44828, Flat Rock, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44828, Flat Rock, Ohio is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.02 percent of residents in 44828 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fisher-Titus Hospital with a distance of 13.41 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Flat Rock, Ohio (ZIP Code 44828)

This comprehensive analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment for healthcare access in Flat Rock, Ohio (ZIP code 44828), focusing on transportation options. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and specialized medical transport, offering insights for residents and those considering *moving to Flat Rock*. The score reflects the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach medical facilities, a critical factor in overall health and well-being.

The health score integrates various elements of *transportation* infrastructure and services, recognizing that proximity to quality healthcare is paramount. Factors like accessibility, cost, and convenience are weighed to paint a holistic picture of the healthcare landscape. This assessment is not merely a numerical rating but a detailed exploration of the realities faced by residents seeking medical care.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Flat Rock, nestled in the heart of Ohio, presents a mixed bag regarding drive times to healthcare facilities. The primary route for most residents will be along **US-250**, a major thoroughfare connecting Flat Rock to neighboring towns and cities. Driving east on US-250 offers access to healthcare in Norwalk, the county seat.

The drive to Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk, a significant healthcare provider, typically takes around 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This relatively short commute time contributes positively to the overall health score. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can extend this time, potentially impacting healthcare access, particularly for urgent medical needs.

Heading west on US-250 provides access to healthcare facilities in Sandusky, a larger city with a wider array of specialized medical services. The drive to Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, a more comprehensive hospital, usually takes approximately 25-35 minutes. This longer drive time is a factor that slightly diminishes the overall health score, particularly for residents without reliable personal *transportation*.

Alternative routes, such as utilizing local roads like **State Route 60** and **State Route 101**, can sometimes offer quicker access to specific healthcare providers, depending on the destination. However, these routes often involve navigating smaller, less well-maintained roads, potentially increasing travel time and risk. The condition of these roads also plays a role in the overall accessibility.

**Public Transit Evaluation:**

Public *transportation* options in Flat Rock are limited, which presents a significant challenge to healthcare access for residents without personal vehicles. The Sandusky Transit System (STS) primarily serves Sandusky and its surrounding areas. While STS does not directly serve Flat Rock, a resident could potentially utilize a combination of services, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient.

The lack of readily available public transit directly to healthcare facilities in Norwalk or Sandusky negatively impacts the health score, particularly for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or unable to drive. The absence of regular bus routes necessitates reliance on alternative *transportation* methods, potentially increasing the burden on individuals seeking medical care.

The STS does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the lack of direct routes from Flat Rock limits the practical application of this feature for residents in the area. If *moving to Flat Rock*, prospective residents should consider the lack of public transit a significant factor.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Assessment:**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, providing another *transportation* option for residents. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, and wait times can be significant, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability. The cost of ride-share services can also be a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income individuals.

Medical *transportation* services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. The availability and cost of NEMT services can vary depending on the provider and the specific needs of the individual.

The presence of ride-share and medical *transportation* services slightly improves the overall health score by offering alternative *transportation* options. However, the limitations of these services, including cost, availability, and potential wait times, prevent them from fully compensating for the lack of robust public transit.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering all factors, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Flat Rock, Ohio (ZIP code 44828) is moderate. While the proximity to healthcare facilities in Norwalk offers relatively short drive times, the limitations of public transit and the potential challenges associated with ride-share and medical *transportation* services impact the overall score.

The score suggests that residents with personal vehicles generally have good access to healthcare. However, individuals without reliable *transportation* face significant challenges in reaching medical appointments. The lack of readily available public transit is a major concern.

Recommendations for improving healthcare access in Flat Rock include:

* **Advocating for Expanded Public Transit:** Exploring the feasibility of extending public transit routes to serve Flat Rock and connect residents with healthcare facilities in Norwalk and Sandusky.
* **Promoting Ride-Share Partnerships:** Encouraging partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-share services to offer discounted or subsidized *transportation* options for patients.
* **Increasing NEMT Awareness:** Raising awareness of available medical *transportation* services and ensuring that residents are aware of how to access them.
* **Supporting Community Initiatives:** Supporting local initiatives that provide *transportation* assistance to individuals needing medical care, such as volunteer driver programs.
* **Exploring Telehealth Options:** Encouraging the adoption of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine checkups and follow-up care.

By addressing these recommendations, the community can work to improve healthcare access for all residents, regardless of their *transportation* capabilities. This will contribute to a healthier and more equitable community for those *moving to Flat Rock* and existing residents. The overall health score is not a static number, but a reflection of the evolving landscape of healthcare access, and the community's commitment to improving it.