44634, Homeworth, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44634, Homeworth, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.81 percent of residents in 44634 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alliance Community Hospital with a distance of 5.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Homeworth, OH (ZIP Code 44634)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Homeworth, Ohio (ZIP code 44634) necessitates a deep dive into their access to healthcare. A critical component of this access is the ease and efficiency with which individuals can *transport* themselves to necessary medical appointments and services. This analysis examines the available *transportation* options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing, considering their impact on the overall health and well-being of the community. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to *healthcare access* in this specific geographic area. For those *moving to Homeworth*, this information is essential.

Homeworth, nestled in Columbiana County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Its rural character, while offering a sense of tranquility, also presents logistical hurdles when it comes to reaching medical facilities. The primary challenge is the distance to hospitals and specialist clinics, coupled with the limited availability of public *transportation* alternatives. The following sections delve into the specifics of each *transportation* mode, providing a detailed assessment of their impact on the health score.

**Private Vehicle and Road Network:**

The primary mode of *transportation* for Homeworth residents is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. This reliance on cars underscores the importance of a well-maintained road network. Residents typically utilize local roads and state highways to reach healthcare providers. Major arteries include State Route 172, which connects Homeworth to Canton and Alliance, and State Route 45, offering access to Salem and Lisbon. Travel times are significantly influenced by traffic conditions, weather, and the specific destination.

A trip to Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, a primary healthcare provider, necessitates a drive along State Route 172. The distance is approximately 10 miles, and the drive time can range from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. For more specialized care, such as the Cleveland Clinic, residents would need to travel further, potentially utilizing Interstate 76 (I-76) or Interstate 77 (I-77). This journey could involve a drive of over an hour, depending on the destination and traffic. The convenience of a personal vehicle is undeniable, but the travel times, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility, can pose significant challenges.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Homeworth and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. Columbiana County does not have a comprehensive public bus system that serves the area directly. This lack of public *transportation* severely restricts *healthcare access* for individuals who cannot drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

While there might be limited demand-response services, such as those offered by the County, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. The absence of readily accessible public transit is a significant factor contributing to a lower overall health score for Homeworth residents. The lack of ADA-accessible vehicles further compounds the problem for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for low-income individuals.

Medical *transportation* services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a more specialized option for patients needing assistance. These services typically offer door-to-door *transportation*, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans. The availability of these services is also limited, and advance booking is usually required.

**Impact on the Overall Health Score:**

The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited availability of public transit and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical *transportation*, significantly impacts the overall health score for Homeworth residents. The longer travel times to healthcare facilities can lead to delayed or missed appointments, impacting the timely diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. This is especially concerning for individuals with chronic illnesses or those requiring frequent medical care.

The lack of accessible *transportation* options can also contribute to social isolation and a reduced quality of life. The inability to easily access healthcare services can lead to increased stress and anxiety, further impacting overall well-being.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving the overall health score for Homeworth residents requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public *transportation* infrastructure, such as expanding existing demand-response services or exploring partnerships with regional transit authorities, is crucial. This would provide a more affordable and accessible *transportation* option for those who cannot drive.

Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized rides for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Increasing the availability of medical *transportation* services and educating residents about these options is also essential. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding access to in-home healthcare could help reduce the need for frequent travel to medical facilities.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of Homeworth, Ohio (ZIP code 44634), is negatively impacted by the limited *transportation* options available for accessing healthcare. While personal vehicles provide a primary means of *transportation*, the lack of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical *transportation* services create significant challenges. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in *transportation* infrastructure, partnerships with healthcare providers, and the promotion of telehealth services is essential to improving *healthcare access* and enhancing the overall health and well-being of the Homeworth community. For those *moving to Homeworth*, understanding these *transportation* limitations is vital to planning for their healthcare needs.