44730, East Canton, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44730, East Canton, Ohio is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.63 percent of residents in 44730 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Medical Center with a distance of 6.44 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44730

Navigating the healthcare landscape is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and for residents of East Canton, Ohio (ZIP code 44730), understanding the accessibility of medical services is paramount. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, meticulously examining the transportation options available for accessing healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to East Canton, ensuring informed decisions about their healthcare access.

East Canton, nestled in Stark County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The town's relative remoteness necessitates a thorough examination of transportation options. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services, directly impacting the quality of life for residents.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

For many residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The efficiency of the road network significantly influences healthcare access. From East Canton, accessing major healthcare providers often involves navigating a network of state routes and highways.

Traveling to Aultman Hospital in Canton, a major regional medical center, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route involves taking **State Route 183** south to **U.S. Route 62** west, then connecting to **Interstate 77** north. This route offers relatively smooth travel, but rush hour congestion on I-77 can extend travel times.

Alliance Community Hospital, another significant healthcare provider, is accessible via **State Route 183** north, with a drive time of around 15-20 minutes. This route is generally less congested than the route to Canton, making it a more accessible option for certain medical needs.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities located closer to East Canton, such as those in Minerva, offer shorter drive times, typically within 10-15 minutes via **State Route 183** or **State Route 44**. These options provide convenient access for routine medical needs and urgent care situations.

The "Overall Health Score" considers these drive times, acknowledging the potential impact of traffic and road conditions on healthcare access. Longer drive times, especially during emergencies, can negatively affect the score.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation plays a vital role in healthcare access for individuals who do not own vehicles or are unable to drive. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) provides public transportation services in Stark County.

Unfortunately, direct public transit options from East Canton to major healthcare facilities are limited. SARTA primarily operates along major corridors, and routes serving East Canton are infrequent. Residents might need to transfer routes, potentially increasing travel time and complexity.

The nearest SARTA bus stop to East Canton is located in Minerva, offering access to routes that connect to Canton. This necessitates a drive or a ride-sharing service to reach the bus stop. The limited frequency and potential for transfers can significantly impact the "Overall Health Score."

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. SARTA strives to provide accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the overall limited service to and from East Canton presents a challenge for those reliant on public transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative transportation solution, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The availability of these services in East Canton and the surrounding areas is crucial for healthcare access.

While ride-sharing services are generally available, their reliability and cost can vary. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these services expensive. The availability of drivers in East Canton might be limited compared to more populated areas.

Medical transport services, such as those provided by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport. These services are essential for accessing appointments, particularly for those needing dialysis, chemotherapy, or other ongoing treatments.

The "Overall Health Score" takes into account the availability, affordability, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The accessibility of these services directly impacts the ability of residents to reach medical appointments and receive necessary care.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP code 44730 considers several key factors. The primary factor is the accessibility of healthcare facilities, as determined by drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The score also reflects the cost of transportation, including fuel costs, ride-sharing fares, and the cost of medical transport services. Affordability is a significant determinant of healthcare access, and the score acknowledges the financial burden associated with transportation.

The reliability of transportation options is another crucial factor. The score considers the frequency of public transit routes, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the responsiveness of medical transport providers. Unreliable transportation can lead to missed appointments and delayed care.

Finally, the score considers the overall convenience of transportation options. This includes factors such as the ease of navigation, the availability of parking at healthcare facilities, and the overall comfort of the transportation experience.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in East Canton, ZIP code 44730, presents a mixed picture. While drive times to some healthcare facilities are reasonable, the limitations in public transit options and the potential challenges with ride-sharing availability can negatively impact the score. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net for individuals with mobility limitations.

For those considering moving to East Canton, a thorough understanding of these transportation factors is essential. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their individual transportation needs and assess the available options to ensure they can access the healthcare services they require. The "Overall Health Score" serves as a valuable tool for making informed decisions about healthcare access and overall well-being in East Canton. Further improvements in public transportation, ride-sharing availability, and the affordability of medical transport services would significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve healthcare access for all residents.