43076, Thornville, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43076, Thornville, Ohio is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.77 percent of residents in 43076 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Licking Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.52 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43076 (Thornville, Ohio)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Thornville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43076), requires a comprehensive evaluation of their access to healthcare services. A critical component of this assessment is the transportation infrastructure available to facilitate medical appointments, emergency care, and preventative health measures. This write-up delves into the intricacies of commuting to healthcare, examining drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access in this rural Ohio community.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Thornville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town's relative isolation necessitates driving to access most medical facilities. The journey to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics often involves navigating rural roads and highways. Residents typically utilize **State Route 204** and **State Route 13** to connect to larger roadways. These routes, while scenic, can be subject to weather-related delays, especially during Ohio's harsh winters.

Drive times to major healthcare providers vary considerably. The closest hospital, **Licking Memorial Hospital** in Newark, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within Thornville. This drive usually involves taking **State Route 13** north. Specialized clinics and larger hospitals in Columbus, such as the **Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center**, are considerably further, potentially requiring a 45-60 minute commute via **Interstate 70** west. This longer travel time can present significant challenges, particularly for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options in Thornville are extremely limited. The primary public transit provider for the region is the **Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)**, but its service area primarily focuses on the Columbus metropolitan area. COTA does not offer direct routes to Thornville, making public transit an impractical option for most residents. The lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income populations.

While COTA’s routes don’t directly serve Thornville, some residents might consider a combination of services. A resident could potentially utilize a local taxi service to get to a COTA park-and-ride location, such as the one near **I-70** and **State Route 37**, then take a COTA bus into Columbus. However, this multi-step process adds considerable time and complexity to the journey, making it less desirable than driving. ADA-accessible features on COTA buses are available, but the overall lack of service to Thornville diminishes their impact.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Thornville is inconsistent. Ride-sharing drivers are often scarce in rural areas, and wait times can be prolonged, especially during off-peak hours. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for frequent medical appointments, creating a financial burden for those relying on these services. The reliability of ride-sharing is thus questionable for consistent healthcare access.

Medical transport services provide specialized assistance for individuals with mobility challenges or medical needs. Several companies operate in the region, including **CareRide** and **First Medical Transport**. These services offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, especially for long-distance trips. While medical transport fills a crucial gap, it is not always readily available or affordable for all residents.

The availability of healthcare providers within Thornville itself is limited. The town likely has a small number of primary care physicians and perhaps a pharmacy. Residents often need to travel outside of Thornville for specialized care, such as cardiology, dermatology, or mental health services. This necessitates longer commutes and increases the overall burden of healthcare access. The lack of local healthcare infrastructure underscores the importance of reliable transportation options.

For individuals considering **moving to Thornville**, the healthcare access situation should be a significant factor in their decision-making process. The reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability create challenges. Prospective residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or limited mobility, should carefully assess their ability to manage the transportation demands of healthcare access.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Thornville, Ohio, is moderate. While the proximity to Licking Memorial Hospital provides a degree of convenience, the lack of robust public transportation, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant challenges. The longer commute times to specialized medical facilities in Columbus further exacerbate these difficulties.

To improve the health score, several interventions are needed. Investing in public transportation, even if it's a limited shuttle service connecting Thornville to Newark or Columbus, could significantly improve healthcare access. Encouraging ride-sharing companies to expand their service areas and offering subsidies to make these services more affordable would also be beneficial. Promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of local healthcare providers would further alleviate the transportation burden.

Ultimately, the overall health score for Thornville residents reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural environment. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes transportation improvements, expands healthcare infrastructure, and leverages technology to improve access to care. The health and well-being of Thornville residents depend on it.