43413, Cygnet, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43413, Cygnet, Ohio is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.74 percent of residents in 43413 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wood County Hospital with a distance of 9.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Cygnet, OH (ZIP Code 43413)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access vital healthcare services. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 43413 (Cygnet, Ohio), evaluates the multifaceted landscape of healthcare access, considering the crucial role of transportation. Understanding the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, is paramount in determining an "Overall Health Score" for residents seeking medical care. This score reflects the ease, efficiency, and inclusivity of the transportation infrastructure that connects Cygnet to necessary healthcare providers.

Cygnet, a small village nestled in Wood County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural setting necessitates reliance on transportation, making it a critical factor in determining the overall health of its residents. The absence of a local hospital or extensive medical facilities within the immediate vicinity necessitates travel to neighboring towns and cities for specialized care. This analysis dives deep into the available transportation options, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on the community's overall health.

**Drive-Time Analysis and Roadway Infrastructure**

The primary mode of transportation for Cygnet residents seeking healthcare is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the quality of the roadways and the distances to medical facilities. The most direct route to Bowling Green, the nearest city with a hospital (Wood County Hospital), involves navigating **State Route 65** south. The drive, generally, takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route is typically well-maintained, but can experience delays during peak hours or inclement weather.

Further afield, access to larger medical centers in Perrysburg and Toledo necessitates travel on **Interstate 75**. Heading north on I-75 provides access to the University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC) and ProMedica Toledo Hospital, which are roughly a 45-minute to one-hour drive. Southbound on I-75 leads to the Mercy Health Perrysburg Hospital, which is about a 30-minute drive. While the interstate offers efficient travel, it can be susceptible to congestion, particularly during rush hour, potentially impacting access to time-sensitive medical care.

Smaller roads, like **County Road 21**, **County Road 22**, and **County Road 23**, serve as feeder routes, connecting Cygnet residents to the main thoroughfares. These roads are generally rural, with varying levels of maintenance. Residents must consider these roads when planning their trips to healthcare facilities. The condition of these roads, especially during winter, can significantly impact drive times and the safety of travel.

**Public Transit Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Cygnet and the surrounding areas are limited. Wood County does offer a public transit system, the Wood County Regional Transit Authority (RTA), but its services are primarily focused on providing demand-response transportation, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. The RTA's services are crucial for those who cannot drive, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to a personal vehicle.

The RTA operates under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing accessible vehicles and services to individuals with disabilities. Riders can request lift-equipped vehicles for wheelchair users, and the RTA strives to accommodate other mobility needs. However, the demand-response nature of the service requires careful planning and can limit spontaneous access to healthcare.

While the RTA does provide transportation within Wood County, it doesn’t have regularly scheduled routes to Toledo or other major medical centers. This necessitates transferring to other transit systems or utilizing ride-sharing services for those needing to travel outside of the county.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cygnet area, but their availability and reliability may vary depending on the time of day and demand. Residents should be aware that ride-sharing services can be more expensive than other transportation options, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance with transportation to medical appointments, are another option. Several companies, such as CareRide and First Transit, provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, NEMT services typically require pre-booking and can be subject to insurance coverage limitations.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score for residents of Cygnet. Drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation all play a significant role. The cost of transportation, the physical condition of the roads, and the impact of weather conditions further influence the ease and efficiency of healthcare access.

The lack of local healthcare facilities within Cygnet necessitates reliance on external resources. The dependence on personal vehicles, with the associated costs of fuel and maintenance, can pose a financial burden for some residents. The limited public transit options and the variability of ride-sharing services can create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

**Implications for Moving to Cygnet**

For individuals considering moving to Cygnet, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the availability of reliable and affordable options. Those with chronic medical conditions or limited mobility should investigate the availability of medical transportation services and the accessibility of local public transit.

The overall health score for Cygnet reflects the community's ability to provide accessible and efficient healthcare services. While the area benefits from its proximity to larger cities with advanced medical facilities, the challenges of transportation must be acknowledged. Residents must be prepared to navigate the complexities of commuting, whether by personal vehicle, public transit, or ride-sharing services.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for Cygnet, OH (43413) is moderate. While the area benefits from its location near major roadways and access to healthcare facilities in surrounding cities, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on personal vehicles pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services helps mitigate these challenges, but the cost and availability of these services must be considered. Improving public transit options, enhancing road infrastructure, and promoting awareness of available transportation resources could significantly improve the overall health score for Cygnet residents, ensuring that everyone has timely and equitable access to the healthcare they need.