43463, Stony Ridge, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43463, Stony Ridge, Ohio is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.34 percent of residents in 43463 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bay Park Community Hospital with a distance of 7.84 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Stony Ridge, Ohio (ZIP Code 43463)

The specter of lung cancer, a formidable adversary, casts a long shadow. Early detection and timely treatment are paramount in the fight against this disease. This write-up delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically for residents of Stony Ridge, Ohio (ZIP Code 43463), focusing on the transportation landscape that dictates their ability to reach vital medical services. We will examine the challenges and opportunities presented by the available transportation options, ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare. This score, while not a formal medical assessment, serves as an indicator of the community's vulnerability concerning this critical health issue.

The geographical isolation of Stony Ridge, a small community nestled in Wood County, presents a significant hurdle in the pursuit of optimal healthcare. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in Perrysburg, Bowling Green, and Toledo, necessitating travel by personal vehicle, public transit, or alternative transportation methods. The quality and availability of these options directly impact the timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, making transportation a critical determinant of health outcomes.

The primary mode of transportation for most Stony Ridge residents is the personal vehicle. The most direct route to Perrysburg, home to major healthcare providers like ProMedica and Mercy Health facilities, involves navigating **Ohio State Route 199** south. This route, while relatively straightforward, can be subject to traffic delays, especially during peak commuting hours. The journey is approximately 20 miles, translating to a drive time of around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route to Bowling Green, where Wood County Hospital is located, utilizes **Ohio State Route 199** north, merging onto **U.S. Route 6** west. This trip is shorter, around 15 miles, with a drive time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

For access to the more specialized medical centers in Toledo, residents can utilize **Ohio State Route 199** south, connecting to **U.S. Route 23** or **Interstate 75**. This journey is the longest, spanning approximately 30 to 40 miles, and can take up to an hour or more, especially during rush hour. The reliability of this transportation method is heavily dependent on the vehicle's condition, the driver's health, and the prevailing weather conditions, all factors that can significantly impact healthcare access.

Public transportation options in the Stony Ridge area are limited. The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) offers a demand-response transportation service, primarily aimed at seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while crucial for those who cannot drive, requires advance booking and is subject to availability. The WCCOA service does not have fixed routes or schedules, meaning the travel time is dependent on the number of stops and the distance of each trip. This can be a significant disadvantage for individuals needing urgent medical care or regular treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) does not directly serve Stony Ridge. The closest TARTA routes are located in Perrysburg and Bowling Green, requiring residents to find alternative transportation to reach a TARTA bus stop. This adds an extra layer of complexity and time to the commute, making public transit a less viable option for many. The lack of direct public transit routes underscores the challenges faced by Stony Ridge residents in accessing healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services in Stony Ridge is not guaranteed, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make them prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, the reliance on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be unpredictable, potentially leading to missed appointments or delays in treatment.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by specialized companies, provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who are unable to drive and lack access to other transportation options. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking. The availability of these services in Stony Ridge and the surrounding areas is a critical factor in determining healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Stony Ridge, Ohio, reflects the complex interplay of these transportation factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the potential for ride-sharing limitations, and the cost and availability of medical transportation services all contribute to a score that indicates the challenges residents face in accessing healthcare.

The score would be influenced by factors like the distance to healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation options, the cost of transportation, and the availability of specialized services for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. The score would also consider the impact of traffic, weather conditions, and the availability of emergency medical services.

The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options for residents of Stony Ridge, Ohio, presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals battling lung cancer. The journey to medical appointments, treatments, and follow-up care can be a stressful and time-consuming ordeal, potentially impacting treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.

**Moving to Stony Ridge** requires a thoughtful consideration of these transportation challenges. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or those nearing retirement, should carefully assess their ability to navigate the transportation landscape and ensure they can access the healthcare services they need.

The community can improve the "Lung Cancer Score" by advocating for expanded public transit options, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and supporting programs that provide transportation assistance to vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the development of telehealth services and the expansion of mobile healthcare units could help bridge the gap in healthcare access for Stony Ridge residents.

In conclusion, the transportation infrastructure in Stony Ridge, Ohio, presents significant challenges to healthcare access. The limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for high transportation costs contribute to a "Lung Cancer Score" that highlights the need for improvements. Addressing these transportation barriers is crucial to ensuring that all residents of Stony Ridge have equal access to the healthcare they need, especially in the fight against a disease as formidable as lung cancer. The ability to reach medical care quickly and reliably is a vital component of a community's health and well-being.