43747, Jerusalem, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43747, Jerusalem, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.83 percent of residents in 43747 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 10.45 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43747**

Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, ZIP Code 43747 presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access. This area, encompassing the heart of Jerusalem, Ohio, is a tapestry of rural charm and geographical challenges. Evaluating the overall health score necessitates a deep dive into the transportation infrastructure, the available healthcare facilities, and the ease with which residents can access them. The goal is to paint a vivid picture, a comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by those seeking medical care in this community, a crucial element for anyone considering moving to Jerusalem.

The primary mode of transportation in 43747 is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Driving is the lifeblood connecting residents to essential services. However, this reliance introduces complexities. The drive-time to healthcare facilities is a critical factor. The closest major hospital, Wheeling Hospital, located across the Ohio River in Wheeling, West Virginia, is approximately a 45-minute drive, primarily via **Ohio Route 7** and then **Interstate 70 West**. This journey can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the harsh winter months when snow and ice can render roads treacherous.

Another option is Barnesville Hospital, a smaller facility located about 20 minutes away. This drive typically involves **Ohio Route 149** and **Ohio Route 800**. While closer, the services offered at Barnesville Hospital are more limited than those available at Wheeling Hospital. Therefore, residents often face a trade-off: proximity versus the breadth of medical care.

Public transportation options are limited in 43747. The Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority (OVRTA) provides some service to the area, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to larger towns and cities. The specific routes serving Jerusalem are limited, and the schedules are not designed for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of these routes varies. While OVRTA strives to provide accessible services, the rural nature of the area and the limited resources pose challenges.

The absence of robust public transportation significantly impacts those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This highlights a critical disparity in healthcare access, a situation that could influence someone considering moving to Jerusalem.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is inconsistent. Availability is often dependent on the time of day and the demand in the area. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for frequent medical appointments. This makes it a less reliable option for those needing regular healthcare.

Medical transportation services are available, but these are typically reserved for patients requiring specialized care or those with significant mobility limitations. These services, often provided by ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are essential for certain individuals but are not a general solution for the broader community.

The availability of medical facilities within 43747 itself is limited. The area primarily relies on the hospitals and clinics located in nearby towns. This geographic reality underscores the importance of efficient transportation options. The ability to travel to these facilities is paramount for maintaining overall health.

The healthcare access landscape in 43747 is further complicated by the availability of specialists. While primary care physicians may be accessible, accessing specialists often requires traveling to larger cities like Wheeling or even further afield to Pittsburgh or Columbus. This increases the drive-time and the overall burden on patients.

The overall health score for 43747 is therefore influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on facilities outside the immediate area all contribute to the challenges faced by residents seeking healthcare.

The geographical isolation of Jerusalem, combined with the limited transportation options, creates a situation where healthcare access is not always readily available. This could be a significant factor for those considering moving to Jerusalem, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions or those who value easy access to a wide range of healthcare services.

The cost of transportation is also a critical consideration. The price of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and the potential for tolls all contribute to the overall expense of accessing healthcare. This financial burden can be particularly challenging for low-income residents, exacerbating existing health disparities.

The overall health score for 43747 is therefore moderately challenging. While residents can access healthcare, the journey is often time-consuming, potentially expensive, and reliant on a personal vehicle. The lack of robust public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create barriers for those without access to a car.

The overall health score can be improved by several factors. Investing in public transportation, expanding ride-sharing services, and promoting carpooling initiatives could significantly improve healthcare access. Encouraging the development of telehealth services could also provide remote access to healthcare professionals, reducing the need for physical travel.

The future of healthcare access in 43747 will depend on the ability of the community to address these challenges. The availability of transportation options, the cost of accessing healthcare, and the proximity of medical facilities will all play a critical role in shaping the overall health score for the area.

In conclusion, the overall health score for 43747 reflects a community that faces significant transportation challenges in accessing healthcare. While residents have access to medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the geographic isolation create barriers. This is a critical factor for anyone considering moving to Jerusalem, Ohio, as it directly impacts the ease and affordability of obtaining essential medical care.