43519, Evansport, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43519, Evansport, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 43519 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Promedica Defiance Regional Hospital with a distance of 8.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Evansport, Ohio (ZIP Code 43519)

The well-being of a community hinges on many factors, but access to healthcare is paramount. This assessment delves into the realities of healthcare access for residents of Evansport, Ohio (ZIP Code 43519), focusing on the crucial element of transportation. Understanding the challenges and opportunities in this area is critical for anyone considering moving to Evansport or for local initiatives aimed at improving community health. We will examine the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, and assess their impact on healthcare access.

The primary mode of transportation in Evansport is the personal vehicle. This is typical of rural areas, where distances between residences, workplaces, and healthcare facilities are often significant. Driving times are, therefore, a crucial metric in determining healthcare access. The ease of navigating the roads and highways directly impacts the ability to reach necessary medical appointments and services.

For residents of Evansport, the primary routes to healthcare facilities involve navigating a network of local roads and highways. The most direct route to Bryan Hospital in Bryan, Ohio, a regional healthcare hub, typically involves traveling east on County Road 10A, connecting to State Route 2 (SR-2). This route is relatively straightforward, offering a drive time of approximately 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within the ZIP code.

Another common destination for healthcare services is Defiance, Ohio, which offers a wider range of specialized medical care. Reaching Defiance usually involves traveling south on County Road 10A, then merging onto US-6. The drive to Defiance can take approximately 30 to 40 minutes, again contingent on traffic and the specific destination within the city.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the reliance on personal vehicles. For individuals without access to a car, or those unable to drive due to age, disability, or other factors, the challenge of healthcare access becomes significantly more complex. This underscores the importance of alternative transportation options.

Public transportation in the area is limited. The Northwest Ohio Transportation Services (NWOTS) provides demand-response transportation services within Defiance County. While this service offers a lifeline for some, it is not a fixed-route system. Riders must schedule rides in advance, which can be a significant hurdle for urgent medical needs. The availability of NWOTS in Evansport and the surrounding areas is dependent on the specific service area and scheduling availability. The vehicles are typically equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and ramps, making them accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited service area and scheduling requirements can still pose significant barriers.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is less consistent than in more urban areas. Availability can fluctuate based on driver availability and demand. This makes ride-sharing a potentially unreliable option for scheduled medical appointments, especially in a rural community like Evansport. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips.

Medical transportation services, which are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies operate in the area, offering specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities or those requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and may include assistance with mobility devices. However, these services typically come with a higher cost than public transportation or ride-sharing, making them less accessible for low-income individuals.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Evansport is therefore moderate. While the drive times to nearby healthcare facilities are generally reasonable for those with personal vehicles, the lack of robust public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for those without access to a car.

The availability of ADA-accessible transportation, through NWOTS and specialized medical transport services, is a positive factor. However, the limitations in service area, scheduling requirements, and cost impact the overall accessibility of these options.

For anyone moving to Evansport, it is crucial to consider the transportation options available and how they align with their individual healthcare needs. Individuals who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the availability and reliability of NWOTS and other specialized services.

The community can take steps to improve healthcare access. Investing in and expanding public transportation services, including fixed-route options or increased demand-response services, could significantly improve access for a wider range of residents. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized rides for medical appointments could also be a valuable initiative.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of existing medical transportation services and providing financial assistance to those in need could help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Finally, supporting telehealth initiatives, which allow patients to access medical care remotely, could help mitigate the transportation challenges and improve healthcare outcomes for residents of Evansport.

The health of a community is a reflection of the resources available to its residents. While Evansport offers a relatively accessible environment for those with personal vehicles, the community must continue to strive to make healthcare accessible to all residents, regardless of their transportation capabilities. This requires a multifaceted approach, involving investments in public transportation, partnerships with ride-sharing services, promotion of medical transportation options, and the adoption of telehealth technologies. By addressing these challenges, Evansport can ensure that all residents have equal access to the healthcare they need.