44855, North Fairfield, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44855, North Fairfield, Ohio is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.15 percent of residents in 44855 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health - Willard Hospital with a distance of 6.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44855 (North Fairfield, OH)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of North Fairfield (ZIP Code 44855) necessitates a deep dive into the critical element of **healthcare access**, primarily focusing on the ease and efficiency of **transportation** to medical facilities. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive picture for anyone **moving to North Fairfield** or evaluating its suitability for their healthcare needs. The score will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the local infrastructure and its impact on the well-being of the community.

North Fairfield, nestled in rural Ohio, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town's geographical isolation and limited public transit options are significant factors. However, the presence of major roadways and the availability of ride-sharing services offer some mitigation. The overall health score will reflect a nuanced understanding of these competing forces.

**Drive Times and Roadway Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 44855 is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The efficiency of this method hinges on the condition of the roadways and the distance to medical facilities. The primary artery connecting North Fairfield to larger towns with hospitals and clinics is US Route 224. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic during peak hours, especially near larger towns like Willard and Mansfield.

Traveling east on US-224 provides access to Willard, approximately a 10-15 minute drive. Willard has a local hospital and several clinics. Further east, US-224 connects to Ohio Route 103, offering a route to Plymouth and other smaller communities with primary care physicians. Going west on US-224, the drive to Mansfield, a larger city with a wider range of medical specialists and a major hospital, takes approximately 30-45 minutes. This longer commute time can be a significant barrier for individuals needing urgent or specialized care.

Secondary roads, such as Township Road 109 and Township Road 110, offer alternative routes but often have lower speed limits and may be less well-maintained, particularly during inclement weather. These roads can be crucial for accessing local primary care physicians and urgent care facilities in nearby towns. The condition of these secondary roads, especially during winter, can significantly impact healthcare access.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in 44855 are severely limited. There is no dedicated local bus service operating within the North Fairfield area. The closest public transit options are available in the larger cities of Mansfield and Norwalk, which are both a considerable distance away.

The lack of readily available public transit is a significant disadvantage for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. This limitation necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, increasing the complexity and potential cost of accessing healthcare.

The absence of public transit also impacts the overall health score by limiting access to preventative care. Without easy access to transportation, residents may be less likely to attend regular check-ups, screenings, and other preventative services.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in North Fairfield is limited. While these services may be available, they are often less reliable and more expensive than in larger metropolitan areas. The sparse population and the geographical distance to areas with higher demand for ride-sharing services contribute to this challenge.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or utilize public transit. These services typically transport patients to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the area, including local providers and national brands. These services often require pre-booking and may have limitations regarding availability and coverage.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services can be a significant financial burden, especially for those with limited incomes or chronic health conditions requiring frequent medical appointments. This cost factor further complicates the issue of healthcare access in 44855.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and medical facilities. However, the lack of public transit in North Fairfield limits the applicability of these regulations. Medical facilities in the area are generally required to comply with ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles or specialized transportation services to reach these facilities can still present accessibility challenges.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 44855 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While the presence of US-224 provides relatively efficient access to medical facilities in Willard and Mansfield, the lack of public transit and limited ride-sharing options pose significant challenges.

The overall health score must consider the following:

* **Drive times:** The time required to reach various medical facilities.
* **Transportation costs:** The cost of personal vehicle operation, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.
* **Availability of services:** The reliability and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Accessibility:** The accessibility of medical facilities and transportation options for individuals with disabilities.
* **Preventative care:** The impact of transportation limitations on access to preventative care services.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in North Fairfield (44855) is moderate. The presence of major roadways offers some advantages. However, the lack of public transit, limited ride-sharing options, and the potential for high transportation costs present significant barriers for many residents. Individuals **moving to North Fairfield** should carefully consider these factors when assessing the community's suitability for their healthcare needs. Improvements in public transit, ride-sharing availability, and affordability of medical transport services would significantly enhance the overall health score and improve the well-being of the community.