43534, Mc Clure, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43534, Mc Clure, Ohio is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.19 percent of residents in 43534 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Henry County Hospital, Inc with a distance of 8.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43534 (McClure, Ohio)

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 43534, the small village of McClure, Ohio, reflects a complex interplay of factors impacting healthcare access. A critical component of this score revolves around transportation, the lifeline connecting residents to essential medical services. McClure, nestled in rural Henry County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to navigating the healthcare landscape. This write-up analyzes the existing transportation infrastructure and its impact on residents' ability to reach healthcare providers.

The primary mode of transportation for most residents of McClure is the personal vehicle. Driving is almost a necessity, given the limited public transit options. Reaching larger medical facilities often requires navigating a network of state routes and county roads. The most direct route to larger healthcare hubs like Defiance or Napoleon typically involves utilizing **Ohio State Route 24** east or west. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to agricultural traffic, especially during planting and harvest seasons.

Another crucial artery is **Ohio State Route 65**, which intersects with Route 24, offering access to smaller towns and potential healthcare providers. County roads like **County Road 2** and **County Road 4** serve as connectors, providing access to local clinics and physician offices. Drive times vary significantly depending on the destination and traffic conditions. A trip to the Henry County Hospital in Napoleon, for example, might take around 20-30 minutes under ideal conditions, while reaching more specialized facilities in Toledo could easily exceed an hour.

Public transportation options in McClure are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles, seniors, and those with disabilities. This lack of readily available transportation creates a barrier to receiving timely medical care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. The need for improved public transportation is a critical factor in improving the overall health score for the community.

The nearest public transit option is the **Henry County Transit**, which provides demand-response service. This means residents must schedule rides in advance, often with limited availability. The service operates within Henry County, offering a potential solution for local appointments. However, it is not designed for long-distance travel to larger medical centers outside the county. The service is not widely advertised, and its limited capacity and scheduling requirements can pose significant challenges for those needing regular medical appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. The Henry County Transit is equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the limited scope of service and the need for advance booking can still present difficulties for some users. The overall health score is negatively impacted by the lack of readily accessible and widely available public transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in McClure is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of these services is often dependent on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare access is not a dependable solution for the majority of McClure residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or requiring specialized care, offer an alternative. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including **ProMedica Transportation** and **Care Ambulance Service**. These services typically offer stretcher transport, wheelchair transport, and ambulatory transport. While these services provide a vital link to healthcare for those who need it, they can be costly and often require prior authorization from insurance providers. The availability of these services is a positive aspect, but their cost and logistical requirements can still create barriers to healthcare access.

The availability of healthcare providers within McClure itself is also a significant factor in the overall health score. The presence of local clinics and physician offices reduces the need for long-distance travel, improving healthcare access. However, the availability of specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and specialized surgery, is often limited. Residents may need to travel to larger cities like Toledo or Defiance to access these services.

The overall health score is also influenced by the socioeconomic status of the community. McClure, like many rural areas, may have a higher proportion of low-income residents who may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare. Transportation costs, the cost of medical care, and the availability of health insurance can all contribute to disparities in healthcare access. Addressing these socioeconomic factors is crucial for improving the overall health score.

For those considering moving to McClure, understanding the transportation landscape is vital. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and assess their ability to access medical services. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport should be carefully considered.

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 43534 is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport create barriers to healthcare access. While the presence of local clinics and physician offices is beneficial, the need to travel to larger cities for specialized medical services further complicates the situation. Addressing these transportation challenges through improved public transit, increased ride-sharing availability, and potentially subsidized medical transport services, would significantly improve the overall health score for the community.