44833, Galion, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44833, Galion, Ohio is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.20 percent of residents in 44833 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Avita Ontario with a distance of 11.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Galion, Ohio (ZIP Code 44833)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Galion, Ohio (ZIP Code 44833), focusing on the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities. This score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and specialized medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Galion and evaluating its healthcare landscape.

Galion, a charming city nestled in Crawford County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. Its location, while offering a sense of rural tranquility, can also create hurdles when it comes to accessing specialized medical care. The "Overall Health Score" aims to quantify these challenges and provide a clear understanding of the accessibility landscape.

**Drive Times: The Primary Mode of Transportation**

For most Galion residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments. The efficiency of this mode is heavily dependent on the distances to medical facilities and the traffic conditions encountered.

The closest primary healthcare providers, including family physicians and general practitioners, are generally located within Galion itself or in the immediate surrounding areas. Drive times to these facilities are typically short, often under 10 minutes, making routine check-ups and urgent care relatively accessible. These short drives contribute positively to the "Overall Health Score" by minimizing travel time and reducing the stress associated with healthcare visits.

However, the availability of specialized medical care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures, necessitates travel to larger regional medical centers. The most prominent of these is OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, located approximately 20 miles away. The primary route to Mansfield is via **State Route 309** and then **Interstate 71**. Drive times to Mansfield Hospital can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic flow, especially during peak hours.

Another option is the University Hospitals (UH) Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland, approximately 25 miles away. The most direct route is via **State Route 309** and **U.S. Route 250**. Drive times to Ashland can also range from 35 to 50 minutes, again influenced by traffic conditions.

For more specialized care, such as advanced cancer treatment or specialized pediatric services, residents may need to travel to Columbus, Ohio, approximately 75 miles away. This journey typically involves using **Interstate 71** and can take upwards of 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. This longer travel time significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for those requiring frequent appointments or facing time-sensitive medical conditions.

**Public Transit: Limited but Present**

Public transportation options in Galion are limited, which presents a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The Crawford County Council on Aging offers a demand-response transit service, providing transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while valuable, requires advance booking and may not always be readily available for urgent medical needs.

The availability of public transit significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score" because it serves a critical segment of the population who may be otherwise unable to access healthcare. The limited scope of this service, its reliance on pre-booking, and its potential for delays contribute to a lower score in this area.

The lack of fixed-route bus services within Galion and to neighboring cities further exacerbates the transportation challenges. The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates greater reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized medical transport, all of which can present financial and logistical barriers.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. The Crawford County Council on Aging transit service does offer ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can access the service. However, the limited availability and scope of the service still present challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Galion, offering an alternative transportation option, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. However, the availability of these services can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, potentially making it unaffordable for some residents.

The presence of ride-sharing services contributes positively to the "Overall Health Score" by providing an additional transportation option. However, the variable availability and cost considerations limit its overall impact.

Specialized medical transport services are available for those who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require medical assistance during transit. Several medical transport companies serve the Galion area, including:

* **MedExpress Transportation:** Offering non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Call Medical Transportation:** Providing a range of medical transportation services.
* **AmbuTrans:** Specializing in non-emergency medical transport.

These services, while essential, can be expensive, and the cost may not always be covered by insurance. The availability of medical transport services contributes positively to the "Overall Health Score" by providing a vital lifeline for individuals with specific needs. However, the cost and potential for insurance limitations need to be considered.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Galion, Ohio (ZIP Code 44833), is a composite of the factors discussed above. The score reflects the balance between the accessibility of primary care, the longer travel times to specialized medical facilities, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport options.

The score is influenced by the fact that Galion offers relatively easy access to primary care physicians. However, the need to travel to regional medical centers for specialized care, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services introduce challenges.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Galion, Ohio (ZIP Code 44833), is a moderate score. While residents enjoy relatively easy access to primary care, the need to travel for specialized care, coupled with limited public transportation options, impacts the overall score. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services mitigates some of these challenges, but cost and availability remain factors. For those considering moving to Galion, a thorough assessment of their individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. The "Overall Health Score" provides a starting point for this assessment, highlighting the key factors that influence healthcare access within the community.