45171, Sardinia, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 45171, Sardinia, Ohio is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.09 percent of residents in 45171 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adams County Regional Medical Center with a distance of 11.56 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Sardinia, Ohio (ZIP Code 45171)

The overall health score for residents of Sardinia, Ohio (ZIP Code 45171), reflects a multifaceted interplay between healthcare access and transportation infrastructure. This assessment considers the ease of reaching medical facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking healthcare within this rural community, ultimately informing the decision-making process for those considering moving to Sardinia.

Sardinia, nestled in Brown County, presents unique challenges to healthcare access due to its rural character. The primary determinant of healthcare access here is the reliance on personal vehicles. The limited public transportation and ride-sharing options mean that residents are heavily dependent on their ability to drive to appointments, a factor that significantly impacts the overall health score.

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

The most immediate and frequently utilized mode of transportation for healthcare access in Sardinia is the private vehicle. The drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the specific destination and the prevailing traffic conditions. For routine primary care, residents typically travel to Georgetown, Ohio, a town approximately 10 miles away. This journey, primarily via **State Route 125**, usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Specialist appointments and more advanced medical services often necessitate travel to more distant locations. The city of Hillsboro, Ohio, approximately 25 miles away, offers a wider range of specialists and a larger hospital, the Highland District Hospital. The commute to Hillsboro, primarily via **State Route 32** and **State Route 753**, can take around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

For more complex medical needs, residents might need to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, a city approximately 60 miles away. This journey, primarily via **State Route 32** and then onto the **Interstate 275 loop**, can take upwards of an hour and a half, especially during peak traffic hours. This extended travel time significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Sardinia are extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Brown County Transportation System (BCTS) provides some transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, the service is demand-response, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance, and the availability of routes and times can be restricted.

The BCTS offers some level of accessibility, with vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA-compliant features. However, the limited service area and the need for pre-booking make it a less-than-ideal solution for urgent medical needs or spontaneous appointments. The lack of readily available public transportation significantly lowers the overall health score for residents of Sardinia, particularly those who are unable to drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have limited presence in rural areas like Sardinia. While they may occasionally be available, their reliability and affordability are questionable. The limited driver pool and the longer distances involved often result in higher fares and longer wait times, making ride-sharing a less-than-practical solution for routine healthcare needs.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized approach to healthcare access. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services typically involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, the availability of NEMT services in Sardinia can be limited, and the cost can be a significant burden for some residents.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **CareRide:** Offers NEMT services.
* **First Transit:** Provides NEMT services.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers emergency and non-emergency medical transport.

**Assessing the Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for Sardinia, Ohio, is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a lower score.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialist appointments and emergency care, can be substantial, posing a challenge for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. The lack of readily available public transit further exacerbates these challenges, leaving many residents dependent on family, friends, or costly transportation alternatives.

The overall health score for Sardinia, Ohio, reflects the realities of rural healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful environment and a close-knit atmosphere, the limitations in transportation options and the distances to healthcare facilities present a significant challenge for residents.

**Implications for Moving to Sardinia**

For individuals considering moving to Sardinia, the availability of healthcare and the ease of access to medical services should be a paramount consideration. The limited transportation options necessitate careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles. Those without access to a car or who have mobility limitations may find it challenging to access the healthcare they need.

The decision to move to Sardinia should involve a thorough assessment of individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Prospective residents should consider the distance to healthcare facilities, the availability of specialist care, and the potential costs associated with transportation.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for Sardinia, Ohio (ZIP Code 45171), is a reflection of the community's rural character and the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential costs of medical transport services all contribute to a lower score. For those considering moving to Sardinia, a careful evaluation of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is crucial to ensure they can access the medical services they require. The community's close-knit nature and peaceful environment are appealing, but the limitations in transportation and healthcare access must be carefully considered.