44864, Perrysville, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44864, Perrysville, Ohio is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.28 percent of residents in 44864 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ohiohealth Mansfield Hospital with a distance of 12.88 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Perrysville, Ohio (ZIP Code 44864)

Perrysville, Ohio, nestled in the heart of rural Ashland County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" based on the accessibility of medical facilities, considering transportation options available within and around the 44864 ZIP code. The score reflects the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical care, a crucial factor influencing overall well-being. For anyone considering moving to Perrysville, understanding this score is vital.

The primary challenge in Perrysville stems from its rural location. Distance is a significant hurdle, and the availability of diverse transportation options is limited. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect this reality, offering a nuanced understanding of the existing infrastructure.

**Drive-Time Analysis and Road Network**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Perrysville is personal vehicles. Drive times to medical facilities are heavily influenced by the road network. The primary arteries for travel are **State Route 3 (SR-3)**, which runs north-south, and **State Route 715 (SR-715)**, providing east-west connectivity. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly around Ashland.

Reaching the closest major healthcare provider, University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Perrysville. This drive utilizes SR-3 and can be affected by weather conditions, especially during winter months. For specialized care, residents often travel to Mansfield, approximately 45 minutes away, utilizing SR-3 and **US Route 30**. This longer journey necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

The "Overall Health Score" considers the variability of drive times. While the distance to Ashland might seem manageable, the lack of alternative routes and reliance on personal vehicles can create vulnerabilities, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those without access to a car.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Perrysville are extremely limited. Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center provides a public bus service, but it is primarily designed for students and does not regularly service Perrysville. There are no fixed-route bus services directly connecting Perrysville to healthcare facilities in Ashland or Mansfield. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a car.

The absence of public transit underscores the challenges of healthcare access in rural areas. The lack of accessible options limits the ability of individuals to reach medical appointments, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments and ultimately impacting their health outcomes. The "Overall Health Score" reflects this significant barrier.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Ashland area, but their presence in Perrysville is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand, making it unreliable for scheduled medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance services or specialized medical transport companies, are available. These services are typically reserved for individuals with specific medical needs or those requiring assistance with mobility. However, these services often require prior arrangements and can be expensive. The "Overall Health Score" considers the availability of these services but recognizes their limitations in terms of cost and accessibility for the general population.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features for public transportation and healthcare facilities. However, the limited public transportation options in Perrysville pose a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities. The reliance on personal vehicles or specialized medical transport further emphasizes the importance of ADA-compliant features within the healthcare facilities themselves. The "Overall Health Score" assesses the availability of accessible transportation options and the accessibility of healthcare facilities.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Perrysville is limited. Residents primarily rely on medical providers in Ashland and Mansfield. This necessitates travel, increasing the importance of reliable transportation options. The "Overall Health Score" incorporates the distance to these facilities, the availability of specialized care, and the overall healthcare landscape of the surrounding areas.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Perrysville, Ohio (ZIP Code 44864) is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of public transportation, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant challenges.

The "Overall Health Score" is negatively impacted by the following factors:

* **Limited Public Transportation:** The absence of regular bus service severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Distance to Healthcare Facilities:** While Ashland is relatively close, the drive time to specialized care in Mansfield adds to the travel burden.
* **Dependence on Personal Vehicles:** The reliance on personal vehicles makes healthcare access vulnerable to weather conditions, vehicle maintenance issues, and the financial burden of car ownership.
* **Ride-Share Inconsistency:** The unreliable availability of ride-share services limits their utility for scheduled medical appointments.

The "Overall Health Score" is positively influenced by:

* **Proximity to Ashland:** The relatively short drive to University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center provides access to essential medical services.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability of medical transportation services offers assistance to individuals with specific needs, though at a cost.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for Perrysville, several initiatives could be implemented:

* **Advocate for Expanded Public Transportation:** Lobbying for expanded public transportation services, potentially connecting Perrysville to Ashland and Mansfield, would significantly improve healthcare access.
* **Promote Ride-Share Partnerships:** Encouraging partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-share companies could improve the reliability and affordability of transportation.
* **Support Community-Based Transportation Programs:** Developing community-based transportation programs, such as volunteer driver services, could assist individuals who cannot drive.
* **Increase Healthcare Outreach:** Healthcare providers could enhance outreach programs, offering mobile clinics or telehealth services to reduce the need for travel.

**Conclusion**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Perrysville reflects the complexities of rural healthcare. While residents have access to medical facilities, the transportation infrastructure presents significant challenges. For those considering moving to Perrysville, understanding these limitations is crucial. Addressing these challenges through improved transportation options, innovative healthcare delivery models, and community-based initiatives is essential to improving the health and well-being of Perrysville residents. The "Overall Health Score" serves as a baseline for evaluating the current state of healthcare access and a catalyst for future improvements in the community.