43604, Toledo, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43604, Toledo, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.78 percent of residents in 43604 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy St Vincent Medical Center with a distance of 1.12 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43604

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In ZIP code 43604, nestled within the heart of Toledo, Ohio, the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities significantly impacts their overall well-being. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape of 43604, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare services through various modes, ultimately providing an "Overall Health Score" for this crucial aspect of community life. This is especially relevant for those considering moving to Toledo.

The primary mode of transportation for many residents in 43604 is the personal vehicle. The road network, while relatively straightforward, presents its own set of challenges. The major thoroughfare, Interstate 75 (I-75), serves as a vital artery, connecting 43604 to numerous healthcare providers. However, rush hour can transform this highway into a congested parking lot, extending drive times considerably. Other key roads, such as the Anthony Wayne Trail, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge, also contribute to the flow of traffic, but can also experience delays.

The drive time to healthcare facilities varies depending on the destination and the time of day. The University of Toledo Medical Center, for instance, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive during off-peak hours via I-75 South. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily stretch to 30 minutes or more. ProMedica Toledo Hospital, another major provider, is generally accessible within a similar timeframe, although navigating surface streets can add to the travel time. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities, scattered throughout the area, offer more localized options, often reducing drive times to under 10 minutes.

Public transportation, provided by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. Several bus routes serve the 43604 area, including routes 2, 10, and 19. These routes connect residents to various healthcare destinations, including the University of Toledo Medical Center and ProMedica Toledo Hospital. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor.

TARTA is committed to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility. All TARTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. This is a crucial element in ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents. However, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited route coverage.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in Toledo, providing on-demand transportation options. These services offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles and public transit, particularly for those who may find it difficult to drive or navigate the bus system. The availability and cost of ride-sharing can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day, potentially impacting healthcare access for those on a tight budget.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, represent another crucial component of the healthcare access landscape. Companies like CareRide and First Transit offer specialized transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are particularly valuable for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those requiring assistance with mobility.

The availability of these services is, however, not without limitations. Medical transportation can be expensive, and the need to schedule rides in advance can create logistical challenges. Furthermore, the geographical coverage of these services may be restricted, potentially limiting access for residents in certain areas of 43604.

Assessing the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 43604 requires a holistic evaluation of these transportation options. The presence of a well-developed road network, coupled with the availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation, contributes to a positive score. However, the challenges associated with traffic congestion, limited public transit frequency, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation must also be considered.

The overall health score is also impacted by the proximity of healthcare facilities. 43604 benefits from its proximity to major hospitals and a network of clinics. This geographic advantage, coupled with the various transportation options, suggests a relatively good level of healthcare access for many residents. However, the score is tempered by the limitations of each transportation mode and the potential for disparities in access based on individual circumstances.

Factors such as income, age, and disability status can significantly influence an individual's ability to access healthcare. Residents with limited financial resources may struggle to afford ride-sharing or medical transportation, while those with mobility limitations may face challenges using public transit. These disparities highlight the importance of addressing the affordability and accessibility of all transportation options.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 43604 is therefore nuanced. It is not a simple "good" or "bad" assessment. It reflects a complex interplay of factors, including the availability of various transportation modes, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the socio-economic characteristics of the community.

The score is a reflection of the accessibility of healthcare. While the area benefits from a relatively robust transportation network, challenges remain. The commute on I-75 can be a major factor, and public transit has its limitations. Ride-sharing and medical transport offer alternatives, but cost and availability can be barriers.

Considering all factors, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 43604 is assessed as "Moderate to Good." While the community has access to a range of transportation options and a network of healthcare providers, challenges related to traffic congestion, public transit limitations, and the cost of alternative transportation modes impact the overall score. Further improvements in public transit frequency, the affordability of ride-sharing, and the expansion of medical transportation services could significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve healthcare access for all residents of 43604. This is a crucial consideration for anyone moving to Toledo.