45005, Franklin, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 45005, Franklin, Ohio is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.37 percent of residents in 45005 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atrium Medical Center with a distance of 4.04 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare in Franklin, Ohio (ZIP Code 45005)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. This report, focusing on ZIP code 45005 (Franklin, Ohio), provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the multifaceted aspects of transportation and healthcare access. For those considering moving to Franklin, understanding these factors is crucial for informed decision-making.

Franklin, a town nestled in the Miami Valley, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Its location, approximately 30 miles north of Cincinnati and 40 miles south of Dayton, influences the availability and accessibility of medical services. The score considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and their impact on reaching medical facilities.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation in Franklin is the personal vehicle. Accessing healthcare facilities often involves navigating the local roadways. The primary artery for travel is Interstate 75 (I-75), which runs north-south, providing quick access to larger medical centers in Dayton and Cincinnati. Commuting south on I-75 to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, for example, could take approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another crucial roadway is State Route 123 (SR-123), which runs east-west through Franklin. This route connects residents to local medical offices and provides access to hospitals in nearby towns like Middletown. The drive to Atrium Medical Center in Middletown via SR-123 typically takes around 15-20 minutes.

Smaller roads, such as South Main Street and East Second Street, facilitate local travel. However, these routes can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially increasing travel times to medical appointments. The average drive time to a primary care physician within Franklin is usually under 10 minutes.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Franklin are limited, impacting healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary provider is the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA). BCRTA offers fixed-route bus services, but these routes may not directly serve all medical facilities, particularly those located outside of Franklin.

The BCRTA routes serving Franklin may require transfers, extending travel times. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. BCRTA strives to provide ADA-compliant services, including accessible buses and route planning assistance. However, the frequency of service and the geographical coverage of the routes might pose challenges for some residents needing to access healthcare.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. Their availability in Franklin is generally reliable, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some individuals, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Several companies operate in the area, including CareRide and MedTrans. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with specialized vehicles and trained personnel. While convenient, medical transportation can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**Healthcare Facilities and Accessibility:**

Franklin itself has a limited number of hospitals and specialized medical facilities. Residents often seek care at hospitals in nearby cities. The proximity to larger medical centers in Dayton and Cincinnati provides access to a broader range of specialties and advanced medical technologies.

The accessibility of healthcare facilities is a crucial factor. This includes physical accessibility (e.g., ramps, elevators, accessible parking) and the availability of services for individuals with disabilities. Healthcare providers are generally required to comply with ADA regulations, but the effectiveness of implementation can vary.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Franklin (ZIP code 45005) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to major medical centers in Dayton and Cincinnati offers access to a wide range of healthcare services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present challenges.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation provides alternative options, but these come with associated costs. The score considers the balance between the accessibility of healthcare facilities, the efficiency of transportation options, and the potential barriers faced by individuals with limited mobility or financial constraints.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several strategies can be implemented. Expanding BCRTA’s routes and service frequency, especially to connect with medical facilities, would be beneficial. Partnerships between BCRTA and healthcare providers could facilitate transportation for patients.

Promoting the use of ride-sharing services through subsidies or partnerships could make them more affordable. Educating residents about available medical transportation options and assisting with enrollment in relevant programs is also crucial.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Franklin (ZIP code 45005) reflects the interplay of transportation and healthcare access. While the area benefits from proximity to major medical centers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges.

For those moving to Franklin, understanding these factors is essential. Careful consideration of transportation options and the availability of healthcare services is crucial. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, Franklin can enhance its "Overall Health Score" and improve the well-being of its residents. The goal is to create a community where healthcare access is equitable, efficient, and readily available to all.