43505, Blakeslee, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43505, Blakeslee, Ohio is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.91 percent of residents in 43505 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Community Hospitals And Wellness Centers with a distance of 8.17 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43505 (Blakeslee, Ohio)

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is crucial for assessing the overall health and well-being of a community. This report provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 43505 (Blakeslee, Ohio), focusing on the crucial element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. This analysis considers various modes of travel, from personal vehicles to public transit and specialized medical **transportation**, offering a nuanced perspective for anyone **moving to Blakeslee** or seeking to understand the community's healthcare landscape.

The geography of Blakeslee presents both advantages and challenges. Nestled in Williams County, it offers a tranquil, rural setting. However, this remoteness necessitates reliance on **transportation** to reach essential services, including healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the relative ease or difficulty of navigating this landscape.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Arteries**

For many residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of **transportation** to medical appointments. The primary roadways servicing Blakeslee are State Route 2 (SR-2) and State Route 576 (SR-576). These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience seasonal weather challenges, particularly during winter months. The time required to reach healthcare facilities is a critical factor.

The closest hospital, Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers - Bryan, is approximately 20 minutes away via SR-2. This drive time, while manageable, can fluctuate significantly based on traffic and weather conditions. Specialized medical facilities, such as those in Defiance (approximately 35 minutes via US-24) or Fort Wayne, Indiana (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via US-24 and I-69), require considerably longer travel times. These longer distances can pose significant challenges for individuals with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

The condition of these roadways is generally good, but the lack of alternative routes can create bottlenecks during peak hours or in the event of an accident. This is a critical consideration when evaluating **healthcare access**. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the potential for delays and their impact on patient care.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transit options in Blakeslee are extremely limited. Williams County does not have a county-wide public transit system. This lack of public **transportation** presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals without personal vehicles, including seniors, low-income residents, and those with disabilities.

The absence of a robust public transit network underscores the importance of alternative **transportation** solutions for residents of 43505. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the limited options available and their impact on health outcomes.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and reliability may vary depending on the time of day and demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a valuable alternative. Several providers serve the region, including local ambulance services and specialized medical **transportation** companies. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited.

The "Overall Health Score" will factor in the availability, cost, and reliability of these alternative **transportation** options.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** and healthcare facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the lack of public transit in Blakeslee is a significant concern, the availability of medical **transportation** services with ADA-compliant vehicles is a positive factor. Healthcare facilities in the region are generally compliant with ADA regulations, ensuring accessibility for patients with mobility impairments.

The "Overall Health Score" will consider the accessibility of both **transportation** and healthcare facilities for individuals with disabilities.

**Specific Medical Transportation Brands:**

While specific medical **transportation** brands operating directly within Blakeslee might be limited, the area is serviced by regional providers. These may include, but are not limited to, local ambulance services that offer non-emergency medical **transportation**. Additionally, companies specializing in patient **transportation** to and from medical appointments may serve the area, though they might be based in larger cities like Bryan or Defiance. Researching specific providers and their service areas is crucial for residents of 43505.

**The "Overall Health Score" Framework:**

The "Overall Health Score" will be calculated based on a weighted average of several factors:

* **Drive Time to Healthcare Facilities:** This will include the average drive time to the nearest hospital, specialist clinics, and urgent care centers.
* **Availability of Public Transit:** The absence of a public transit system will negatively impact the score.
* **Accessibility of Ride-Sharing Services:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services will be considered.
* **Availability and Cost of Medical Transportation:** The presence of medical **transportation** services, their accessibility, and associated costs will be evaluated.
* **ADA Compliance:** The accessibility of both **transportation** options and healthcare facilities will be assessed.
* **Roadway Conditions and Weather Impact:** The potential for delays due to weather or traffic will be considered.

**Impact on Individuals Moving to Blakeslee:**

For individuals **moving to Blakeslee**, understanding the **transportation** landscape is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" provides a valuable tool for assessing the ease of accessing medical services. It highlights the importance of having a reliable mode of **transportation**, whether a personal vehicle, a ride-sharing account, or access to medical **transportation** services.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

The "Overall Health Score" for 43505 will likely reflect the challenges associated with **healthcare access** in a rural setting. While the proximity to Bryan provides some advantages, the lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create potential barriers. The "Overall Health Score" will underscore the need for continued efforts to improve **transportation** options, particularly for vulnerable populations. This could include exploring partnerships with medical **transportation** providers, advocating for the expansion of ride-sharing services, or investigating the feasibility of a county-wide public transit system. Ultimately, improving **healthcare access** is crucial for ensuring the overall health and well-being of the Blakeslee community.