511 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Henry County Hospital, Inc with a distance of 17.20 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Custar, Ohio (ZIP Code 43511)

The air in Custar, Ohio, a small village nestled in Wood County, whispers of rural tranquility. Yet, for residents managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the peace can be disrupted by the complexities of accessing healthcare. This write-up explores the challenges and opportunities for COPD patients in ZIP code 43511, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. Our analysis will help assess a "COPD Score," a qualitative measure of the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical services. We will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options.

Custar's geographical isolation presents a significant hurdle. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialized pulmonology clinics, are located in larger towns and cities, demanding significant travel. This is especially crucial for COPD patients, who may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms that make travel difficult. The ability to reach medical appointments promptly and safely is paramount to managing their condition effectively.

For those with the capacity to drive, the primary routes out of Custar involve navigating rural roads and highways. The journey to Bowling Green, approximately 15 miles away, often entails using **State Route 65**, a major north-south thoroughfare. Drive times can vary depending on traffic, but typically range from 20 to 30 minutes. Accessing Toledo, a larger city with more extensive healthcare resources, requires a longer trip, generally around 45 minutes to an hour, primarily utilizing **US-24** and **I-75**.

The condition of the roads and the availability of parking at healthcare facilities are also important considerations. Winter weather, common in Ohio, can further complicate travel, making it difficult for COPD patients to navigate icy or snow-covered roads.

Public transportation options are limited in Custar and the surrounding areas. The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) offers a demand-response transit service that provides transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, this service may require advance booking and is not always readily available for immediate medical needs. The WCCOA buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.

The lack of regular public bus routes, such as those operated by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), is a significant disadvantage for Custar residents. TARTA does not directly serve Custar, forcing residents to rely on more time-consuming and less reliable alternatives. This absence of convenient public transit significantly reduces healthcare access for those unable to drive or afford other transportation options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in Custar is often sporadic. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This lack of consistent ride-sharing options can create significant challenges for COPD patients who need to schedule medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for those with limited financial resources, further hindering healthcare access.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients with specific needs. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be invaluable for COPD patients who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs. However, these services often come with a higher price tag than other transportation options, making them inaccessible for some.

For a COPD patient considering moving to Custar, the transportation landscape presents a complex picture. While the village offers a quiet and rural lifestyle, the limitations in transportation options can significantly impact healthcare access. Drive times to medical facilities, the lack of robust public transit, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to the challenges faced by COPD patients.

The "COPD Score" for Custar, therefore, would reflect these limitations. It would be lower than in areas with more readily available and affordable transportation options. The score would consider the drive times, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing, and the cost and availability of medical transportation services.

The availability of community support services can also play a vital role in mitigating these challenges. Local organizations, such as the Wood County Health Department, may offer resources or assistance to COPD patients, including transportation support. These resources can help bridge the gap created by the limitations in transportation options.

Ultimately, the success of managing COPD in Custar hinges on the patient's ability to access timely and appropriate medical care. This requires careful consideration of the transportation options available, their limitations, and their associated costs. For individuals with COPD, the decision to move to Custar or to remain there requires a thorough assessment of these factors.

The "COPD Score" for Custar, Ohio, serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not simply about the presence of medical facilities but also about the ability to reach them. For COPD patients, the journey to healthcare can be a complex and challenging one, and the transportation options available play a crucial role in determining their quality of life and their ability to manage their chronic condition effectively.