43412, Curtice, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43412, Curtice, Ohio is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.58 percent of residents in 43412 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bay Park Community Hospital with a distance of 6.02 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Curtice, Ohio (ZIP Code 43412)

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is crucial for residents, particularly those managing conditions like hypertension. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in Curtice, Ohio (ZIP code 43412), assessing its impact on healthcare access and developing a "Hypertension Score" to reflect the challenges and opportunities for individuals needing regular medical attention. Considering factors like drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, this score provides a nuanced perspective on the practical realities of receiving consistent healthcare in this community.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a subjective metric reflecting the ease of accessing care. It will consider drive times, public transit frequency and accessibility, ride-share availability, and the presence of medical transport services. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score highlights potential barriers. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture for residents, especially those considering moving to Curtice or seeking to improve their healthcare access.

Curtice, a small community, presents unique transportation challenges. Its location, while offering a degree of rural tranquility, necessitates careful consideration of how residents reach essential services. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are State Route 2 (SR-2) and State Route 579 (SR-579). Access to these roads is generally straightforward, but traffic can fluctuate, especially during peak hours.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the Hypertension Score. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are primarily located in nearby cities like Toledo and Oregon. Driving to Mercy Health - St. Charles Hospital in Oregon, a common destination for residents, typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on SR-2 and SR-579. Reaching ProMedica Toledo Hospital, located further inland, can take upwards of 45 minutes during rush hour. These drive times, while not excessively long, can be a significant burden for individuals with hypertension, requiring frequent check-ups and potentially experiencing complications.

Public transit options in Curtice are limited. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) provides bus service, but routes and frequency are restricted. The primary TARTA route serving the area is likely Route 20, which runs along SR-2. However, the frequency of this route is often limited, particularly during evenings and weekends. This scarcity can significantly hinder healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Furthermore, the accessibility of TARTA buses is a crucial factor. All TARTA buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and priority seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Nevertheless, the infrequent service and potential for long wait times can still pose a challenge.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution. While these services are available in the Toledo area, their reliability and affordability in Curtice are subject to fluctuations in demand and driver availability. During off-peak hours or in inclement weather, securing a ride can be more difficult and potentially more expensive. This unpredictability adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access, especially for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transport services provide specialized assistance for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. Companies like CareRide and First Transit offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services, however, often require advance booking and may involve additional costs. They are particularly useful for individuals who cannot use public transit or ride-sharing services. The availability and responsiveness of these services are crucial in ensuring timely access to medical appointments.

Considering all these factors, we can begin to formulate the Hypertension Score for Curtice. The relatively long drive times to healthcare facilities, combined with the limited public transit options, suggest a moderate level of accessibility. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options improves the score somewhat, but the limitations in their availability and potential costs must be considered.

The score reflects the reality that healthcare access in Curtice requires careful planning and may involve overcoming several obstacles. For individuals with hypertension, the need for frequent medical appointments and the potential for complications make these transportation challenges even more significant.

Moving to Curtice requires a thoughtful assessment of these transportation realities. Prospective residents, especially those with health conditions, should carefully consider the availability of transportation options and the potential impact on their healthcare access. This includes researching the frequency of TARTA routes, assessing the reliability of ride-sharing services, and exploring the availability of medical transport options.

The Hypertension Score for Curtice, Ohio (ZIP Code 43412), is a dynamic measure. It will be updated to reflect any changes in transportation infrastructure, public transit service, or the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport options. The score serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare for all residents and the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation options in this community.