43001, Alexandria, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43001, Alexandria, Ohio is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.11 percent of residents in 43001 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Licking Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.50 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Alexandria, Ohio (ZIP Code 43001)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Alexandria, Ohio (ZIP Code 43001) necessitates a deep dive into the critical intersection of transportation and healthcare access. For those considering moving to Alexandria, understanding the ease with which one can reach medical facilities is paramount. This analysis considers drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities within this vital aspect of community well-being.

The primary challenge for Alexandria residents lies in its relative rurality. While the community offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere, this translates to limited immediate access to specialized medical services. The most common mode of transportation for healthcare appointments is the personal vehicle. This reliance on personal vehicles highlights the importance of understanding drive times to various healthcare providers.

For routine appointments, the drive times are generally manageable. The closest urgent care facilities and primary care physicians are typically accessible within a 15-20 minute drive. These facilities are primarily located in nearby towns like Johnstown and Sunbury, requiring travel along **State Route 37** and **State Route 3**. The ease of access to these facilities contributes positively to the overall health score. However, this convenience diminishes when specialized care is required.

Accessing more advanced medical services, such as those offered by specialists or hospitals, often necessitates longer commutes. The primary hospital serving the area is **Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital** in Westerville, Ohio. This drive typically takes between 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route primarily involves traveling south on **State Route 3**, then connecting to **U.S. Route 23** or **Interstate 270**. These longer drive times can significantly impact the health score, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring emergency care.

Another critical factor in evaluating healthcare access is the availability of public transportation. Unfortunately, the public transportation options in Alexandria are limited. The **Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)**, the primary public transit provider for the Columbus metropolitan area, does not offer direct service to Alexandria. This severely restricts healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

For those who rely on public transit, the options are complex and time-consuming. Residents would need to travel to a COTA bus stop, often requiring a ride with a friend, family member, or ride-sharing service. From there, they could access routes that connect to hospitals and medical centers. This multi-step process can easily extend travel times to over an hour, significantly impacting the health score.

Furthermore, the accessibility of existing public transit routes is a crucial consideration. While COTA strives to provide ADA-compliant services, including accessible buses and paratransit options, the limited service area in Alexandria presents a significant barrier. Individuals with mobility impairments or other disabilities face significant challenges in accessing healthcare via public transportation.

The ride-sharing market offers a more convenient, albeit potentially more expensive, alternative to public transportation. **Uber** and **Lyft** operate in the Alexandria area, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for low-income individuals.

For individuals requiring specialized medical transport, several options are available. **CareRide** and **Medicaid Transportation Services** are among the providers that offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, often for those with disabilities or limited mobility. However, availability and eligibility requirements can vary, and booking these services often requires advance planning.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Alexandria, Ohio, is moderate. The proximity to primary care and urgent care facilities offers a degree of convenience. However, the longer drive times to specialized medical services and the limited public transportation options negatively impact the score. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides alternatives, but these options may not be accessible or affordable for all residents.

Considering moving to Alexandria requires careful consideration of these factors. Individuals with chronic conditions, those requiring frequent medical appointments, or those without access to a personal vehicle should carefully evaluate the transportation challenges. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in healthcare access must be weighed against the benefits.

The health score is not static. Efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, expand public transit options, and increase the availability of affordable ride-sharing or medical transport services would significantly improve the overall health score for Alexandria residents. Collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, and transportation companies is essential to address these challenges and ensure equitable healthcare access for all. The future of Alexandria's health score depends on proactive measures to bridge the gap between where people live and the healthcare they need.