45132, Highland, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 45132, Highland, Ohio is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.64 percent of residents in 45132 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland District Hospital with a distance of 8.30 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 45132

This report analyzes the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP code 45132, focusing on transportation options and their impact on overall health. Understanding the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities is paramount to promoting well-being, especially for those *moving to Highland* and establishing roots within this community. The analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, providing a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” assessment.

The geography of 45132, encompassing the village of Highland, presents both advantages and challenges concerning healthcare access. Its location within the rolling hills of southern Ohio necessitates careful consideration of transportation infrastructure. The report aims to provide a clear picture of the realities faced by residents seeking medical attention.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

For many, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of *transportation* to healthcare facilities. The most direct route to many medical providers involves navigating the network of roads and highways. The primary thoroughfare in the area is State Route 134, which connects Highland to Wilmington and Hillsboro. Travel times on this route are typically moderate, but can be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours or adverse weather conditions.

Accessing larger medical centers in Cincinnati, approximately an hour's drive away, necessitates utilizing I-71 North. This interstate provides a faster, though potentially more congested, route. Residents heading south towards Cincinnati will also often use State Route 32, a major east-west artery, which can offer alternative routes, though travel times may vary.

The drive time to the nearest hospital, Clinton Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, is generally within a 20-30 minute range, depending on the exact location within 45132 and traffic conditions. This proximity is a significant positive factor in the overall health score.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public *transportation* options in 45132 are limited, which presents a significant barrier to *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles. The lack of robust public transit is a common challenge in rural areas. This limitation directly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a car.

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), which operates the Metro bus system in the Cincinnati area, does not directly serve 45132. This means that residents relying on public *transportation* would likely need to arrange a combination of services, such as a ride to a nearby town with a bus stop or a ride-sharing service to connect with public transit.

The absence of a dedicated public transit system within the immediate area highlights a critical need for alternative solutions to ensure *healthcare access* for all residents. The lack of regular routes, and the absence of ADA-compliant features on any available options, further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for *transportation* to medical appointments. However, their availability in 45132 is not guaranteed and may be subject to surge pricing during peak demand or limited service hours. The reliance on ride-sharing can also add to the overall cost of *healthcare access*.

Medical *transportation* services are available, catering specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door *transportation*, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several providers operate in the region, including First Transit and CareRide, but their availability and cost vary.

These specialized services are critical for individuals who cannot drive or utilize other forms of *transportation*. However, the need to pre-arrange these services and the associated costs can still pose a challenge to *healthcare access*.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis, the Overall Health Score for *healthcare access* in 45132 is moderately impacted. While the proximity to Clinton Memorial Hospital is a positive factor, the limitations in public *transportation* and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services present significant challenges.

The score is influenced by the following factors:
* **Drive time to the nearest hospital:** Moderate, generally within 30 minutes.
* **Public transit availability:** Limited to non-existent.
* **Ride-sharing services:** Availability is uncertain, and costs can vary.
* **Medical transport:** Available but can be expensive and require pre-arrangement.

To improve the Overall Health Score and enhance *healthcare access* for residents, the following recommendations are offered:

* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Explore the feasibility of extending existing bus routes or establishing a demand-response system to serve 45132. This would significantly benefit individuals without personal vehicles.
* **Promote ride-sharing awareness:** Educate residents about the availability and potential costs of ride-sharing services and explore partnerships with local providers to offer subsidized rides for medical appointments.
* **Expand medical transport options:** Provide information about available medical *transportation* services and explore opportunities to reduce costs or offer financial assistance to those in need.
* **Enhance community outreach:** Partner with local healthcare providers to offer *transportation* assistance programs, such as volunteer driver networks or subsidized rides, to improve *healthcare access* for vulnerable populations.
* **Develop a Community Health Improvement Plan:** Collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations is crucial to address the challenges of *healthcare access* and improve the overall health of the community. This plan should include specific goals, strategies, and timelines for addressing the identified needs.

These recommendations aim to address the transportation barriers that impact *healthcare access* in 45132. By implementing these strategies, the community can enhance the Overall Health Score and create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all residents, especially those *moving to Highland* and seeking a supportive environment. The focus should be on ensuring that *transportation* is not a barrier to receiving timely and appropriate medical care.