44423, Hanoverton, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44423, Hanoverton, Ohio is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.65 percent of residents in 44423 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.11 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Hanoverton, OH (ZIP Code 44423)

This report assesses the overall health score for residents of Hanoverton, Ohio (ZIP Code 44423), focusing on the critical aspect of healthcare access. We'll examine the available transportation options – from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services – and their impact on the ability to reach medical facilities. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Hanoverton, as ease of healthcare access is a significant factor in overall well-being.

Hanoverton, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. This reliance necessitates careful consideration of drive times to various healthcare providers, especially in emergencies. Public transportation options are limited, and ride-sharing services may have restricted availability. The geographical spread of healthcare facilities also plays a crucial role in determining the accessibility of care.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The most direct route for many Hanoverton residents to access healthcare involves driving. The primary highways serving the area are **State Route 172** and **State Route 30**. Traveling east on State Route 172 leads to Lisbon, where residents can find the Lisbon Medical Center. This drive typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Heading west on State Route 30 provides access to the larger city of Canton, Ohio, and a greater concentration of healthcare facilities, including Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center. The drive to Canton is considerably longer, ranging from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific location within Canton and the time of day. This longer commute presents challenges, particularly for those requiring frequent medical appointments or experiencing urgent health issues.

Smaller local roads, such as **County Road 420** and **State Route 9**, offer alternative routes but can be slower and more susceptible to weather-related delays. Road conditions, especially during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and the safety of accessing healthcare. Regular maintenance and efficient snow removal are vital for ensuring continuous access to medical services.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options within Hanoverton and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is the **Port Authority of Columbiana County (PAT)**. However, PAT's routes are primarily focused on serving larger towns and cities within the county, such as East Liverpool and Salem. Service to Hanoverton is infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities.

The availability of **ADA-accessible** public transportation is a critical consideration for individuals with disabilities. PAT strives to provide accessible vehicles and services, but the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules can still pose challenges for those requiring specialized transportation. Detailed information on specific routes, schedules, and ADA features can be obtained directly from the PAT website or by contacting their customer service.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in Hanoverton. The presence of these services depends on driver density and demand. Residents should not rely on ride-sharing as a guaranteed means of transportation to healthcare appointments, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients needing assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments, are available. **Medical Transport Services (MTS)** and **First Transit** are among the providers that serve the region. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated costs.

**Healthcare Facility Accessibility:**

The proximity and accessibility of healthcare facilities are crucial factors in determining the overall health score for Hanoverton residents. The Lisbon Medical Center offers primary care services and is the closest facility. However, for specialized care, residents often need to travel to larger hospitals in Canton or Youngstown.

The availability of urgent care facilities and emergency services within a reasonable driving distance is essential. While the Lisbon Medical Center can provide some immediate care, the closest full-service emergency rooms are located in Canton or Youngstown. This necessitates careful consideration of response times in emergency situations.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for Hanoverton residents concerning healthcare access is moderate. While the Lisbon Medical Center provides a convenient option for primary care, the reliance on personal vehicles and the longer drive times to specialized care facilities in Canton and Youngstown pose challenges. The limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

The availability of medical transportation services offers a valuable alternative, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the need for advance booking and associated costs must be considered.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score for Hanoverton, several initiatives could be implemented. Enhancing public transportation options, including increased frequency and expanded route coverage, would be beneficial. Partnering with ride-sharing services to ensure consistent availability would also be valuable.

Promoting the use of medical transportation services and ensuring their affordability is crucial. Additionally, exploring the possibility of establishing a telehealth program could improve access to specialist consultations and reduce the need for long-distance travel.

Finally, ongoing efforts to maintain and improve road infrastructure, including efficient snow removal during winter months, are essential for ensuring safe and reliable access to healthcare. By addressing these areas, Hanoverton can improve the health and well-being of its residents, making it a more attractive place to live and a more accessible community for those considering moving to Hanoverton.