44659, Mount Eaton, Ohio COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 44659, Mount Eaton, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.14 percent of residents in 44659 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aultman Orrville Hospital with a distance of 10.01 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mount Eaton (44659)

The crisp air of Mount Eaton, Ohio (ZIP code 44659), offers a bucolic charm, but for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the serenity of rural living is often tempered by the realities of healthcare access. This analysis, a "COPD Score" assessment, examines the transportation landscape within and around 44659, focusing on drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, all crucial for ensuring timely and consistent healthcare for those with breathing difficulties. This information is especially relevant for those considering moving to Mount Eaton and needing to understand their access to essential medical services.

The primary challenge for residents of Mount Eaton is its relative remoteness. The nearest major medical centers are located in surrounding towns and cities, necessitating reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions. The critical component is the ability to reach these centers for routine appointments, emergency care, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The COPD Score, therefore, weighs the practicality and efficiency of each transportation option, considering factors like travel time, accessibility, and cost.

Driving, for many, remains the cornerstone of healthcare access. From Mount Eaton, the most direct route to Wooster, Ohio, a town offering a range of medical facilities, is primarily via **State Route 250** and then **U.S. Route 250**. The drive, typically spanning approximately 15 miles, can take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey to Canton, Ohio, a larger city with more extensive medical resources, involves traveling on **State Route 250** to **U.S. Route 77**, then **Interstate 77**. This trip, roughly 30 miles, can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic congestion on the interstate.

The availability of public transportation is limited in this rural area. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), the primary public transit provider for Stark County, does offer some services that could potentially serve residents of Mount Eaton. However, the routes and frequency are not ideally suited for regular healthcare appointments. SARTA operates a "fixed-route" system, with buses following predetermined paths and schedules. These routes are often infrequent and may require transfers, adding significant travel time.

For individuals with mobility limitations, SARTA provides ADA-accessible buses. These buses are equipped with ramps or lifts, ensuring that passengers with disabilities can board and disembark safely. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service can still pose challenges for those requiring regular healthcare visits. The lack of direct routes to major medical centers can necessitate multiple transfers, increasing the overall travel time and the potential for fatigue. Furthermore, the schedule might not align with appointment times, potentially requiring lengthy wait times.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, their availability in rural areas like Mount Eaton can be inconsistent. While these services might be available, the wait times can be longer than in urban areas, and the cost can be significantly higher, especially during peak hours or for longer distances. The reliability of ride-sharing services for critical medical appointments is therefore a consideration.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, assisting patients with mobility issues and ensuring a comfortable and safe journey. Several medical transportation companies operate in the region, including but not limited to, **American Medical Response (AMR)** and local, private providers. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options, but they provide a valuable service for individuals with COPD who may have difficulty traveling independently.

The COPD Score for transportation in Mount Eaton reflects the challenges of rural healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a complex transportation landscape. The drive times to Wooster and Canton, while manageable, can be stressful, especially for individuals with breathing difficulties. The lack of direct public transit routes and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate the situation.

The decision to move to Mount Eaton, or any rural area, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. Individuals with COPD should thoroughly evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of services before making a move. This includes assessing the feasibility of driving, the accessibility of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation options. It is essential to plan for potential delays, traffic congestion, and weather-related disruptions.

For those considering moving to Mount Eaton, it is advisable to research the local healthcare providers, including their locations, hours of operation, and appointment scheduling procedures. Contacting local medical transportation services and inquiring about their availability and cost is also crucial. Exploring the possibility of carpooling with neighbors or friends can further enhance healthcare access.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for Mount Eaton highlights the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness for individuals managing COPD. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, ensuring access to timely and reliable healthcare requires careful consideration of transportation options. By understanding the limitations and exploring the available resources, individuals with COPD can successfully navigate the transportation landscape and maintain their health and well-being.