43412, Curtice, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43412, Curtice, Ohio is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.58 percent of residents in 43412 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wood County Hospital with a distance of 23.71 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43412 (Curtice, Ohio)**

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Curtice, Ohio (ZIP code 43412) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access, particularly focusing on transportation options. The ability to reach medical facilities promptly and efficiently is a critical determinant of health outcomes. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking healthcare within and beyond the Curtice area.

Curtice, a small community nestled in Lucas County, Ohio, presents unique transportation challenges. The area's relative isolation and reliance on personal vehicles significantly impact healthcare access. While the community enjoys a rural charm, this characteristic often translates to longer travel times to reach essential medical services. Assessing the efficiency of these routes is paramount in determining the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

The primary roadways serving Curtice include State Route 2 (SR-2), a major east-west artery, and Jerusalem Road, which provides north-south access. Travel times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. The proximity of Toledo, Ohio, offers access to a wider array of medical specialists and hospitals, but this necessitates navigating potentially congested roadways.

For residents needing urgent care, Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital in Oregon, Ohio, represents the closest major hospital. The drive, typically along SR-2, averages 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, during rush hour, this commute can extend considerably. This time sensitivity is crucial for evaluating the overall health score, as delays can significantly impact health outcomes.

Specialist appointments and more complex medical needs often necessitate travel to downtown Toledo, approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. This route primarily utilizes SR-2 and Interstate 75 (I-75), both of which can experience heavy congestion, particularly around the I-75/SR-2 interchange. This extended travel time adds to the stress and inconvenience for residents, potentially deterring them from seeking timely medical attention.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Curtice are limited. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) provides bus service, but its routes and frequency are not extensive in the Curtice area. TARTA Route 20, which primarily serves Oregon and Toledo, offers the most viable public transit option. However, this route may not directly serve Curtice, and residents would likely need to travel to a designated bus stop, adding to the overall commute time.

Furthermore, the frequency of Route 20 may not be sufficient for timely access to medical appointments. ADA accessibility features are available on TARTA buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited scope of public transportation in Curtice remains a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, their availability in Curtice may be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ProMedica Transportation, offer specialized transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transit. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transportation, but they provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or utilize other transportation options. The availability and cost of these services are essential considerations in assessing the overall health score.

**Moving to Curtice: Healthcare Access Considerations**

For individuals considering moving to Curtice, Ohio, a thorough understanding of healthcare access is crucial. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential for longer travel times to medical facilities should be carefully evaluated. Prospective residents should consider their individual healthcare needs and assess whether the available transportation options meet those needs.

The overall health score for Curtice is significantly impacted by the challenges of healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful, rural environment, the transportation limitations pose a significant hurdle for residents seeking timely and convenient medical care. Improving public transportation, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the affordability of medical transport options are critical steps in enhancing the overall health score for the Curtice community.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The overall health score for residents of Curtice, Ohio (ZIP code 43412) is influenced by the transportation infrastructure and the availability of healthcare resources. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, presents challenges for healthcare access. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives, but their availability and affordability are crucial considerations.

To improve the overall health score, efforts should focus on enhancing transportation options, increasing the frequency and coverage of public transit, and ensuring the availability of affordable ride-sharing and medical transport services. Furthermore, the community could benefit from exploring partnerships with healthcare providers to establish satellite clinics or telehealth services, reducing the need for long-distance travel. Addressing these transportation and healthcare access challenges is paramount to ensuring the well-being of the Curtice community.