44455, Rogers, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44455, Rogers, Ohio is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.94 percent of residents in 44455 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 14.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Rogers, Ohio (ZIP Code 44455)

This comprehensive analysis evaluates the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of Rogers, Ohio (ZIP code 44455), considering the critical element of transportation. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach medical facilities, encompassing drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for those considering moving to Rogers and for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare access landscape.

The foundation of healthcare access in Rogers is undoubtedly personal vehicle transportation. The primary arteries connecting Rogers to healthcare providers are State Route 7, a north-south thoroughfare, and State Route 154, which runs east-west. These roads, while providing direct routes, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Drive times to major healthcare facilities are significant factors in the overall health score.

For instance, reaching East Liverpool City Hospital, approximately 15 miles south via State Route 7, typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. The drive to Salem Regional Medical Center, situated roughly 20 miles west via State Route 154 and US Route 62, could take between 30 and 45 minutes. These estimates highlight the importance of factoring in travel time when scheduling appointments or in emergency situations.

Public transportation options in Rogers are limited. The Columbiana County Transit (CCT) provides some services, but their routes and schedules are not designed to serve the specific needs of healthcare access. CCT operates on a demand-response basis, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This system is less than ideal for urgent medical needs or those requiring frequent appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles, while present, may be limited, potentially hindering access for individuals with disabilities.

The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The reliance on personal vehicles creates a barrier for those who are elderly, disabled, or economically disadvantaged. This disparity underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments necessitates careful planning and advance booking, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for some residents, further impacting their ability to seek necessary medical care.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available in Rogers. Ambulance services are primarily for emergency situations, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital. NEMT services cater to individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments but do not require emergency medical care. These services are essential for those with mobility limitations or other health conditions that make it difficult to travel independently.

However, the availability and cost of NEMT services can vary. The cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, particularly for those with chronic health conditions requiring frequent medical appointments. The need for advance booking and the potential for delays can also impact the overall experience.

The Overall Health Score for Rogers, Ohio (44455) reflects a mixed picture. While personal vehicle transportation provides relatively direct access to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost and scheduling complexities of medical transport services create challenges for some residents.

The score is further impacted by the geographical distance to major healthcare facilities. The time required to reach these facilities, especially in emergency situations, is a significant concern. The lack of readily available public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles create disparities in healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

For individuals considering moving to Rogers, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and consider the potential impact on their healthcare access. The availability of healthcare services is a vital factor in overall quality of life, and the ease with which one can access these services is a critical consideration.

The Overall Health Score for Rogers, Ohio, could be improved by enhancing public transportation options. Expanding the CCT's routes and schedules to better serve healthcare facilities, increasing the frequency of service, and ensuring the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles would significantly improve healthcare access for all residents.

Further, initiatives to promote ride-sharing services in the area, such as partnerships with healthcare providers or subsidized ride programs, could help bridge the transportation gap. These initiatives could increase the availability and affordability of ride-sharing, making it a more viable option for healthcare appointments.

Investing in and promoting NEMT services, including exploring options for cost assistance or subsidies, would also improve the Overall Health Score. Ensuring that NEMT services are readily available and affordable is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or other health conditions.

Finally, community outreach and education programs could inform residents about available transportation options and assist them in navigating the healthcare system. These programs could provide information on public transit routes, ride-sharing services, NEMT providers, and other resources available to help residents access healthcare.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for Rogers, Ohio (44455) is moderate. While personal vehicle transportation provides access to healthcare, the limitations in public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services create challenges for some residents. Improving these transportation options, particularly by enhancing public transit and promoting ride-sharing and NEMT services, would significantly improve the Overall Health Score and enhance the quality of life for all residents of Rogers, Ohio.