43746, Hopewell, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43746, Hopewell, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.88 percent of residents in 43746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Genesis Hospital with a distance of 8.44 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43746 (Hopewell, Ohio)

This comprehensive assessment examines the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP code 43746, Hopewell, Ohio, evaluating various transportation options and their impact on overall health. This analysis considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, providing a nuanced understanding of healthcare access within this rural community. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for residents and those considering **moving to Hopewell**, ensuring informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Hopewell, nestled in the heart of Ohio, presents unique challenges regarding **healthcare access**. The community's rural setting necessitates reliance on personal vehicles and potentially longer travel distances to reach medical facilities. This assessment aims to illuminate the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape in Hopewell, considering the impact of **transportation** infrastructure on the well-being of its residents.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Hopewell is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The most significant healthcare facilities are located outside the immediate vicinity, demanding travel on various roadways. Residents must navigate the intricate network of roads, including the well-maintained **State Route 146**, which serves as a vital artery for the community. This route connects Hopewell to nearby towns and cities, where essential medical services are concentrated.

Traveling to the closest major healthcare provider, Genesis Hospital in Zanesville, Ohio, typically involves a drive of approximately 25-35 minutes, covering roughly 20 miles. This journey usually involves traveling on **State Route 146** and connecting to **Interstate 70**. Traffic conditions can influence this commute, particularly during peak hours or adverse weather conditions.

Other healthcare options, such as smaller clinics and specialist offices, might be located in surrounding towns like Caldwell or Cambridge. These destinations require navigating a mix of county roads and state routes. Traveling to Caldwell, for instance, could involve a 30-45 minute drive, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions, often requiring travel on **State Route 78**. Cambridge is typically a similar distance, with travel primarily on **State Route 22**.

**Public Transportation Assessment:**

Public transportation options within Hopewell and the surrounding areas are limited. The availability of buses or other public transit is minimal, presenting a significant barrier for residents who do not have access to a personal vehicle. This scarcity underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

While specific public transit routes serving Hopewell are absent, the possibility of utilizing the services of the Southeastern Ohio Transportation Agency (SEOTA) might exist. SEOTA offers demand-response transportation services, which require advance booking and are designed to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities or those with limited mobility. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a crucial factor in ensuring equitable access for all residents. However, the limited frequency and scope of SEOTA services necessitate careful planning and coordination to access healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Evaluation:**

The advent of ride-sharing services has expanded transportation possibilities in many areas. However, the availability of ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft in Hopewell is limited. The rural nature of the area and the lower population density often result in longer wait times and potentially higher fares. This makes ride-sharing a less reliable option for urgent medical needs or routine appointments.

Medical transport services, on the other hand, are specifically designed to address the transportation needs of patients requiring specialized care. These services, offered by companies like MedExpress or similar providers, cater to individuals who need assistance with mobility or require transport to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to ensure safe and comfortable transport. However, the cost of medical transport can be a significant consideration, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The **Overall Health Score** for residents of ZIP code 43746, Hopewell, Ohio, reflects a moderate level of healthcare accessibility. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited availability of public transit and ride-sharing services, presents significant challenges. Drive times to major healthcare facilities are reasonable, but the lack of alternative transportation options poses a barrier for those without personal vehicles.

For individuals **moving to Hopewell**, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Careful consideration should be given to the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of personal transportation, and the potential need for alternative options like medical transport.

To improve healthcare access, several recommendations are proposed. First, expanding the availability of public transportation, particularly through demand-response services like SEOTA, is vital. Increasing the frequency of service and ensuring the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles would significantly benefit residents with mobility limitations.

Second, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services or encouraging the development of local transportation initiatives would provide additional options for those without personal vehicles. Collaborations between healthcare providers and transportation services could facilitate transportation arrangements for patients.

Third, the community should explore the possibility of establishing partnerships with medical transport providers to offer discounted rates or subsidized services for low-income residents. This would help ensure that all residents can access the healthcare they need, regardless of their financial situation.

Finally, promoting awareness of available resources, such as the contact information for medical transport providers and the procedures for utilizing demand-response transportation services, would empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

By implementing these recommendations, Hopewell can improve its **healthcare access** and enhance the overall health and well-being of its residents. Addressing the **transportation** challenges is paramount to ensuring that all members of the community can readily access the medical care they require.