45827, Cloverdale, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 45827, Cloverdale, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.37 percent of residents in 45827 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ridgeview Hospital with a distance of 11.96 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Cloverdale (ZIP Code 45827)

Cloverdale, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Putnam County, presents a unique landscape for its residents, particularly when considering access to healthcare, especially for those managing hypertension. Understanding the complexities of transportation within and around ZIP code 45827 is crucial for assessing the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical appointments and receive necessary care. This write-up provides a detailed overview, aiming to illuminate the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the healthcare system for those living with hypertension, ultimately impacting their overall health outcomes.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Cloverdale, and indeed much of rural America, is the automobile. The primary arteries for transportation are State Route 634, which bisects the village, and State Route 114, providing a crucial east-west connection. These roads, while generally well-maintained, are subject to the vagaries of Ohio weather, including snow and ice during the winter months, which can significantly impact drive times and safety. Residents often rely on these routes to access medical facilities in nearby towns, such as Ottawa and Delphos.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. The Putnam County Ambulatory Care Center in Ottawa, a common destination for primary care and specialist appointments, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via State Route 634 and US-224. This is generally manageable, but for individuals with mobility issues, inclement weather, or limited vehicle access, this seemingly short distance can become a significant barrier.

Delphos, located to the west, offers additional healthcare options, including a hospital and various clinics. The drive to Delphos, primarily via State Route 634 and US-30, typically takes around 20-25 minutes. While these drive times are reasonable, the cumulative effect of multiple trips per month for appointments, medication refills, and follow-up care can place a considerable burden on individuals, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This burden is further exacerbated by the lack of alternative transportation options.

Public transportation in Putnam County is extremely limited. There are no fixed-route bus services that directly serve Cloverdale. This absence of public transportation significantly restricts healthcare access for those who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive due to age or disability, or have financial constraints. The lack of public transit is a significant negative factor in the Hypertension Score for Cloverdale.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also virtually nonexistent in this rural area. The limited demand and geographical spread make it economically unfeasible for these companies to operate consistently. This leaves residents with few alternatives for transportation, further hindering their ability to access healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. However, the availability and cost of these services vary. While some local ambulance services may provide non-emergency transportation, their primary focus is on emergency medical response. Dedicated medical transport companies, such as MedRide or FirstCall, may serve the area, but the cost can be substantial, particularly for frequent appointments.

The availability of these services, the distance traveled, and the frequency of use are all factors that contribute to the overall cost and accessibility of healthcare. The financial burden of transportation can be a significant deterrent to seeking timely medical care, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes for individuals with hypertension.

The absence of readily available public transit and ride-sharing options underscores the dependence on personal vehicles. This dependence highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and affordability. Individuals with limited financial resources may struggle to maintain a reliable vehicle, further compounding their transportation challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Cloverdale, a thorough assessment of transportation options is essential. Prospective residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, should carefully evaluate their ability to access healthcare facilities. They should consider the availability of family or friends who can provide transportation assistance, the potential costs of medical transport services, and the impact of weather conditions on drive times.

The proximity of Cloverdale to healthcare facilities in Ottawa and Delphos is a positive factor, but the lack of alternative transportation options presents a significant challenge. The Hypertension Score for Cloverdale is negatively impacted by the limited public transit, ride-sharing, and the potential cost of medical transportation.

The healthcare system in Cloverdale relies heavily on the patient's ability to drive or arrange transportation. This dependence underscores the importance of proactive health management and the need for strategies to mitigate the transportation barriers. This includes exploring options for telehealth appointments, medication delivery services, and community-based programs that offer transportation assistance.

Telehealth, where patients can consult with healthcare providers remotely via video or phone, offers a promising solution to overcome transportation barriers. However, telehealth requires reliable internet access, which may not be universally available in rural areas.

Medication delivery services, offered by some pharmacies, can also reduce the need for frequent trips to pick up prescriptions. This is especially helpful for individuals managing hypertension who require regular medication refills.

Community-based programs, such as volunteer driver services or subsidized transportation programs, can provide essential assistance to those who cannot drive or lack access to transportation. These programs often rely on community support and funding, highlighting the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations.

In conclusion, while Cloverdale offers a peaceful and close-knit community, the transportation challenges pose significant barriers to healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. The Hypertension Score for Cloverdale reflects the need for proactive strategies to mitigate these challenges. These strategies include promoting telehealth, facilitating medication delivery, and supporting community-based transportation programs. The overall goal is to ensure that all residents of Cloverdale, regardless of their transportation limitations, can access the healthcare they need to maintain their health and well-being.