44645, Marshallville, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44645, Marshallville, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.26 percent of residents in 44645 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aultman Orrville Hospital with a distance of 5.51 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Marshallville, Ohio (ZIP Code 44645)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of rural tranquility in Marshallville, Ohio, a haven nestled amidst the rolling hills of Wayne County. But beneath the veneer of peaceful living lies a critical consideration: access to healthcare. For residents, especially those facing the daunting reality of a lung cancer diagnosis, the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities become paramount. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the intricacies of navigating the healthcare landscape within and around ZIP code 44645, focusing on transportation options.

Our analysis prioritizes the crucial element of **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals requiring specialized lung cancer treatment. We examine the available modes of **transportation**, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, assessing their feasibility and limitations for patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents of Marshallville when seeking timely and effective medical care. We will use the lens of a hypothetical individual, let's call him John, a recent transplant **moving to Marshallville**, to illustrate the practical implications of our findings.

John, having made the decision to **move to Marshallville**, now needs to consider his healthcare options. He is particularly concerned about the potential for lung cancer, given his family history. The "Lung Cancer Score" will help him understand how easily he can reach the necessary medical facilities.

The cornerstone of transportation for most Marshallville residents is the personal vehicle. The primary thoroughfare connecting Marshallville to larger towns and cities is **State Route 226**. This two-lane road provides a direct route to Wooster, approximately 10 miles east, where the Wooster Community Hospital is located. The drive typically takes 15-20 minutes, making it a reasonable option for routine check-ups and some specialist appointments. However, for more advanced treatments, such as radiation therapy or complex surgeries, patients may need to travel further afield.

Heading north on **State Route 226** leads to **U.S. Route 30**, a major east-west highway. Accessing **U.S. Route 30** is crucial for reaching larger medical centers in Canton, approximately 30 miles east. The drive to Canton, where hospitals like Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center are located, takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This longer commute significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing debilitating symptoms.

South of Marshallville, **State Route 226** intersects with **State Route 585**, offering an alternative route to Wooster and access to **Interstate 76**. This route might be preferable for those seeking to reach Akron, roughly 40 miles southeast, where hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Akron General are located. The drive to Akron, using **Interstate 76**, can take approximately an hour, making it a less appealing option for frequent visits.

Public transit options in Marshallville are limited. The Wayne County Transit (WCT) offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While this service provides transportation within Wayne County, its availability and reliability can be challenging for patients with unpredictable medical needs. WCT buses do not operate on a fixed route in Marshallville, and the scheduling process may not be ideal for urgent medical appointments. The lack of frequent service and the need for prior arrangements significantly detract from the Lung Cancer Score.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. WCT vehicles are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the demand-response nature of the service may still present difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations. The need to schedule rides and the potential for delays can exacerbate the challenges faced by patients undergoing lung cancer treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in larger urban centers. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for patients requiring frequent transportation. While ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, its reliability and affordability impact the Lung Cancer Score negatively.

Medical transport services, such as MedFlight, are available for patients requiring specialized care or emergency transport. However, these services are typically reserved for critical situations and are not a viable option for routine appointments. The cost of medical transport can be substantial, and the need for such services underscores the limitations of other transportation options.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Marshallville, Ohio, reflects a mixed bag of transportation challenges and opportunities. While the proximity to Wooster Community Hospital offers a degree of convenience, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose significant hurdles for patients needing specialized lung cancer care. The longer commute times to Canton and Akron, coupled with the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services and the high cost of medical transport, negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

For John, **moving to Marshallville** requires careful consideration of these transportation factors. He should assess his potential healthcare needs and the availability of transportation options before making a final decision. He should also explore the possibility of establishing a support network to assist with transportation to medical appointments.

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Marshallville highlights the importance of proactive planning and a thorough understanding of the local transportation landscape. Residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of lung cancer, must carefully evaluate their access to healthcare facilities and the feasibility of various transportation options. The score underscores the need for continued efforts to improve public transit and expand access to affordable and reliable transportation services in rural communities like Marshallville, ensuring that all residents can receive the timely and effective medical care they deserve.