43465, Walbridge, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43465, Walbridge, Ohio is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.69 percent of residents in 43465 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bay Park Community Hospital with a distance of 3.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43465 (Walbridge, OH)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Walbridge, Ohio (ZIP Code 43465), requires a deep dive into their ability to access healthcare. This encompasses a multifaceted evaluation of transportation options, travel times, and the availability of medical facilities. The ease with which individuals can reach essential medical services significantly impacts their well-being, making transportation a critical determinant of health outcomes. Considering a move to Walbridge, understanding these factors is paramount.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Walbridge is its geographic location. Situated in Wood County, Ohio, the village benefits from proximity to larger urban centers like Toledo, offering a broader range of healthcare providers. However, this proximity also necessitates reliance on various transportation methods, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Evaluating these options is crucial for calculating an accurate health score.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

For many Walbridge residents, personal vehicles represent the most common mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The primary roadways facilitating this travel are the I-280, which provides direct access to Toledo, and the US-20, offering an alternative route. The Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90) is also accessible, providing a faster but toll-based option.

Drive times to major hospitals in the Toledo area vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. Reaching ProMedica Toledo Hospital, a major regional medical center, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes via I-280, assuming moderate traffic. Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, another prominent hospital, is similarly accessible within a similar timeframe. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities located closer to Walbridge can reduce travel times considerably. These drive times, however, are highly susceptible to traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.

**Public Transit:**

The public transit landscape in the area is primarily managed by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). While TARTA services Wood County, the frequency and coverage within Walbridge itself are limited. Route 20, for instance, provides service along Woodville Road, offering a potential connection to healthcare facilities in Toledo. However, the schedule may not align with all appointment times, and the travel time can be significantly longer than driving due to multiple stops.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. TARTA strives to provide accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps and designated seating. However, the availability of accessible routes and the overall convenience of public transit for individuals with mobility limitations remain a concern. Planning a commute to healthcare using public transit requires careful consideration of schedules, transfer points, and potential delays.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. The availability of these services in Walbridge is generally good, but pricing can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day. Ride-sharing provides a convenient door-to-door service, eliminating the need for parking and offering a degree of flexibility.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs who require assistance with transportation. These services, offered by various providers, often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. They are particularly valuable for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. Assessing the availability and cost of medical transport services is crucial for individuals who rely on this mode of transportation.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the Toledo area, serving Walbridge residents. These include, but are not limited to, ProMedica Transportation, which provides non-emergency medical transportation, and various private ambulance services. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance, the level of care required, and the insurance coverage.

**Healthcare Access and Availability:**

Beyond transportation, the availability of healthcare providers in the region is a key component of the overall health score. Proximity to hospitals, clinics, and specialists is essential. While Walbridge itself has limited healthcare facilities, its proximity to Toledo provides access to a wide range of medical services. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services within a reasonable travel distance significantly enhances the health score.

**Factors Impacting the Health Score:**

Several factors can negatively impact the health score. These include long drive times, limited public transit options, the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the availability of specialized medical services. Conversely, the presence of readily accessible healthcare facilities, efficient transportation networks, and affordable transportation options can improve the health score.

**The Impact of Moving to Walbridge:**

For those considering a move to Walbridge, understanding the healthcare landscape is essential. While the village offers a relatively safe and affordable living environment, access to healthcare relies heavily on transportation. Careful consideration of personal transportation needs, the availability of public transit, and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport services is vital.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the analysis, the overall health score for residents of Walbridge (ZIP Code 43465) is moderate. While the proximity to Toledo provides access to a wide range of healthcare services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers alternative solutions, but their cost and availability can be a concern. Individuals considering a move to Walbridge should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements to ensure they can readily access the medical care they need. Further improvements in public transit, increased availability of affordable ride-sharing options, and the development of more local healthcare facilities would significantly improve the overall health score for this community. The health score is inextricably linked to the ease of transportation and the availability of healthcare access.