43760, Mount Perry, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43760, Mount Perry, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.85 percent of residents in 43760 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Genesis Hospital with a distance of 11.36 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43760 (Mount Perry, Ohio)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its accessibility to healthcare services. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 43760 (Mount Perry, Ohio), focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the transportation landscape concerning healthcare access. Understanding these factors is crucial for current residents and those considering moving to Mount Perry, painting a clear picture of the realities of seeking medical attention.

The score considers various modes of transportation, drive times to medical facilities, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. This information is vital in assessing the overall health of the community, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those without personal vehicles. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation barriers and facilitators to healthcare access within this rural Ohio community.

Mount Perry, nestled in Perry County, presents unique challenges. The area is characterized by a rural environment, sparse population density, and limited public transportation infrastructure. These factors significantly impact healthcare access, making it a critical consideration for anyone residing in or contemplating a move to the region. The Overall Health Score serves as a guide, providing insights into the complexities of navigating the healthcare system in this specific geographic area.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 43760 is personal vehicles. The drive times to medical facilities are a significant factor in the Overall Health Score. The closest hospitals are located in Zanesville, approximately a 25-35 minute drive. The primary route to Zanesville is via State Route 13, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. This route is generally well-maintained, but adverse weather conditions, particularly during winter, can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks.

Further afield, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, offers more specialized care but is a much longer drive of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via Interstate 70. The journey to Columbus necessitates navigating both rural roads and a major interstate, adding complexity and potential delays. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, directly impacts the ability of residents to reach critical medical appointments.

Drive times to urgent care facilities and physician offices within Zanesville and surrounding areas are also crucial. While shorter than hospital trips, these trips still require careful planning, especially for those with mobility issues or limited access to transportation. The availability of parking and the physical accessibility of these facilities are also important considerations.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in 43760 are extremely limited, representing a significant challenge to healthcare access. The lack of a robust public transit system is a major factor negatively impacting the Overall Health Score. The Perry County Transit provides some transportation services within the county, but the frequency of routes and the areas served are limited.

The Perry County Transit does not have fixed routes that directly serve Mount Perry. Residents must arrange for demand-response services, which require advance booking and may have limited availability. These services are often geared towards essential trips, including medical appointments, but may not be readily available for urgent needs.

The lack of ADA-compliant features on available public transit further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities. The limited accessibility of public transportation options creates significant barriers to healthcare access for a vulnerable segment of the population, directly impacting the Overall Health Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Zanesville area but may have limited presence in Mount Perry itself. The availability of these services can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires careful planning and may be subject to delays or cancellations, impacting the Overall Health Score.

Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services are often equipped with medical equipment and trained personnel to provide assistance during transport. While these services can be a valuable resource, they can be expensive and may require prior authorization or referrals, potentially creating barriers to access.

The availability and affordability of medical transport services are crucial for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized care. The Overall Health Score considers the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of these services in relation to the needs of the community.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

Based on the factors discussed, the Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 43760 is moderate, leaning towards the lower end of the scale. The primary challenges are the limited public transportation options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for long drive times to medical facilities. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services in Mount Perry further compounds these difficulties.

The score is somewhat mitigated by the proximity of Zanesville and the availability of medical facilities in that area. However, the drive times, road conditions, and the limited options for those without personal transportation remain significant concerns. For individuals considering moving to Mount Perry, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is crucial.

For residents with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or limited mobility, the challenges are amplified. The lack of accessible public transportation and the potential for long drive times can significantly impact their ability to access timely and appropriate medical care.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the Overall Health Score for 43760, several measures could be implemented. Expanding the Perry County Transit service to include more frequent routes and demand-response services specifically for Mount Perry would be beneficial. Improving the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles and services is crucial to ensure equitable access for all residents.

Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to increase their presence in the area could also improve access. Furthermore, promoting awareness of medical transportation services and providing financial assistance for those in need could alleviate some of the transportation burdens.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and safety enhancements, is essential to ensure safe and reliable transportation to healthcare facilities. Community initiatives to promote carpooling or volunteer driver programs could also help address the transportation needs of residents.

By addressing these challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, the community of Mount Perry can improve its Overall Health Score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. The quality of life in a community is directly linked to the ability to access essential services, and healthcare access is at the forefront of this. This analysis provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in 43760 and a roadmap for improving the health and well-being of its residents.