44235, Homerville, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44235, Homerville, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.51 percent of residents in 44235 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lodi Community Hospital with a distance of 5.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Homerville (ZIP Code 44235)

This assessment provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for residents of Homerville, Ohio (ZIP Code 44235), focusing on the critical element of **healthcare access** as influenced by available **transportation** options. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, offering insights for those considering **moving to Homerville** and emphasizing the community's ability to support its residents' well-being.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its residents' ability to reach medical services. In Homerville, a rural setting, access to healthcare is primarily dictated by the availability and efficiency of transportation. The following sections detail the various modes available, their limitations, and their overall impact on the "Overall Health Score."

**Driving: The Primary Arterial System**

For most Homerville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The major roadways that serve the area are crucial for accessing medical care. Ohio State Route 18, running east-west, is a vital artery. It connects Homerville to larger towns and cities, including Medina to the east, where more specialized medical services are available.

Travel times along Route 18 can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. Expect a 20-30 minute drive to Medina, which hosts a regional hospital and several specialist clinics. The drive west on Route 18 offers access to smaller medical facilities, but these often provide only primary care services.

Ohio State Route 3, a north-south thoroughfare, provides another important route. It offers access to medical facilities in Ashland, approximately a 30-40 minute drive south. This route, however, is more prone to delays due to its two-lane configuration and potential for congestion, especially during agricultural seasons when farm equipment may be present.

Local roads, such as County Road 140 and County Road 16, provide access to smaller clinics and urgent care facilities. However, these routes are often less maintained and can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during winter months. The reliability of these roads is a key factor in the "Overall Health Score," especially for residents requiring regular medical appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Homerville are extremely limited. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), while serving the broader metropolitan area, does not extend its services into Homerville. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a vehicle, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation, which can be costly and time-consuming. This severely impacts the "Overall Health Score" for a significant portion of the population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Homerville area, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant burden, making them inaccessible for some residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services are often covered by insurance, but they may require advance booking and have limited availability.

The availability of these services helps to mitigate the lack of public transit, but they are not a complete solution. The "Overall Health Score" is negatively impacted by the reliance on these often-expensive and potentially unreliable options.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare access. While ride-sharing services and medical transport providers typically offer accessible vehicles, the limited availability of public transit in Homerville poses a significant challenge for individuals with mobility impairments.

The lack of accessible public transportation and the potential for delays or unavailability of ride-sharing services can severely impact the ability of individuals with disabilities to access timely medical care. This significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score" for this vulnerable population.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Homerville (ZIP Code 44235) is moderate, leaning towards the lower end. While the primary mode of transportation – personal vehicles – offers relatively easy access to healthcare facilities, the limitations of alternative options significantly impact the overall score.

The lack of public transit, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential for cost barriers associated with medical transport all contribute to a lower score. The rural setting, with its inherent challenges in transportation infrastructure, further compounds the issue.

For individuals considering **moving to Homerville**, the availability of reliable transportation to healthcare facilities should be a primary consideration. Those who do not own a vehicle or have mobility limitations may face significant challenges in accessing timely and appropriate medical care.

The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the distance to specialized medical facilities. While primary care services are available in the immediate area, access to specialists often requires travel to Medina or Ashland, increasing travel times and potentially creating barriers to care.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access for Homerville residents, several initiatives are recommended:

* **Advocate for Increased Public Transit:** Lobbying for the expansion of GCRTA services into Homerville would significantly improve access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Support Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation options for medical appointments could reduce costs and improve access.
* **Expand Medical Transport Services:** Encouraging the growth of medical transport providers in the area, with a focus on accessibility and affordability, would benefit residents.
* **Promote Telehealth Services:** Supporting the implementation of telehealth services, particularly for primary care and specialist consultations, could reduce the need for travel.
* **Invest in Road Infrastructure:** Improving road maintenance and addressing potential bottlenecks on major routes would enhance the reliability of transportation to healthcare facilities.

By implementing these recommendations, Homerville can improve its "Overall Health Score" and create a healthier community for all its residents, making it a more attractive place for those **moving to Homerville** and seeking comprehensive healthcare access. The ability to access healthcare is a fundamental right, and ensuring equitable access is crucial for the well-being of the entire community.