44815, Bettsville, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44815, Bettsville, Ohio is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.37 percent of residents in 44815 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Bettsville, OH (ZIP Code 44815)

This analysis assesses the overall health score for residents of Bettsville, Ohio (ZIP Code 44815), focusing on the crucial element of healthcare access. A critical component of well-being, healthcare access is profoundly influenced by transportation options, particularly for a rural community. This write-up considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transportation options to provide a comprehensive picture for individuals considering moving to Bettsville.

Bettsville, a small village in Seneca County, Ohio, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its location, while offering a sense of tranquility, necessitates a reliance on transportation for medical needs. The availability and efficiency of transportation options directly impact the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care, influencing their overall health and quality of life. This analysis aims to quantify these factors to determine an overall health score.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Bettsville is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Several factors influence drive times, including distance, traffic conditions, and the quality of the road infrastructure. Residents typically rely on a network of local roads and state highways to reach healthcare facilities.

The most direct route to the nearest major healthcare providers often involves traveling on **State Route 19** and **State Route 18**. These routes offer relatively straightforward access to larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialized clinics are located. Drive times to these facilities can vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

For instance, a drive to Tiffin, Ohio, which houses Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital, typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, covering a distance of around 15-20 miles. This journey involves traveling on **State Route 19** and potentially **US Route 224**.

Accessing healthcare in Fremont, Ohio, including ProMedica Memorial Hospital, requires a slightly longer drive, typically taking 30-45 minutes. This route often involves using **State Route 19** and **US Route 20**.

While these drive times are generally manageable, they can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during winter months. Snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions, potentially delaying or even preventing access to medical care.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Bettsville and the surrounding areas are limited. This presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The availability of public transit is a crucial aspect of healthcare access for those who cannot drive.

The Seneca County General Health District provides some transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability.

There is no established public bus system operating within Bettsville or providing regular service to major healthcare facilities in neighboring towns. This lack of public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or lack access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence may be limited in Bettsville itself. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. Reliance on ride-sharing can be expensive, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies operate in the area, including First Call Medical Transportation and several smaller, local providers. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

However, medical transportation services can be costly and may require advance scheduling, which can be challenging for urgent or unexpected medical needs. The cost and scheduling requirements of these services can pose a significant barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the various transportation factors, the overall health score for healthcare access in Bettsville (ZIP Code 44815) is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of robust public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles creates vulnerabilities for those who cannot drive or lack access to a car. The absence of a reliable public transportation system disproportionately affects the elderly, disabled, and low-income populations, limiting their ability to access essential medical care.

**Recommendations to improve the health score include:**

* **Advocating for increased public transportation options:** Exploring partnerships with neighboring counties or transit authorities to extend bus routes or implement demand-response services.
* **Promoting and expanding medical transportation services:** Facilitating access to affordable and reliable medical transportation for residents.
* **Supporting initiatives that improve road infrastructure:** Ensuring the maintenance and improvement of local roads and highways to enhance safety and reduce drive times.
* **Encouraging the development of telehealth services:** Promoting the use of telehealth to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and follow-up care.

By addressing these challenges and implementing the recommendations, the overall health score for healthcare access in Bettsville can be improved, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the medical care they need. This will contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community for those considering moving to Bettsville.