45846, Fort Recovery, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 45846, Fort Recovery, Ohio is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.99 percent of residents in 45846 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grand Lake Health System with a distance of 21.22 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 45846

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Fort Recovery, Ohio (ZIP Code 45846) necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of healthcare access. This analysis meticulously examines transportation options, a critical determinant of health outcomes, considering factors like drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding for individuals considering moving to Fort Recovery or seeking to improve their health-related quality of life.

The primary challenge in 45846, a rural community, is the distance to comprehensive medical facilities. While Fort Recovery boasts a local clinic, access to specialized care often requires travel. This geographical reality significantly impacts the overall health score, making transportation a pivotal consideration.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transportation is personal vehicles. Navigating the region primarily involves US Route 127, a north-south artery, and State Route 705, which intersects it, providing access to neighboring towns and healthcare providers. Drive times vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

For routine primary care, the Fort Recovery clinic offers immediate access. However, for specialized services like cardiology, oncology, or advanced imaging, residents typically travel to larger medical centers. St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, Ohio, a significant regional hospital, is approximately a 45-minute drive via US-127 North. This drive, while manageable, can be taxing for individuals with mobility issues or those experiencing acute medical conditions.

Further afield, the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a major tertiary care facility, presents a significantly longer commute, approximately a two-hour drive. This distance highlights the potential for delayed care, particularly in emergencies, impacting the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options are severely limited in 45846. Mercer County does not operate a fixed-route bus system. The lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This deficiency significantly detracts from the overall health score, especially for those unable to drive.

While there are no specific public transit routes, there are some options for those in need. The Council on Aging of Mercer County may offer limited transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, often requiring advance booking. However, the availability and scope of these services are constrained, not providing a comprehensive transportation solution.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their presence is sporadic and availability is not guaranteed, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can pose significant challenges for scheduled appointments or urgent medical needs, negatively affecting the overall health score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), provide a more specialized option. Several companies, such as First Medical Transport and MedStar, operate in the area, offering transportation to and from medical appointments. These services typically require pre-booking and may have limitations regarding the types of medical needs they can accommodate. While these services are a valuable asset, they may be costly and not readily available for all residents, impacting the overall health score.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in public transportation and facilities. While the lack of public transit in 45846 presents a challenge, the available medical transportation services are required to adhere to ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the reliance on these services, coupled with their potential cost, does not fully mitigate the transportation challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, affecting the overall health score.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for 45846 is significantly influenced by the transportation challenges. The dependence on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited availability of public transit and ride-sharing services, creates barriers to healthcare access. This is particularly true for individuals with mobility limitations, those without access to a vehicle, and those with limited financial resources.

The drive times to specialized medical facilities, while manageable for some, can be a significant burden, potentially leading to delayed care and adverse health outcomes. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options directly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

**Considerations for Moving to Fort Recovery:**

Individuals considering moving to Fort Recovery must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. The availability of personal vehicles is crucial. Those without a vehicle or with mobility limitations should thoroughly investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services.

Prospective residents should also consider the proximity to specialized medical facilities and the potential travel times. Planning for routine check-ups and potential emergency situations is essential. Understanding the limited public transit options and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services is crucial for informed decision-making.

**Improving the Overall Health Score:**

Improving the overall health score in 45846 requires addressing the transportation challenges. This could involve:

* **Expanding Medical Transportation Services:** Increasing the availability and affordability of NEMT services.
* **Exploring Public Transit Options:** Investigating the feasibility of establishing a demand-response transit system or partnering with neighboring counties to provide shared transportation services.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing:** Encouraging the availability of ride-sharing services, particularly for medical appointments.
* **Supporting Community Initiatives:** Facilitating carpooling programs or volunteer driver networks to assist residents with transportation needs.

By proactively addressing these transportation barriers, the community can significantly improve healthcare access and, consequently, enhance the overall health score for residents of 45846. This will make Fort Recovery a more attractive and healthy place to live. The integration of transportation solutions is crucial for improving the quality of life for everyone in the community.