45714, Belpre, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 45714, Belpre, Ohio is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.24 percent of residents in 45714 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Marietta Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.48 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 45714 (Belpre, Ohio)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of Belpre, Ohio (ZIP Code 45714), focusing on the crucial element of healthcare access via various transportation options. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Belpre or seeking improved healthcare access. The goal is to understand the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities, impacting the overall well-being of the community.

Belpre, nestled along the Ohio River, presents unique transportation challenges and opportunities. The city's relative isolation necessitates careful consideration of how residents access essential healthcare services. This assessment will weigh the pros and cons of each transportation mode, ultimately providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare accessibility landscape.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

For many, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. Drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore a critical factor. The primary thoroughfare in Belpre is **Ohio Route 7**, which runs north-south, offering direct access to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and beyond. Residents can utilize **Ohio Route 7** to access Memorial Health System facilities in Parkersburg, a major healthcare provider for the region. Drive times vary depending on the specific destination and traffic conditions, but typically range from 10 to 20 minutes.

The journey to Marietta, Ohio, another significant healthcare hub, requires navigating **Ohio Route 7** and connecting to **Ohio Route 77**. This route offers access to Marietta Memorial Hospital. The drive time to Marietta is generally between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Marietta.

Within Belpre itself, accessing local medical offices and urgent care facilities is generally straightforward, with drive times typically under 10 minutes. However, residents should be aware that traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can impact travel times.

**Public Transportation Evaluation:**

Public transportation options in Belpre are limited. The primary provider of public transit in the area is the **Washington CountyWashington County Transit System**. The system operates fixed-route buses, but service frequency and route coverage may be limited, particularly on weekends and evenings.

To access healthcare facilities in Parkersburg or Marietta via public transit, residents would likely need to transfer buses, potentially increasing travel time and complexity. While the Washington County Transit System strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, the availability of accessible routes and the overall convenience of public transit for healthcare access should be carefully considered. The specific route numbers and schedules should be verified directly with the Washington County Transit System.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Belpre area. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. However, availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services are also available for individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services, provided by companies like **MedTrans** or **AmbuBus**, offer non-emergency medical transportation for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. They typically cater to patients needing transportation to and from doctor appointments, dialysis treatments, or other medical appointments. The cost of medical transport can be significant, and pre-booking is often required.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

Beyond transportation, the overall health score must consider the availability and proximity of healthcare facilities. Belpre itself has a limited number of medical providers, necessitating travel to Parkersburg or Marietta for specialized care. The types of healthcare services available in the immediate vicinity of Belpre are important to consider.

The presence of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics within Belpre can provide immediate care for minor illnesses and injuries. However, residents may need to travel to larger hospitals for more complex medical needs, such as specialized surgeries or advanced diagnostic imaging.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and healthcare facility availability, the overall health score for residents of Belpre (ZIP Code 45714) is moderate. While drive times to major healthcare providers in Parkersburg and Marietta are generally reasonable, the limitations of public transit and the potential cost and availability challenges of ride-sharing and medical transport services impact the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Belpre, it is crucial to carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Those who rely on public transit or have limited mobility should carefully assess the accessibility of healthcare facilities and the availability of medical transport services.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Advocate for increased frequency, extended hours, and expanded route coverage for the Washington County Transit System, particularly to better serve healthcare facilities.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Accessibility:** Explore initiatives to subsidize or partner with ride-sharing services to make them more affordable and accessible for healthcare appointments.
* **Support Medical Transport Services:** Ensure the availability and affordability of medical transport services for residents with mobility limitations or other transportation challenges.
* **Encourage Telehealth:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for travel to medical appointments, especially for follow-up visits and consultations.
* **Foster Community Partnerships:** Encourage collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation providers, and community organizations to improve healthcare access for all residents.

By addressing these recommendations, Belpre can improve its overall health score and ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare services they need. This proactive approach will not only enhance the quality of life for current residents but also make Belpre a more attractive place for those considering moving to the area. The focus on transportation and healthcare access is paramount to the well-being of the community.