44471, Struthers, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44471, Struthers, Ohio is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.27 percent of residents in 44471 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with a distance of 5.09 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Struthers, OH (ZIP Code 44471)

The overall health score for residents of Struthers, Ohio (ZIP code 44471), considering healthcare access through transportation, reveals a nuanced picture. While the city boasts a relatively manageable size and access to major roadways, the reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit options, and the potential challenges faced by those with mobility limitations or lacking personal transportation paint a complex portrait. This analysis delves into drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transportation services, ultimately evaluating the ease with which residents can access necessary healthcare. For those considering **moving to Struthers**, understanding these factors is crucial for assessing their overall well-being.

Struthers, nestled in Mahoning County, is primarily served by State Route 617, connecting it to nearby communities and major thoroughfares. Interstate 680 provides swift access to Youngstown and the broader region. Route 289 offers a direct link to the north, while Route 422 facilitates travel to the west. The city’s compact layout generally ensures reasonable drive times to healthcare facilities. However, the accessibility of these facilities varies considerably depending on location within Struthers and the specific healthcare needs of the individual.

Drive times, a critical component of healthcare access, are generally favorable for residents of Struthers. The closest hospitals, such as St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, are typically reachable within a 15-20 minute drive via I-680. Other facilities, including Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren Hospital, are accessible within a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours, particularly on I-680, travel times can increase, potentially impacting the timely arrival for appointments or emergency care. For those residing in the more remote areas of Struthers, the drive times to specialized care may be slightly extended.

Public transportation options in Struthers, and Mahoning County more broadly, are limited. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service, but the frequency and route coverage within Struthers are not extensive. While WRTA operates routes that traverse portions of Struthers, the availability of direct routes to major healthcare facilities is restricted. This dependence on a limited public transit system can pose challenges for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or those with low incomes.

The WRTA strives to enhance **healthcare access** by offering ADA-compliant buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited route frequency and potential for longer travel times can still present difficulties. The WRTA website and published schedules are essential resources for understanding specific route numbers, schedules, and accessibility features. Planning trips in advance is crucial to navigate the limitations of the public transit system effectively.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** option for accessing healthcare. While these services are available in Struthers, their reliability and cost can be significant factors. The availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less densely populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. Therefore, while ride-sharing provides a valuable option, it is not a universally accessible or affordable solution for all residents.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs, including those requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles or stretcher transport. Several medical transportation providers operate in the Struthers area, offering services to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often require pre-booking and may have associated costs, which can vary depending on the distance and the specific needs of the patient. Researching and comparing different medical transportation providers is essential for identifying the most suitable and cost-effective option.

The availability of medical transportation services is particularly important for those with limited mobility or those who cannot drive themselves. These services play a vital role in ensuring that individuals can access necessary healthcare appointments and treatments. The quality and reliability of these services are crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Struthers, OH (44471), is moderate. The city's proximity to major roadways and healthcare facilities provides relatively favorable drive times for many residents. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential cost and availability challenges of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles for most residents create barriers to healthcare access.

For those considering **moving to Struthers**, the availability of reliable **transportation** to healthcare facilities should be a primary consideration. Individuals without personal vehicles should carefully assess the limitations of public transit and the potential cost and availability of ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

The health score is also influenced by the specific healthcare needs of the individual. Those with chronic conditions requiring frequent medical appointments or those with mobility limitations may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare. The ability to navigate the available **transportation** options effectively is crucial for maintaining their health and well-being.

The availability of affordable and accessible healthcare options is a critical factor in determining the overall health of a community. In Struthers, efforts to improve public transit, expand ride-sharing availability, and enhance the availability of medical transportation services would significantly improve the health score and enhance the quality of life for all residents. This would involve strategic partnerships between local government, healthcare providers, and **transportation** providers to create a more seamless and accessible system.

Furthermore, educating residents about the available resources and promoting awareness of the challenges faced by those with limited **healthcare access** would also contribute to improving the overall health score. This could include providing information about public transit routes, ride-sharing options, medical transportation services, and financial assistance programs.

Ultimately, the overall health score for healthcare access in Struthers is a dynamic measure, reflecting the interplay of various factors. While the city offers some advantages in terms of proximity to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for some residents. Continuous efforts to improve **transportation** options and enhance the accessibility of healthcare services are crucial for ensuring that all residents of Struthers can access the care they need to maintain their health and well-being.