The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44234, Hiram, Ohio is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
55.16 percent of residents in 44234 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 11.23 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 44234, Hiram, Ohio
Overall Health Score | 50 |
---|---|
People Score | 28 |
Provider Score | 68 |
Hospital Score | 55 |
Travel Score | 42 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 44234 | Hiram | Ohio |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 1.19 | 1.19 | 3.02 |
1 Car | 11.67 | 11.67 | 19.26 |
2 Cars | 38.70 | 38.70 | 42.63 |
3 or More Cars | 48.44 | 48.44 | 35.08 |
Vehicular Access in 44234, Hiram, Ohio
## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44234 (Hiram, Ohio)
The pursuit of optimal well-being necessitates more than just quality medical care; it demands seamless access to it. For residents of Hiram, Ohio (ZIP Code 44234), this accessibility hinges on the efficiency and availability of transportation. This write-up assesses the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access, considering commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, painting a detailed picture for prospective residents and current community members alike. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Hiram, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical attention.
Hiram’s location in Portage County, Ohio, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The rural nature of the area, coupled with the presence of Hiram College, influences the available options and their efficacy. The Overall Health Score, therefore, reflects the degree to which residents can readily connect with healthcare providers, factoring in the realities of their daily lives.
The cornerstone of healthcare access is the ability to physically reach a medical facility. For residents of 44234, this typically involves driving. The primary roadways shaping the commute landscape are State Route 700, State Route 82, and U.S. Route 422. These roads provide the main arteries for travel, connecting Hiram to surrounding towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated.
Drive times to the closest healthcare hubs vary depending on the specific destination and the time of day. University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, approximately 15 minutes away via State Route 700 and State Route 14, offers a range of services, including emergency care, specialized clinics, and primary care physicians. This relatively short commute contributes positively to the Overall Health Score, particularly for residents requiring urgent medical attention.
Further afield, the drive to Cleveland Clinic facilities, such as the main campus or the Hillcrest Hospital, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions along U.S. Route 422 and Interstate 271. While these facilities offer a wider array of specialized services, the longer commute time presents a barrier, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent appointments. The overall efficiency of the transportation network impacts the healthcare access for residents.
Public transportation options in Hiram are limited. The Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) provides bus service, but its routes and frequency are designed to serve the broader Portage County area, not specifically catering to healthcare access needs within Hiram. Route 10, for example, connects Hiram to Ravenna, but its schedule may not align with the operating hours of all healthcare providers, and the frequency of service may be insufficient for those requiring regular appointments.
Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of PARTA buses is crucial for individuals with mobility impairments. All PARTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to ensure accessibility, but the overall reliance on public transit for healthcare access in Hiram remains a significant challenge, particularly for those with limited mobility or those living outside the immediate vicinity of bus routes. This situation negatively impacts the Overall Health Score for a segment of the population.
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution, but their availability in Hiram is variable. While these services are generally accessible, their presence can be sporadic, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can significantly increase costs. This inconsistency impacts the Overall Health Score, as it introduces uncertainty into the equation of healthcare access.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services are often covered by insurance for eligible individuals and offer a more reliable option for those who cannot drive or lack access to other forms of transportation. However, the availability of these services and the associated wait times can still pose challenges, particularly in a rural area.
The Overall Health Score is also influenced by the presence of local healthcare providers within Hiram itself. Hiram College operates a health center for its students, but this facility does not provide comprehensive medical services to the general public. The reliance on external healthcare facilities necessitates the use of transportation, making the efficiency and reliability of these options crucial.
The availability of healthcare providers within the surrounding communities also plays a role. The presence of urgent care clinics, pharmacies, and dental offices in nearby towns like Garrettsville and Aurora offers residents more options for immediate care and medication access. These resources, while not directly within Hiram, contribute to the overall healthcare ecosystem and influence the Overall Health Score.
The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 44234 is, therefore, a complex calculation. While the proximity to UH Portage Medical Center provides a significant advantage, the limitations of public transportation, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles for longer commutes present challenges. The cost of transportation, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing fees, also impacts the affordability of healthcare access, particularly for low-income residents.
For those considering moving to Hiram, a careful assessment of their individual healthcare needs and transportation requirements is essential. Individuals with chronic health conditions, those requiring frequent medical appointments, or those without access to a personal vehicle should carefully evaluate the transportation options available and consider the potential impact on their overall well-being.
The Overall Health Score for 44234 is not static; it is subject to change as the community evolves. The potential for improved public transportation, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and the growth of local healthcare providers could all contribute to a higher score in the future. However, for the present, residents of Hiram must navigate a healthcare landscape where transportation plays a pivotal role in determining their ability to access timely and appropriate medical care. Understanding the nuances of this landscape is crucial for ensuring the best possible health outcomes.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like