44880, Sullivan, Ohio Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 44880, Sullivan, Ohio is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.89 percent of residents in 44880 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lodi Community Hospital with a distance of 11.18 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sullivan, Ohio (ZIP Code 44880)

The quaint village of Sullivan, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Ashland County, presents a unique landscape for men seeking prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Understanding the **transportation** infrastructure and **healthcare access** options is crucial for residents and those considering **moving to Sullivan**. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment for ZIP code 44880, evaluating the ease of reaching essential medical services.

Our assessment considers factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing men in Sullivan when it comes to accessing timely and quality prostate cancer care.

The primary concern for residents of Sullivan is the relative remoteness of specialized medical facilities. Ashland County, while offering some local healthcare, lacks the comprehensive oncology services found in larger metropolitan areas. This necessitates travel for many diagnostic procedures and treatments.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most direct route for accessing advanced prostate cancer care from Sullivan typically involves driving to either Cleveland or Columbus, Ohio. The journey to Cleveland, home to renowned medical centers like the Cleveland Clinic, generally involves taking **State Route 224** east. This road provides a relatively straightforward connection to **Interstate 71 (I-71)**, which then leads north towards Cleveland.

The drive to Cleveland, depending on traffic conditions, can range from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This travel time necessitates careful planning, especially for frequent appointments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Alternatively, heading south on **I-71** provides access to Columbus. This drive, while offering access to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and other Columbus-based facilities, is considerably longer, typically taking between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Local access to healthcare involves traveling to Ashland, Ohio. This trip is usually done on **State Route 224** west. The drive is roughly 20 minutes. While this offers some initial screening and primary care, it may not be sufficient for specialized prostate cancer care.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public transit options within Ashland County are limited. The Ashland County-West Holmes Transportation (ACWHT) provides demand-response services, meaning you must schedule rides in advance. While they offer door-to-door service, availability is restricted, and travel times can be significantly longer due to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs.

The ACWHT does not have fixed route services. There is also no direct public transit route to Cleveland or Columbus. This lack of reliable public transit severely limits **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, and this must be confirmed with the ACWHT at the time of booking.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability fluctuates, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for medical appointments is risky.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies or non-profit organizations, can be a viable option. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, costs can be significant, and advance booking is essential. Some hospitals and cancer centers may have partnerships with transportation providers, offering discounted rates or assistance with scheduling.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

* **Medicaid Transportation:** Medicaid recipients may be eligible for free or low-cost medical transportation.
* **Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Providers:** Companies like Logisticare and MTM provide NEMT services.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** While primarily for emergencies, some ambulance services may offer non-emergency transport.

**Prostate Cancer Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors above, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Sullivan, Ohio (44880) reflects a moderate level of **healthcare access**. The remoteness of specialized medical facilities, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges.

The score is impacted by:

* **Drive Times:** The necessity of long drives to Cleveland or Columbus for specialized care.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of reliable and convenient public transportation.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The unpredictable availability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation:** The cost and scheduling complexities of medical transportation.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule appointments well in advance, considering travel time and potential delays.
* **Explore Transportation Options:** Investigate medical transportation services, explore ride-sharing possibilities, and utilize the ACWHT when possible.
* **Seek Support:** Lean on family, friends, and community resources for assistance with transportation and appointments.
* **Advocate for Improvement:** Support initiatives to improve public transit and **healthcare access** in the region.

**Moving to Sullivan and Prostate Cancer Care:**

For individuals considering **moving to Sullivan**, the availability of **transportation** and **healthcare access** should be a key consideration. While the village offers a peaceful and affordable lifestyle, the challenges associated with accessing specialized medical care, particularly for prostate cancer, must be carefully evaluated. Prospective residents should research local healthcare providers, assess their **transportation** needs, and determine if the available options align with their healthcare requirements.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Sullivan is not intended to discourage individuals from residing in the area. Instead, it aims to provide a realistic assessment of the healthcare landscape, empowering residents to make informed decisions and proactively manage their health needs. By understanding the challenges and exploring available resources, men in Sullivan can increase their chances of receiving timely and effective prostate cancer care.