44454, Petersburg, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44454, Petersburg, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.14 percent of residents in 44454 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with a distance of 15.09 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44454 (Petersburg, Ohio)**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In the rural landscape of Petersburg, Ohio (ZIP Code 44454), this access is primarily determined by the ease of transportation. This report analyzes the commute to healthcare facilities from this ZIP code, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, providing an overall health score assessment for residents.

The geographic isolation of Petersburg significantly impacts healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located in surrounding towns and cities, primarily in the Youngstown metropolitan area. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The primary routes connecting Petersburg to these healthcare hubs are State Route 14, U.S. Route 62, and State Route 165. These roadways, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, especially near larger towns.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a crucial determinant of the overall health score. The closest hospital, Salem Regional Medical Center in Salem, Ohio, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via State Route 14. This is a relatively manageable commute for routine appointments and emergency situations. However, access to specialized care often requires travel to Youngstown, approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic. This longer commute significantly impacts those requiring frequent specialist visits or facing time-sensitive medical conditions. The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can further extend these drive times, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.

Public transportation options in Petersburg are limited. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service throughout Mahoning County, but its routes are infrequent and primarily serve urban areas. There is no direct WRTA route that specifically serves Petersburg, meaning residents must rely on other means of transportation to reach a WRTA stop. The lack of robust public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of ADA-compliant buses on all routes further compounds the problem for those with mobility challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Youngstown area, but their presence in Petersburg is less consistent. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier to healthcare access for some residents. Medical transport services, such as LifeFleet Ambulance and MedExpress, are available for those requiring non-emergency medical transportation. These services offer door-to-door transportation, but they can be expensive and may require advance booking.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Petersburg, Ohio, is moderately impacted by the transportation infrastructure. While the proximity to Salem Regional Medical Center provides reasonable access for routine care, the longer commute times to specialized facilities in Youngstown and the limited public transit options present significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent, and medical transport services can be costly.

**Detailed Analysis of Transportation Options**

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

The primary roads for commuting to healthcare facilities are State Route 14, U.S. Route 62, and State Route 165. State Route 14 offers a direct route to Salem Regional Medical Center, with an average drive time of 15-20 minutes under normal conditions. U.S. Route 62 provides access to the eastern side of Youngstown, while State Route 165 leads towards the southern part of the city. Traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour, can increase drive times. Road conditions, especially during winter months, can also impact travel times and safety.

**Public Transit:**

The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is the primary public transit provider in Mahoning County. However, Petersburg is not directly served by any WRTA routes. Residents wishing to use public transit must find alternative transportation to reach a WRTA stop, usually located in nearby towns like Columbiana or Salem. WRTA operates various routes, with route numbers like 1, 2, and 3 serving different areas of Youngstown. However, the frequency of these routes and their limited reach into rural areas like Petersburg make them an impractical option for most residents. ADA-compliant buses are available on some WRTA routes, but this is not guaranteed on all routes.

**Ride-Sharing Services:**

Uber and Lyft are available in the Youngstown area, but their presence in Petersburg is variable. Ride availability is often dependent on the time of day, day of the week, and driver availability. Residents may experience longer wait times or face difficulty securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with low demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited financial resources.

**Medical Transport Services:**

Several medical transport services are available in the area, including LifeFleet Ambulance and MedExpress. These services offer non-emergency medical transportation, providing door-to-door service for appointments and other healthcare needs. However, these services can be expensive, and advance booking is often required. The cost and scheduling constraints can limit the accessibility of these services for some residents.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score is influenced by several factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and the cost of medical transport. The relatively short drive to Salem Regional Medical Center provides a degree of healthcare access. However, the longer commute times to specialized facilities in Youngstown, the limited public transit options, the inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the expense of medical transport services negatively impact the score.

**Impact on Residents Considering Moving to Petersburg:**

For individuals considering moving to Petersburg, healthcare access should be a significant consideration. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for longer commute times, and the limitations of public transit require careful planning. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or those who rely on public transportation, should assess their healthcare needs and evaluate the feasibility of accessing healthcare facilities from Petersburg.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

To improve healthcare access in Petersburg, several measures could be implemented. Expanding WRTA routes to include direct service to Petersburg would significantly improve access for residents without personal vehicles. Promoting ride-sharing services and providing subsidies for low-income residents could also help. Furthermore, establishing a community-based transportation program that offers volunteer driver services could provide a valuable resource for those in need. Finally, the development of telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person visits and improve access to care.