45844, Fort Jennings, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 45844, Fort Jennings, Ohio is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.01 percent of residents in 45844 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ridgeview Hospital with a distance of 9.59 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 45844 (Fort Jennings, Ohio)

Understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial for anyone considering a move to a new area, especially when evaluating overall health and well-being. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access within and around ZIP Code 45844, the charming village of Fort Jennings, Ohio. We'll delve into the available transportation options – the lifeblood of healthcare access – analyzing drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This information will contribute to an "Overall Health Score," offering a realistic picture for potential residents.

Fort Jennings, a close-knit community in Putnam County, Ohio, boasts a rural character. This setting influences healthcare access, primarily through the necessity of personal vehicle transportation. The village itself doesn’t have a hospital. Therefore, residents rely on nearby towns and cities for specialized medical care. The primary arteries for travel are State Route 114, which runs directly through Fort Jennings, and State Route 66, a major north-south thoroughfare. County Road 40 and County Road 42 also provide crucial local connections.

**Drive Times: The Cornerstone of Healthcare Access**

The reliance on personal vehicles makes drive times a critical factor. The closest full-service hospital, Putnam County Ambulatory Care Center, is approximately a 15-minute drive via State Route 114 and State Route 66. This relatively short commute provides convenient access to emergency services, primary care physicians, and various outpatient services.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Lima, Ohio, a regional hub. The drive to Lima Memorial Health System, a comprehensive hospital, typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken. The most direct route involves State Route 114 east to State Route 65 north, then onto Interstate 75. Another option is to take State Route 66 north to State Route 309 and then to Lima.

The drive to Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, a larger facility offering a wider range of specialized services, is similar in duration, also taking approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The routes are largely the same, utilizing State Route 114, State Route 65, and Interstate 75 or State Route 66 and State Route 309.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles. Residents without reliable transportation may face significant challenges in accessing timely medical care. This factor will influence the Overall Health Score.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Role**

Public transportation options in and around Fort Jennings are extremely limited. Putnam County does not have a dedicated public bus system that services Fort Jennings. This significantly restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The lack of public transit underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions for individuals needing healthcare. The absence of public transportation significantly lowers the Overall Health Score for those who cannot drive.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lima, Ohio. However, their availability in Fort Jennings itself can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This makes them a less reliable option for routine appointments or urgent medical needs.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services often require pre-booking and may have associated costs, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some mitigation to the transportation challenges. However, their limitations – inconsistency, cost, and the need for pre-planning – still impact the Overall Health Score.

**Healthcare Access Considerations for Moving to Fort Jennings**

When considering moving to Fort Jennings, prospective residents must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates reliable transportation. Individuals who cannot drive, or who have mobility limitations, should carefully assess the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The proximity to Lima, with its comprehensive medical facilities, is a significant advantage. However, the travel time to these facilities should be factored into the overall assessment. Understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial for those considering moving to Fort Jennings.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and healthcare access in ZIP Code 45844, the Overall Health Score is moderate. The score reflects the following:

* **Positive:** The proximity to Lima and its comprehensive medical facilities offers access to a wide range of healthcare services. Drive times to hospitals are generally manageable, though dependent on a personal vehicle.
* **Negative:** The lack of public transportation significantly limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent. Reliance on personal vehicles may present challenges for elderly residents or those with mobility issues.

**Recommendations:**

* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and ability to drive.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services in the area.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** Factor in drive times to hospitals and medical facilities when making a decision.
* **Plan for Emergencies:** Develop a plan for accessing emergency medical services, considering the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transport.

By understanding the transportation landscape and healthcare access challenges, potential residents can make informed decisions about moving to Fort Jennings and ensure their health and well-being are adequately supported. The Overall Health Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing the viability of this charming rural community.