44630, Greentown, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44630, Greentown, Ohio is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 44630 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alliance Community Hospital with a distance of 15.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Greentown, OH (ZIP Code 44630)

This analysis provides an 'Overall Health Score' for residents of Greentown, Ohio (ZIP Code 44630), focusing on the crucial aspect of healthcare access. We'll dissect the transportation landscape, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. Understanding these elements is vital for anyone contemplating **moving to Greentown** or seeking to optimize their healthcare journey.

The score reflects the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach essential medical services, impacting their overall well-being. Factors like travel time, accessibility, and cost are all considered. A higher score signifies better access, contributing positively to the community's health profile.

**Driving to Healthcare:**

The primary mode of transportation in Greentown is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The area is relatively rural, making driving the most direct route to various medical facilities. Residents rely on a network of well-maintained roads and highways.

For residents in the heart of Greentown, reaching Aultman Hospital in Canton is a common destination. The journey typically involves navigating local roads, connecting to **Interstate 77 (I-77)**, and then utilizing the **Whipple Avenue NW** exit. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, usually takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Accessing Mercy Medical Center, also in Canton, involves a similar route. The initial portion of the drive utilizes local roads, followed by a connection to **I-77**. Depending on the specific location within Greentown, the drive time to Mercy Medical Center is around 25-30 minutes.

For primary care physicians and urgent care facilities located closer to Greentown, residents might utilize **State Route 619** and **State Route 241**. These routes offer more direct access to facilities in nearby towns like Hartville and North Canton, often reducing travel times to 10-15 minutes.

It's essential to note that these drive times are estimates and can fluctuate significantly based on traffic, time of day, and weather conditions. Rush hour, especially on **I-77**, can substantially increase travel times. Therefore, planning and flexibility are crucial for timely healthcare access.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Greentown and the surrounding areas are limited, which presents a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) provides bus services in the Canton area, but their routes and frequency are limited within Greentown itself.

Currently, SARTA does not have any direct routes that service Greentown. Residents would need to arrange transportation to a SARTA hub, which could involve a significant travel time. This lack of direct public transit significantly impacts the 'Overall Health Score,' particularly for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to.

SARTA buses generally offer some degree of accessibility for individuals with disabilities. All fixed-route buses are equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users, and the agency provides paratransit services (SARTA's Proline) for those unable to use the fixed-route system. However, accessing these services requires advance planning and scheduling, adding complexity to healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Canton area, providing another transportation option. However, their availability in Greentown might be less consistent than in more urban areas. Wait times could be longer, and the cost may be higher, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

For individuals requiring specialized medical transport, several options are available. These services are crucial for those who need assistance getting to and from appointments.

**FirstMed Transport** is a local provider specializing in non-emergency medical transportation. They offer services for ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher-bound patients. They operate within a defined service area that includes Greentown.

**CareRide** is another regional option, offering similar services. They are often utilized for longer-distance trips to specialized medical centers.

**American Medical Response (AMR)** provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services. While primarily focused on emergency situations, they can also be contracted for scheduled appointments.

The availability of these services, while beneficial, also carries associated costs. These expenses can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for some residents.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering all factors, the 'Overall Health Score' for **transportation** and **healthcare access** in Greentown (ZIP Code 44630) is moderately positive. While driving offers the most direct access to healthcare facilities, the limitations in public transit and potential challenges with ride-share services reduce the overall score.

The reliance on personal vehicles can be problematic for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. The limited public transit options necessitate reliance on friends, family, or costly ride-share or medical transport services.

The score is further impacted by the travel times to major hospitals, which can be substantial, particularly during peak traffic periods. The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but the associated costs can be a barrier for some.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To enhance the 'Overall Health Score,' several improvements could be considered.

* **Advocating for improved public transit:** Expanding SARTA routes to directly service Greentown would significantly improve access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Promoting ride-share awareness:** Educating residents about ride-share options and encouraging their use could provide a more accessible alternative.
* **Supporting medical transport services:** Providing financial assistance or subsidies for medical transport services could alleviate the cost burden for vulnerable populations.
* **Encouraging community-based transportation initiatives:** Exploring volunteer driver programs or carpooling initiatives could provide additional options for residents.
* **Investing in telemedicine:** Expanding access to telemedicine services could reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine checkups and consultations.

By addressing these areas, Greentown can improve its 'Overall Health Score' and ensure that all residents have equitable **healthcare access**, making it a more attractive place for anyone **moving to Greentown**.