43547, Neapolis, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43547, Neapolis, Ohio is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.59 percent of residents in 43547 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital with a distance of 10.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43547 (Neapolis, Ohio)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Neapolis, Ohio (ZIP Code 43547) requires a comprehensive evaluation of their access to healthcare. This includes not only the availability of medical facilities but also the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach them. Transportation plays a pivotal role, acting as a crucial bridge connecting individuals to the vital services they need. This analysis will delve into the current transportation landscape, examining drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport alternatives, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare accessibility for those considering moving to Neapolis.

The geographical location of Neapolis, nestled within Fulton County, presents both advantages and disadvantages regarding healthcare access. While the rural setting offers a sense of tranquility, it also necessitates reliance on transportation to reach medical providers. The primary thoroughfare serving the area is **State Route 2**, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, particularly during peak hours. This road becomes a critical artery for those needing to access healthcare facilities located outside of the immediate vicinity.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant factor in determining the overall health score. The nearest hospital, **Fulton County Health Center**, is located approximately 15 miles south of Neapolis, requiring a drive time of around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within the ZIP code. This drive typically involves navigating **State Route 2** and then utilizing local roads within Wauseon. While the drive is generally manageable, unexpected delays due to accidents or inclement weather could pose challenges, especially for individuals with urgent medical needs.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel further. **Toledo Hospital**, a major medical center in Toledo, is approximately 35 miles east, translating to a drive time of roughly 45-60 minutes. This journey involves navigating **State Route 2** and then transitioning onto **U.S. Route 24** or **U.S. Route 6**, depending on the specific destination within Toledo. The longer drive time increases the risk of delays and can be particularly burdensome for those requiring frequent specialist appointments or undergoing ongoing treatments.

Public transportation options in Neapolis are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. This deficiency disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. While there are no fixed-route bus services operating directly within Neapolis, residents may be able to utilize the **Fulton County Transit System**.

The **Fulton County Transit System** offers demand-response services, meaning that riders must schedule their trips in advance. These services are available within Fulton County, but the availability of these services to Neapolis residents is limited. The transit system does provide ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the need to schedule rides and the potential for longer travel times can make this option less convenient than private transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for residents of Neapolis. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to healthcare facilities. While ride-sharing can provide a convenient solution for some, it may not be a reliable or affordable option for all residents.

Medical transportation services specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments are also available in the area. Companies such as **CareRide** and **American Medical Response (AMR)** offer non-emergency medical transportation services. These services typically involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and they may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 43547 is moderately impacted by transportation factors. While the drive times to the nearest hospital are generally reasonable, the limited public transit options and the potential for longer travel times to specialized medical facilities in Toledo present challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for delays due to traffic or weather conditions can impact healthcare access, particularly for those with chronic health conditions or mobility limitations.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options provides some level of support, but the cost and availability of these services can be limiting factors. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system represents a significant gap in the healthcare access landscape.

For individuals considering moving to Neapolis, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the need for reliable transportation to reach medical facilities should be carefully considered. Prospective residents should assess their individual healthcare needs and their ability to navigate the existing transportation options.

Improving the overall health score for Neapolis residents could involve several initiatives. Enhancing the availability and frequency of public transit services, particularly connecting Neapolis with healthcare facilities in Wauseon and Toledo, would significantly improve healthcare access. Promoting ride-sharing and medical transportation options, potentially through subsidies or partnerships with local healthcare providers, could also improve accessibility. Furthermore, investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and traffic management, could reduce drive times and improve the reliability of transportation.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 43547 is influenced by the transportation infrastructure and the availability of healthcare access. While the area offers some healthcare options within a reasonable driving distance, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles present challenges for many residents. Addressing these transportation-related barriers through strategic investments and community initiatives would be essential to improve healthcare access and enhance the overall health and well-being of the residents of Neapolis. The ability to efficiently and affordably navigate the transportation landscape is a key determinant of health outcomes for this community.