45883, Saint Henry, Ohio COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 45883, Saint Henry, Ohio is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.89 percent of residents in 45883 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grand Lake Health System with a distance of 16.73 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Saint Henry, Ohio (ZIP Code 45883)

Considering a move to Saint Henry, Ohio, and managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? This analysis provides a "COPD Score" assessment of healthcare access within ZIP Code 45883, focusing on transportation options. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering insights to help you make an informed decision. This information is crucial for anyone with COPD, as timely and reliable transportation is paramount for managing this chronic respiratory illness.

The COPD Score, in this context, isn't a formal medical assessment. Instead, it's a composite evaluation of the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare services, considering transportation challenges. A higher score indicates better access. Factors like distance, traffic, and availability of transport options directly impact the score. This write-up aims to provide a realistic view of the transportation landscape, enabling you to evaluate the suitability of Saint Henry for your healthcare needs.

**Drive Time and Roadways: The Foundation of Access**

Saint Henry's location in Mercer County, Ohio, significantly influences healthcare access. The primary artery is State Route 118, connecting the village to surrounding towns and healthcare facilities. Expect a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes to reach Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater, a crucial provider for local healthcare. The route is generally straightforward, though potential delays can arise during peak hours or inclement weather.

Traveling to larger hospitals in the region, such as Lima Memorial Health System or Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, necessitates longer drives. Expect a 30-45 minute journey, primarily via State Route 118 and connecting highways like US Route 33. These routes are generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion, particularly near Lima, can impact travel times. For individuals with COPD, prolonged travel can exacerbate symptoms, making this a critical consideration.

Navigating these roadways requires careful planning. Consider the impact of weather conditions, which can be severe during winter months. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped for all seasons. The availability of reliable transportation is a cornerstone of healthcare access, and understanding the road network is the first step.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Saint Henry and Mercer County is limited. The Western Ohio Regional Transit Authority (WORTA) provides some services, but its routes and frequency are not extensive. WORTA offers demand-response services, which require advance booking. These services may be available for medical appointments, but availability and scheduling can be challenging, particularly for those with COPD who may require frequent or urgent care.

WORTA vehicles are ADA-compliant, offering accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service area and potential scheduling constraints make public transit a less-than-ideal primary transportation option for many residents with COPD. Relying solely on public transit for healthcare access in Saint Henry presents significant challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their presence may be less consistent than in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can vary depending on the time of day, demand, and driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments requires careful planning and potentially multiple attempts to secure a ride.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option. These services are designed specifically for transporting individuals to and from medical appointments. Companies such as CareRide and MedRide may operate in the region. They often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist with patient needs. However, these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing or driving yourself.

Medical transportation is a valuable resource for individuals with COPD who may have difficulty driving or using other forms of transportation. However, availability and cost should be carefully considered. Researching local medical transport providers and understanding their service areas and pricing is essential.

**Healthcare Access and the COPD Score**

The COPD Score for healthcare access in Saint Henry, Ohio (45883), is moderate. While Mercer County Community Hospital offers local care, access to specialized services and larger hospitals requires longer travel times. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing availability may be inconsistent. Medical transport provides a viable but potentially expensive option.

The score is influenced by the relative isolation of Saint Henry. While the community is generally safe and offers a peaceful lifestyle, the distance to larger healthcare facilities and the limitations of transportation options impact the ease of accessing care. Individuals with COPD should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and consider the potential challenges of relying on limited resources.

**Moving to Saint Henry: A Personalized Approach**

For individuals with COPD considering a move to Saint Henry, a personalized approach is crucial. Assess your specific healthcare needs, including the frequency of appointments, the need for specialized care, and your ability to drive or utilize other transportation options.

Prioritize proximity to healthcare providers. If frequent appointments are necessary, consider living closer to Mercer County Community Hospital or within a reasonable distance of other healthcare facilities. Explore the availability of medical transport services and factor their cost into your budget.

Plan for potential transportation challenges. Develop contingency plans for inclement weather, unexpected delays, and times when ride-sharing or medical transport may be unavailable. Build a support network of family, friends, or community members who can assist with transportation needs.

Moving to Saint Henry can be a positive experience, but it requires careful planning and a realistic assessment of healthcare access. By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively addressing potential challenges, you can ensure that your healthcare needs are met and that you can thrive in your new community.