43782, Shawnee, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43782, Shawnee, Ohio is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.01 percent of residents in 43782 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hocking Valley Community Hospital with a distance of 11.44 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43782

The quaint village of Shawnee, Ohio, nestled within ZIP Code 43782, offers a unique blend of rural charm and community spirit. However, when considering overall health, the accessibility of healthcare services becomes a critical factor. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape, specifically focusing on commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, to determine a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” for residents of Shawnee. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone contemplating moving to Shawnee and assessing their healthcare access.

The primary challenge in 43782 is the rural nature of the area. This impacts all aspects of transportation. The availability of diverse and efficient methods is limited. The score will reflect the challenges faced by residents in accessing essential medical care.

**Drive-Time Dynamics: A Road Trip to Wellness**

For most residents, the automobile remains the dominant mode of transportation. Accessing healthcare necessitates navigating the network of roads and highways that connect Shawnee to the surrounding towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated. The primary arteries serving the area include State Route 13, State Route 93, and County Road 13.

Traveling south on State Route 13, residents can reach the larger towns of Nelsonville and Athens. The drive to O'Bleness Hospital in Athens, a regional healthcare provider, typically takes around 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This drive represents a moderate commute, manageable for routine appointments but potentially stressful in emergencies.

Heading north on State Route 13 leads to Zanesville, a larger city with a more extensive array of healthcare options, including Genesis Hospital. The drive to Zanesville, however, is significantly longer, averaging approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This longer commute necessitates careful planning for appointments and increases the risk of delays.

State Route 93 provides an alternative route, connecting Shawnee to towns like New Straitsville and Corning. While these towns may offer some limited healthcare services, they are not equipped with the comprehensive care found in Athens or Zanesville. County Road 13 offers a more localized route, connecting to smaller communities and potentially providing access to local clinics.

The drive times, while not excessively long, do present a barrier to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, and the potential for traffic delays. These factors contribute to a lower score in the “Transportation” category, which directly impacts the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Sparse Network**

Public transportation options in the 43782 ZIP code are extremely limited. The region lacks a robust public transit infrastructure. This deficiency significantly impacts individuals who do not own a car, are unable to drive, or are seeking an alternative to driving.

The Athens County Transit System (ACTS) provides some service in the broader area, but its routes and schedules are not specifically designed to serve Shawnee with frequent or convenient access to healthcare facilities. ACTS operates on fixed routes with limited frequency, potentially requiring lengthy wait times and transfers. Furthermore, ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. The availability of wheelchair-accessible buses is essential for individuals with disabilities, but the reliability and coverage of these services may be inconsistent in rural areas.

The absence of a well-developed public transit system severely restricts healthcare access for vulnerable populations. The lack of options contributes to a lower score in the “Public Transportation” category, further diminishing the overall health score. This is a significant consideration for anyone moving to Shawnee.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Patchwork Solution**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their presence in Shawnee and the surrounding rural communities is often limited. The availability of drivers can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for accessing healthcare, especially for urgent medical needs.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. These services, often provided by private companies or non-profit organizations, can be a valuable resource for individuals who cannot drive or lack other transportation options. However, the cost of medical transportation can be a significant financial burden, particularly for those with limited incomes.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers a partial solution to the transportation challenges in 43782. However, their limitations in terms of availability, cost, and reliability contribute to a moderate score in the “Alternative Transportation” category.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite View**

The Overall Health Score for residents of 43782, considering the factors discussed, is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit options, and the challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create barriers to healthcare access.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, while not excessively long, require careful planning and increase the risk of delays. The absence of a robust public transit system disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, limiting their access to essential medical care. The cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services further complicate the transportation landscape.

For individuals considering moving to Shawnee, it is essential to carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transit or have limited mobility may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The overall health score reflects the need for residents to proactively plan for their healthcare transportation needs.

**Recommendations:**

* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Supporting efforts to expand public transit services, including increased route frequency and ADA accessibility, is crucial.
* **Explore ride-sharing and medical transport options:** Researching and utilizing available ride-sharing and medical transportation services can improve healthcare access.
* **Consider proximity to healthcare facilities:** When choosing a residence, consider the proximity to healthcare providers and the accessibility of transportation options.
* **Promote community-based transportation initiatives:** Supporting local initiatives that provide transportation assistance to those in need can enhance healthcare access.

By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively addressing the challenges, residents of Shawnee can improve their overall health and well-being. The overall health score serves as a valuable tool for assessing healthcare access and informing decisions about healthcare planning and community development.