45120, Felicity, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 45120, Felicity, Ohio is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.84 percent of residents in 45120 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health - Clermont Hospital with a distance of 17.69 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Felicity, Ohio (ZIP Code 45120)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access vital resources, particularly healthcare. In Felicity, Ohio (ZIP Code 45120), the challenge of navigating transportation to medical appointments significantly impacts residents' ability to manage conditions like hypertension. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options available, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to determine a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare facilities. This score will be crucial for anyone considering moving to Felicity, especially those with existing health concerns.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Felicity is its rural location. The town is nestled in Clermont County, a region characterized by rolling hills and limited public transportation infrastructure. This geographic reality shapes the transportation landscape, making reliance on personal vehicles the norm. For individuals managing hypertension, regular medical check-ups and medication refills are essential. The ability to reach these appointments promptly and reliably is critical for effective disease management.

**Driving the Healthcare Journey**

The most common method of transportation for Felicity residents is personal vehicles. Several major roadways facilitate movement to healthcare providers. State Route 133 serves as a primary artery, connecting Felicity to surrounding communities. To reach the nearest hospitals and specialized clinics, residents typically need to travel to Georgetown (Brown County) or Batavia (Clermont County).

Driving times can vary significantly based on traffic and weather conditions. A trip to Mercy Health – Clermont Hospital in Batavia, a major healthcare hub, involves navigating State Route 133 and connecting to State Route 32, the major east-west thoroughfare. Under ideal conditions, this drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes. However, during rush hour or inclement weather, this commute can easily extend to an hour or more, potentially delaying critical medical attention.

Similarly, reaching Brown County General Hospital in Georgetown requires a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes via State Route 133 and US Route 68. While closer, this route is also susceptible to delays, especially during peak travel times. These extended drive times pose a significant challenge for individuals with hypertension, who may experience sudden health crises requiring immediate medical intervention.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Felicity are severely limited. The lack of a comprehensive public transit system presents a major barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. Clermont Transportation Connection (CTC) offers a demand-response service within Clermont County, including Felicity. However, this service requires advance booking and may not always be readily available, particularly for urgent medical needs.

The CTC operates ADA-accessible vehicles, providing a crucial service for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. However, the limited frequency and geographic reach of the CTC service can be a significant drawback for residents seeking timely access to healthcare. The lack of fixed-route bus lines and the reliance on a demand-response model create uncertainty and potential delays, hindering the ability of residents to maintain consistent medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area but their availability and reliability in Felicity can be inconsistent. This is particularly true during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for individuals on fixed incomes or those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, such as CareRide and First Transit, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and are equipped to handle individuals with mobility challenges. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability, particularly for short-notice appointments. The cost of medical transportation can also be substantial, further exacerbating the financial burden of healthcare access.

**The Hypertension Score: Assessing the Landscape**

Considering the various transportation options, we can assign a "Hypertension Score" to assess the ease of healthcare access in Felicity. This score will reflect the challenges and limitations residents face in reaching medical appointments and managing their hypertension.

* **Personal Vehicle Reliance:** The primary reliance on personal vehicles, while offering flexibility, is subject to traffic, weather, and vehicle maintenance issues.
* **Limited Public Transit:** The lack of a robust public transit system significantly restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Inconsistent Ride-Sharing:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services are unpredictable.
* **Specialized Transport Limitations:** Medical transportation services, while offering specialized assistance, may have limited availability and can be expensive.

Based on these factors, the Hypertension Score for Felicity (ZIP Code 45120) is **Moderately Challenging**. While residents with personal vehicles can access healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, inconsistent ride-sharing, and potential delays associated with traffic and weather conditions create significant barriers for many. This score highlights the need for improved transportation solutions to ensure that all Felicity residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, have equitable access to healthcare.

**Implications for Moving to Felicity**

For individuals considering moving to Felicity, the Hypertension Score provides crucial insights into the healthcare landscape. Those with hypertension or other chronic health conditions should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of reliable transportation options.

Before moving, prospective residents should research the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, medical transportation providers, and the CTC demand-response service. They should also factor in potential travel times to healthcare facilities and the impact of traffic and weather conditions. Understanding these factors is essential for making an informed decision about relocating to Felicity and ensuring that their healthcare needs can be met effectively.

This assessment emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and exploring all available transportation options to ensure that residents of Felicity can successfully manage their hypertension and maintain their overall well-being. The community could benefit from initiatives that support and expand transportation infrastructure, making healthcare more accessible for all.